
Mazda6 Atenza focuses on handling and sportiness, offering good high-speed stability, but the comfort is average, especially with noticeable tire noise. Additional information: Mazda6 Atenza: As Mazda's new generation flagship model, one of the highlights of the Atenza is the application of Mazda's Skyactiv Technology. Compared to traditional naturally aspirated engines, the Skyactiv engine in the Atenza features a high compression ratio of 13:1, improving fuel economy and torque by 15%. The new model comes standard with features like the i-stop idling stop system and brake energy regeneration system. The 2.5L variant of the Atenza accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds, with a combined fuel consumption as low as 6.9L/100km, while the 2.0L variant achieves a combined fuel consumption of only 6.3L/100km.

I've been driving the Mazda6 Atenza for over three years, covering quite a few long-distance highway trips, and its stability is genuinely impressive. The steering wheel becomes slightly heavier at high speeds, preventing the car from feeling floaty – it remains remarkably stable even at 130 km/h. The chassis is tuned with a sporty bias, exhibiting minimal body roll during cornering and delivering crisp lane changes and overtakes. Road noise insulation is decent too, making long journeys comfortable with music playing. Once during heavy rain, the car maintained excellent composure without any sense of slippage. However, in strong crosswinds, there's a slight tugging sensation through the steering wheel that requires a firmer grip. Overall, among B-segment sedans, it stands out for its exceptional handling dynamics – inspiring far more confidence on highways than purely comfort-oriented vehicles.

Last week, I took my Mazda6 Atenza on a cross-province highway trip, covering 800 kilometers round trip. The car's highway performance was surprisingly good. At 130 km/h cruising speed, the body felt exceptionally stable, with the steering wheel having a solid weight to it and no floatiness. Lane changes and overtaking were crisp and precise, without any unnecessary wobbling. The tires provided excellent grip, making high-speed cornering completely worry-free. Using the ACC adaptive cruise control, the lane-keeping was very accurate, making long-distance driving much easier. The only downside was the slightly firm seat cushions, which made my back a bit sore after four hours of driving. The suspension handled highway expansion joints decisively, without any harsh bouncing. Wind noise control was above average for a Japanese car, quieter than the Accord. Overall, the high-speed stability was very reliable, and the driving fun was still there.

The Mazda6 is indeed stable at high speeds; even when the throttle is pushed to 140 km/h, the body doesn't feel floaty. The steering wheel is exceptionally precise, making lane changes as smooth as cutting tofu. The suspension provides strong support, with almost no body roll during high-speed cornering. Mazda's chassis tuning is truly impressive—the body doesn't bounce excessively over undulating roads. The brakes are very linear, maintaining a stable body posture during deceleration. Wind noise performance is average, but turning up the music easily masks it. Driven it a few times in rain and snow, and the tire grip is more than adequate. The only downside is the seats are a bit firm, causing some lower back fatigue on long drives. Those who love driving will adore its high-speed performance—it's far more thrilling than the Camry.

The high-speed stability of the Atenza is truly impressive, largely thanks to the chassis tuning of the SKYACTIV Technology. Driving at 120 km/h feels like 90 km/h, with the body hugging the road exceptionally well, and lane changes respond in milliseconds. The double-wishbone front suspension reduces body roll, while the multi-link rear suspension keeps the tires firmly planted during cornering. The steering system automatically weights up at high speeds, minimizing the need for directional corrections. The chassis absorbs high-speed bumps swiftly without residual vibrations. Even in rainy conditions, the vehicle's dynamic stability system intervenes promptly. However, rear passengers might find the ride slightly more bumpy. Compared to other models in the same price range, the Atenza stands at the top tier in terms of handling stability.

The most exhilarating part of driving the Atenza on the highway is its cornering stability. Last time on a winding mountain highway, it took sharp turns at 70 km/h without any body roll. Even when accelerating straight to 140 km/h, the car remained firmly planted on the road. The steering wheel smartly becomes heavier at high speeds, preventing minor movements from causing body sway. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system automatically brakes the inner wheels, making cornering as stable as a rail car. Driving at 120 km/h in the rain is no issue, though the stock tires require caution on slippery surfaces. The seats offer excellent support, preventing the body from sliding forward during hard braking. Highway fuel efficiency is impressive, around 7L/100km. Compared to the Accord and others, the Atenza's sporty DNA shines unmistakably on the highway.


