In a move that may not come as a complete surprise, Mazda will no longer offer a manual version of its midsize sedan, the Mazda6. For 2019, order guides show the sole transmission offered with both the standard 187-hp engine and 227-hp turbo will be a 6-speed automatic.
At the moment, that means the only way to buy a manual-transmission Mazda will be the MX-5 Miata Sport (from $26,650 with destination) or redesigned Mazda3 Premium Hatchback ($28,395). Previously, the 2018 Mazda6 Sport with 6-speed manual could be had for as little as $22,845 before incentives.
On the surface, the Mazda6 will look less affordable than the previous year.
At $24,720 for the Sport trim, the 2019 Mazda6 will start $1,875 higher than last year's lowest-priced configuration. That will make it slightly more expensive than the 2019 Honda Accord LX ($24,640) but slightly less than the 2019 Toyota Camry L ($24,875).
Within its own lineup, the difference in price between the Mazda6 and all-new Mazda3 ($21,920) will balloon to $2,800, up from $925. Fortunately, our analysis finds the car will gain more standard equipment that helps justify its higher MSRP.
The most noteworthy change is that the entry-level Sport will now come with i-Activsense, which adds Smart Brake Support (auto emergency braking), lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic headlights, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go.
You'll also get automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a seat belt warning for front and rear passengers. All Mazda6 trims will also get G-Vectoring Control Plus, the latest version of the automaker's enhanced handling system that you can also find in the new Mazda3.
Despite the fact that the 2019 Mazda6 will start $1,875 higher than it did before, our analysis finds that the added equipment offsets most of the difference. When you consider that i-Activsense used to add $625 and the automatic transmission used to cost $1,050, the actual price increase comes out to $200.
With the exception of automatic power-folding mirrors in the Grand Touring Reserve, other Mazda6 trims appear to feature no major changes in equipment and will have price increases ranging from $325 to $725. At the top of the range, the Signature trim will start at $36,020.
Pictured: 2018 Mazda6
Editor's Note: Added clarity regarding the starting price for the Mazda6 Signature.
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