Mazda6 Overview: Mazda6's SkyActiv approach builds a car that punches well above its weight class; one of the best driving sedans on the market while pulling down great fuel economy.

Drivetrain: A new direct-fuel-injection 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the previous four- and six-cylinder engines; a 173-horsepower 2.2-liter turbo-diesel option arrives partway into the 2014 model year.

Always the rebel, Mazda has a reputation for going against the grain in product development. The automaker refuses to offer a hybrid powertrain option, which is tantamount to sacrilege. Instead, it pursues internal-combustion-engine refinement under the SkyActiv label. From most angles, the Mazda6 is more expressive than the previous car and closely resembles Mazda's Shinari and Takeri concept cars that revealed a new styling direction. The distance between the front and rear wheels has been increased by about 2 inches (the longest among its direct competitors, claims Mazda) for extra passenger room, while overall length has been reduced by about the same amount. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The uniqueness of the new four-cylinder is its higher-than-usual 13:1 compression ratio that gives the engine much of its extra punch. In addition, its specialized components, including the pistons and direct fuel-injection system (which cools the combustion chambers to allow the higher compression), means it can run on regular-grade fuel. Available in early calendar 2014 will be a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 173 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices for both include a six-speed manual that uses a MX-5 Miata-inspired short-throw shifter, or the optional six-speed automatic. The base Sport model comes with the usual power and comfort ingredients. Adding the automatic transmission to the Sport also gets you a touch-screen display, a rearview camera and Bluetooth short-range networking. The midlevel Touring increases the content level with dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat and 19-inch wheels (17-inchers are standard), while the Grand Touring bulks up with standard navigation, premium Bose-brand sound system and laser-guided speed control that applies the brakes when a potential rear-end collision appears imminent. Among the more interesting options is Mazda's Intelligent Energy Loop (i-Eloop). The system's compact capacitor stores energy from the alternator, then feeds it directly to the car's numerous electrical components. Mazda claims the i-Eloop cuts fuel consumption by about 5 percent.

Base price (including destination): $21,700

Type: Four-door sedan.

Base engine (horsepower): 2.5-liter DOHC I4 (184).

Optional engine (horsepower): 2.2-liter DOHC I4, turbo-diesel (173).

Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (optional).

MPG (city/highway): 25/37 (MT).


Weight (pounds): 3,180

-- Wheelbase Communications