Interior

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.

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    Interior Lights
    qOverhead Light Trunk Light ...

    Safety
    All-disc antilock brakes and seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard, as is a tire pressure monitoring system. Apart from an optional limited-slip differential, traction control and an elect ...

    The Drive
    The Mazda5's 2.3-liter four-cylinder has to rev pretty high to get the car moving quickly. Our car had the optional five-speed automatic transmission, which adds $1,440. The five-speed manual migh ...