The Mazda 6 is often described by the press as a sporty alternative to the "boring" Camry or Accord. Well. It looks pretty good, but it is still at heart, one of these "boring" Japanese family cars. Most people who are not car freaks, could never tell if is a Mazda, a Honda or a Toyota. I have to give credit to the Passat for looking a bit different. If not exiting.

But at least the Mazda is very well proportioned, and does look better in person.

It is pretty much the same story inside. Nothing new really. Except the silver finish over the whole console. It's the only touch of design visible. The rest could be the interior of any car from the competition.

But it is a very well made interior. Plastics are 1st class. And the doors, although pretty thin, have a very solid sound when closed. But the cloth interior is too rough, so leather is a good way to go in this case.

Even The choice of engines is the same: a 2.3 or a 3.0 V6... 165 or 220 hp.

The 4 cylinder is not as quiet as the Camry, and not as quick as the Altima. It cruise almost silently, but when you start or push it, it sounds quite a bit cheaper.It has a pretty high pitch sound. But it should be fine most of the time. And it is interesting to know that it is now used in the Focus. In that car, it is a big improvement over the previous choice.

The best choice here of course is the V6. But that's true of all these cars. This engine is very quiet and refined. It can compete with the best out there. And the 6 comes with a 5 speed automatic, instead of just 4 speed for the smaller engine. Either way, they are very smooth. And the breaks feel great. But with the V6, it feels like a much more expensive car.

The ride is slightly firm, but still very smooth. And the steering is again, what you've seen before. The point is, this is a much better buy than a Passat. It feels similar. Doesn't have the horrible turbo lag. And you could save almost $5000!

he choice

But here is the real news. What makes the Mazda different than any other car in the US. The availability of a 5 door hatchback AND a wagon. Only the Passat offers a wagon. These models will come out later in 2004.

The 5 door is truly what the new Saab 9.3 should have been. It is a least as good as the Saab. For over $6000 less! And both these cars look better and more original than the sedan. My advice: wait for one of these!

The 4 door is a very nice car, but it is the kind of car you forget about immediately after driving it....

If you want to find out more about it, go HERE.