Car & Driver: 2017 Mazda 6 Adds Equipment, Keeps Manual, Starts at $22,780

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Our favorite mid-size car, the Mazda 6, has been sweetened for 2017 with a bit more standard equipment; prices have inched up by $500 or less, depending on model. Importantly, the choice of a manual transmission remains, and not just on the base car.

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The opening gambit for the 6, the base Sport model, is now $450 dearer than before at $22,780 with the manual transmission; the automatic is unchanged at $23,830. Both get Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, which slightly tweaks torque delivery to the front wheels when the steering wheel is moved off-center, in order to boost turn-in response. (This technology is newly standard on all Mazda 6—and Mazda 3—models.) The manual also sees the addition of the Mazda Connect 7.0-inch touchscreen with rotary knob controller—which was already standard on the automatic. Other standard fare includes push-button ignition, a backup camera, and 17-inch wheels.

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Moving up to the Touring trim level, we again find a manual transmission available at a starting price of $25,030—the automatic is $26,080. Both represent a $250 bump versus last year. That extra cash nets buyers Smart City brake support, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlamps. As before, the Touring trim level comes with 19-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a power driver’s seat, faux-leather upholstery, and other finery. Buyers are invited to fancy it up further with the Bose/Moonroof/Satellite Radio Package ($1325) and the Touring Premium Package (LED headlights, adaptive front lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats, for $1425)—but those packages are offered only with the automatic.

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Atop the heap is the automatic-only Grand Touring, at $31,530—$500 more than before. The extra scratch buys more standard kit: lane-keep assist, automatic high-beams, traffic-sign recognition, Smart City brake support, and adaptive cruise control. A new Grand Touring Premium Package ($2500) adds iELOOP regenerative braking and active grille shutters—the only two items of the former Technology Package that have not been made standard—as well as nappa leather with contrast piping, heated rear seats, LED interior lighting, a black headliner, and fancier trim. Once again, the Grand Touring includes navigation, a head-up display, dual power seats, and shift paddles.

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• Mazda G-Vectoring Control: Effective, But Not What Its Name Suggests-
• 2017 Mazda 6 Debuts with G-Vectoring Control, More Luxury-
• 2017 Mazda 6 Full Coverage: Tests, Reviews, Specs, and More-

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In all, a little more stuff for a little more money should only bolster the Mazda’s position as our preferred mid-size ride.

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