Compared with the old 626, the Mazda6's wider body translates into extra space for five occupants. The driver's seat adjusts through a 9.4-inch range, and the 60/40-split rear seatback folds down. A tilt/telescoping column holds a three-spoke steering wheel. An eight-way power driver's seat goes into s models. The sedan's trunk volume totals 15.2 cubic feet. A CD player is standard, and Grand Touring models get a 200-watt Bose sound system with a six-CD changer.

Under the Hood
A 2.3-liter four-cylinder that develops 160 hp (155 hp in partial-credit Zero Emissions Vehicle form) goes into i models, while s versions use a 215-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. Both engines can team with a five-speed-manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is available in models equipped with the four-cylinder, while a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift provision is available in V-6-equipped models.