Kizashi v Mazda 6

[Knightstruth]

If you like the Fusion you'll probably like the 6 better. The only thing the Fusion is better at is off-the-line acceleration.
I have not driven the AWD Fusion, but that might be worth a try for you.

I wouldn't say I actually like the fusion, but I find it a comfortable car to drive. From the info I have seen the new fusion is less reliable than the out going model.

Mazda could make it interesting if they introduce AWD to the 6. I know the fuel economy and acceleration would be worse than the FWD version, but would still be interesting.

[KuroNekko]

I wouldn't say I actually like the fusion, but I find it a comfortable car to drive. From the info I have seen the new fusion is less reliable than the out going model.

Mazda could make it interesting if they introduce AWD to the 6. I know the fuel economy and acceleration would be worse than the FWD version, but would still be interesting.

The new Fusions are unreliable because of the EcoBoost turbocharged engines. These engines are rather new and Ford needs to work out the kinks.
However, some models have the older Duratec 2.5 liter engine which is based on the Mazda MZR engine. These are very reliable and what helped the Ford Fusion reliability ratings in the past.
If one wants a reliable Fusion, avoid the turbo models and get one with the Duratec engine.

I really don't think you'll see a Mazda6 with AWD. It would take away from their CUVs like the CX-5 that offer AWD. The only Mazda6 ever offered with AWD in North America was the Mazdaspeed6. However, Mazda only offers one Mazdaspeed model at a time and with the success of the Mazdaspeed3, they've stuck with it. It's unknown if and when the new Mazdaspeed6 would be offered.

[paininthenuts]

I wouldn't say I actually like the fusion, but I find it a comfortable car to drive. From the info I have seen the new fusion is less reliable than the out going model.

Mazda could make it interesting if they introduce AWD to the 6. I know the fuel economy and acceleration would be worse than the FWD version, but would still be interesting.

The new Fusions are unreliable because of the EcoBoost turbocharged engines. These engines are rather new and Ford needs to work out the kinks.
However, some models have the older Duratec 2.5 liter engine which is based on the Mazda MZR engine. These are very reliable and what helped the Ford Fusion reliability ratings in the past.
If one wants a reliable Fusion, avoid the turbo models and get one with the Duratec engine.

I really don't think you'll see a Mazda6 with AWD. It would take away from their CUVs like the CX-5 that offer AWD. The only Mazda6 ever offered with AWD in North America was the Mazdaspeed6. However, Mazda only offers one Mazdaspeed model at a time and with the success of the Mazdaspeed3, they've stuck with it. It's unknown if and when the new Mazdaspeed6 would be offered.

Is the Fusion a mondeo in the UK ?

[KuroNekko]

Is the Fusion a mondeo in the UK ?

Yes, that's the global name for the car.

[paininthenuts]

Is the Fusion a mondeo in the UK ?

Yes, that's the global name for the car.

The mondeo is an excellent car although the diesel units aren't the best
Comfort and ride quality is very good. I consider it a very different car to the kizi though. The kizi has attitude but the mondeo is for boring people

[murcod]

Just a thought, the Kizashi vs Mazda 3 would probably be a lot better comparison. They're very close in size, whereas the 6 is significantly bigger. Same with the Mondeo.

[KuroNekko]

Just a thought, the Kizashi vs Mazda 3 would probably be a lot better comparison. They're very close in size, whereas the 6 is significantly bigger. Same with the Mondeo.

I don't like comparing the Kizashi to actual compacts. While the dimensions of the Kizashi are closer to compacts like the Mazda3, the Kizashi's significance, build quality, and feel makes it much more a midsize. After all, the Kizashi was specifically intended to be Suzuki's midsize. They already had the SX4 as the compact.
Given Suzuki's reputation as a small car maker and the fact that the Kizashi was intended as a global car, it's not surprising the Kizashi is a bit on the small size.
However, keep in mind that many rivals simply got bigger. The Mazda6 was about the Kizashi's size when it debuted. It just grew larger much like the rest of the midsizes. This is the bloating of midsizes that folks like SamirD and I talk about.

I used to own a Mazda3 and while I enjoyed it, I can tell you that the Kizashi is much more refined. I simply call it the difference between a compact and a midsize. The Kizashi is much more like an Accord, Camry, or Fusion/Mondeo in the way it drives and feels in terms of refinement than a Civic, Mazda3, or Corolla.

For this reason, I consider the Kizashi a small midsize than a nice compact. Also, my Kizashi has considerably more rear leg room than any compact I've owned. Significantly more than my Mazda3.

[CLLee]

Just a thought, the Kizashi vs Mazda 3 would probably be a lot better comparison. They're very close in size, whereas the 6 is significantly bigger. Same with the Mondeo.

LOL... I'm still lurking around

After 4+ months with the Mazda3, and 10,000km later, here are my observations.
I have the SP25GT which is almost similarly equipped and priced as my ex-Kizashi XLS (in Australia)
- 2.5ltr engine, leather seats, HID, 18", premium stereo, push/start keyless etc.

Apologies... it's a bit long

Engine and fuel consumption
The Mazda3's new engine has more kW and Nm than the Kizashi, while being lighter.
The traditional auto is very responsive, so off the mark, it's more responsive to the throttle. All that with my average fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km (50/50 highway/city).
My Kizashi used to return 10.5L/100km. On average, I'm saving about AUS$20/week (approx 500km)
So… win win here.

Drive and Handling
Both cars have 18" and same wheelbase. The Kizashi has more road feel and you can definitely feel more road bumps. The Mazda soaks them up better, but funnily it has more road noise. Personally, I find the Kizashi has a stronger stance on the road (heavier?), with just a little less body roll.
Steering feedback is stronger on the Kizashi. The Mazda3's steering is still very precise and sharp.
There are stretches of road that I regularly drive that I find the Kizashi's steering feedback too much for a daily commute, and it is perfect with the Mazda. Down to personal preference I reckon...

Interior Comfort
Both have leather seats. The Mazda3 doesn't have memory seats which I miss.
While the Mazda3's seats look sportier, I find the Kizashi's seats plusher and more enveloping, esp more supportive under the thigh. I took a seat in the Kizashi again a few days ago when I serviced my Mazda3 (dealer sells both), and it definitely felt more luxurious. The Kizashi's back seat is a winner with all my passengers.
Mazda also cuts corners with seat construction. The sides of the backseats can be lifted up slightly to reveal what's under (looks and feels cheap) and the head rests are almost feather light.
That said, the Mazda3 still has a very good driving position and supportive front seats.

Mazda3’s storage is disappointing. All doors have only a bottle holder; no pockets. Glove box is the same size. The arm rest storage is about 3/4 of the Kizashi’s, and only has an iphone size removable top tray.

Interior material
Mazda has stepped up a lot from the previous model. Soft touch plastic on upper half of the trim, and good hard plastic lower. Buttons and knobs feel good quality. The chrome surrounds are the same good quality as the Kizashi's (not Hyundai cheap plastics).
Disappointments - the roof liner is like cardboard, the sun-visors are plastic; and bloody Mazda used hard plastic for the upper part of the rear door trim (while the fronts are nice plush and soft)...
Overall, I would say the Mazda3 has a better quality dash than the Kizashi.
The Kizashi’s roof liner, sun-visors, and rear passenger area are more refined.

Instruments layout
I'm in love with the minimalist approach of the Mazda3. The entire stereo and Nav system is touch screen or operated by the control knob, there are way less buttons on the dash. The 12V power supply, 2xUSB and SD card reader are all located inside the arm rest console - no wiring mess on the dash. I love clean look.
Equipment operation is normal and very similar to the Kizashi – steering wheel stereo control and cruise control.
The control knob is very easy to use while driving (touch feel) and the LCD screen’s line of sight is perfect.

I do miss the Kizashi's beautiful dual instrument cluster. Simple yet refined in detail.

Tech
The Mazda3’s HID are much brighter and wider (I posted this somewhere earlier). They are also steering adaptive. It’s not a necessity, but it has helped in dark windy roads.
The infotainment system is very intuitive. Very easy to learn, explore and use. GPS is almost TomTom like, and has the ability to show different routes (google map style). You can load addresses from your phone book contacts.
Music/radio apps are not the greatest – Pandora, Sticher and aha only so far. Have to pair with phone’s wifi.
My XLS doesn’t have an LCD/GPS screen. So, I don’t know how it compares.

The Heads Up Display is awesome (only on the top 2 trims). It shows the digital speedo and GPS directions. I have never looked down into the instrument panel since. Some people hate it. I love it.

Stereo
My Kizashi has the RF stereo. The Mazda3 has the Bose.
Personally, I prefer the RF with the sub. I find the RF has a cleaner sound, with better separation from the bass. I listen to primarily classical music (being a classical musician), so I’m quite fussy with the soundstage and separation of the tones. With the RF, I can get a good supportive bass with clear mid tones.
While with the Bose, the mids become muddled easily.


I used to own a 1st-gen Mazda6 before the Kizashi. Only problem I ever had was a puncture radiator hose at around 170,000km. Everything else was still going well when I traded it in at 200,000km. That car was a dent magnet though... on average, it visited a panel shop every 18 months. People keep hitting it in carparks... major hit.
I love my Kizashi (RIP)... although within months I had that loose gasket rattle in the exhaust, and then the rear suspension squeak.
After it was totalled, I did consider buying another one, but it was time to move on. The new Mazda3 was a week old and for the same price, it offers a little bit more.
Also... bear in mind the Kizashi was launched in 2010... and the new Mazda3 in 2014.

[Sluggo]

An honest and fair comparison...thanks.

[KuroNekko]

Thanks for the comparo report.
Not surprised that the Kizashi is quieter as Mazdas are notorious for road noise and being skimpy on noise insulation.
On the other hand, the Kizashi has quite a bit of it. For example, I was surprised even when inspecting the taillight bulbs. The cover for them in the trunk is lined with thick insulation. In addition to that, the taillight housing also features a foam cover to further provide noise insulation.
In comparison, my first generation Mazda3 had no insulation for these components. Just a cover to the back of the housing to access the bulbs.