Mazda6
 

I test drove a Mazda 6 again (automatic)

I did not consider a manual because it only has 5 gears, and extremely short gearing considering its engine size 3 liters, top gear 24 mph/1K revs, and also its mileage 20/27

The automatic has poorly spaced gear ratios. After 1st gear, there is a huge dead spot where you have no acceleration 30-45 mph. The engine is dead below 4000 and only comes alive from 5000-6500.

Also the manumatic interface is poor, push away from you to upshift? Rev limiter in 1st & 2nd gear (7000rpms)
It should automaticly upshift out of 1st, run the revlimiter at 6500 in second, and 3rd gear the throttle by wire should hold the engine to 6500

The brake boost is obscenely overactive. A light touch with just your toes gives you about 0.5 g braking.
The steering doesn't have any feedback, it has nice weighting but does not communicate anything back to you.

Anyone else have first hand experience with the Mazda6 (atenza)

nope
 

but i've read about the 5-speed auto and the mag thinks it sux A$$. but i think the exterior of the car is really nice!!