Mazda 6 Saloon (2013-2022) interior, tech and comfort
- Top model gets plush leather and suede
- Mostly feels high quality inside
- Can’t compete with German rivals for pizzaz
How is the quality and layout?
Mazda has ambitions for the 6 to take on the posh stalwarts such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Truth be told, the Mazda feels a little outdated in comparison with these cars.
Overall materials feel more than up to the 6’s price, especially in the top trims, which have leather seats and leather across much of the dash and doors.
Dash controls are concise and simple with a horizontal row of climate control buttons and a cluster around the media system’s rotary controller. Overall, it’s quite an easy dashboard to navigate, with just a few irritations to complain about.
The main frustrations come in the form of buttons to adjust climate control’s fan speed, rather than a simpler to use rotary knob. At least they’re not buried in a sub-menu somewhere.
Infotainment and tech
Mazda’s infotainment is different to its main rivals. Instead of a huge screen, it makes do with a 8.0inch system teamed with a rotary controller and a range of steering wheel-mounted buttons for the most commonly used functions.
While it is easy to use, it lacks a wow factor that other manufacturers have. The fonts and graphics look outdated, which doesn’t help matters. At least Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
Setting the in-built sat-nav can be a little frustrating. Mazda’s system forces you to click through several menus before it starts navigating rather than simply issuing instructions as soon as you confirm the address.
Comfort
- Comfortable front and rear
- Heated and ventilated seats available
- Good rear space though headroom limited
We found the front seats particularly comfortable, with good back and adequate side support, though you can’t increase the lumbar support that much.
Both driver’s seat and steering wheel have a reasonable amount of adjustment, meaning that most drivers should easily be able to get comfortable behind the wheel.
Noise levels are low, with no wind whistle and very little road noise to speak of, with only a moderate volume being kicked up over rough tarmac.
Most models also have heated front seats, with the top model including ventilated front seats to ensure the leather seats don’t get too sticky in hot weather, plus heated outer rear seats.
The rear seats have good back support, adequate legroom and headroom for those under six-foot tall, though the sloping roofline means that tall people might find their heads against the roof.
