Recently, colleagues were invited to the Lone Star State of Texas to experience the all new 2014 Mazda6. Here drivers would experience first hand the tautness of the vehicle and how it handles twisting roads and sun-drenched straightaways, but also the get-up-and-go of the all new SKYACTIV powerful, high compression 2.5L four-cylinder engine.

So what!

A couple of weeks back I had the GT version of this vehicle for a week, not just a few hours – seven, fun-filled days and nights on all manner of blacktop from highways to rural side roads – some with snow and ice – or frozen and dry in central Ontario.

In other words, a worthy test of a car that is, as a good friend described it, a more than willing runner.

I’m not going to get into the technical side of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology – I’m certainly not qualified. But I am here to tell you that this vehicle is a marvel of modern engineering and in a reasonably affordable package. 

The model I had was the GT with a 6-speed Sport mode automatic transmission and many of the toys now deemed desirable by consumers, including Smart City Brake Support – not sure I experienced this; Radar Cruise Control; Forward Obstruction Warning and High Beam Control system – again, I rarely use any vehicle’s high-beams so I cannot comment. As tested, including the Technology package, the MSRP for this model is $34,495.

Transport Canada specs state that fuel economy ratings (L/100km) are 7.6 city and 5.1 highway. I’m here to tell you that my overall fuel economy in around 600 kilometres of spirited driving with lovely biting Blizzak rubber on the aluminum alloys yielded 6.5. Not too bad at all for a winter drive. I would expect the vehicle will show further improvement in the fuel economy department once a few more clicks are on the odometer; I suspect I was, perhaps the second or third driver this red beauty had welcomed.

The SKYACTIV 2.5L inline 4cylinder engine has an output of 184hp – but it never felt lacking, in spite of this seemingly low number. Merging onto highways from on ramps was done without fear or trepidation that the engine would plonk out at precisely the wrong time and passing was done with ease. This car felt like it had a heart that would run until exhausted.

I mentioned the engineering on this car earlier. Yes, it has SKYACTIV technology – which is way more than just the engine – but the car is now more than 400lbs lighter than the 2013 model – thus yielding better performance and better fuel economy.

It seems as if the Mazda6 has been around forever – in car terms, at least as long as category leaders, the Honda Accord, Toyota. Camry and the up-and-coming Hyundai Sonata. 

Truth is, MY14 is the third generation Mazda6 since its introduction to these shores in 2002. Its pedigree is based upon the Mazda 626 which started selling in Canada in 1979, and there were a total of 5 generations of the 626.

Unlike its competition, neither the 626 or Mazda6 has ever set the world on fire with sales. The best sales year ever for the 626 was in 1985 when it sold 12,459 units in Canada. The Mazda6 has never managed to beat that number. It came the closest in 2005 when it sold 11,738 cars. 

And since the ‘economic depression’ of 2008, numbers are slowly climbing out of the doldrums; in 2011, 3,676 units were sold in Canada and 5,128 in 2012.

And for 2013? Well, time will tell but with great fuel economy, sporty response and a surprising high-quality interior, Mazda Canada should have a winner on their hands.

But wait, there’s more. Later this summer, a Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D powered by a diesel engine is expected. This even more clean-burning fuel-efficient vehicle is currently available in Europe and promises to challenge German manufacturers with another option. Of course, it will continue to be front wheel drive and will have more torque than the gas-fuelled Mazda 6. With its two-stage turbocharger and no need for fuel additives, it will also burn much cleaner than gasoline-powered internal combustion engines. 

Expect this Japanese version to challenge the VW Passat as it offers a choice to diesel-minded consumers. This version is a vehicle I look forward to a lengthy road test; by all accounts, it may well be a category changer.

Further, in a couple of weeks I’ll be taking out the popular CX-5 – Mazda’s number 2 seller, behind the Mazda3.

Having driven a CX-5 late last year, I was disappointed with the power and overall responsiveness of this crossover. However, I am told that this is no longer an issue with the 2014 model – with the same SKYACTIV package as the Mazda6.

Bring it on. Mazda may be ready to assert itself within automotive culture generally, Canada specifically.

And that, in today’s automotive environment, is a very good thing.