2013 Mazda Mazda6

Elegance, power, muscular stance -- these are terms you don't often hear in the midsize sedan segment of today's auto-industry. However, these are the terms that the 2013 Mazda6 lives by as it brings excitement, driving dynamics and fun to the midsize class.

The Mazda6's sleek body style offers bold strokes that sculpt from the front fascia, through the headlamp, over the top of the front-wheel opening and into the side surfaces just before reaching the front doors.

The Mazda6's interior instills a striking first impression with its mostly black canvas accentuated by bold statements of elegant wood, satin silver and polished chrome. Multiple design elements flow as one, from the T-shaped instrument panel to the similarly shaped triple-spoke steering wheel.

Blacked-out instrument faces with bright metallic markings, needles and trim pieces give the Mazda6 interior an exquisitely detailed look, creating a desired contrast between sporty masculinity and demure beauty. Seats are highly refined with soft-look volumes combined with supportive seat cushions and highly effective side bolsters.

Mazda's reputation for providing world-class powertrains is deeply rooted. Quick throttle response, strong acceleration and outstanding flexibility are core to Mazda's spirit of engineering.

The MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the standard engine on all Mazda6 i models. Delivering 170 horsepower, its peak torque of 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm tops nearly all competitors' four-cylinder engines. This engine is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission on the i Sport models with an available electronically-controlled five-speed Sport automatic transmission.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is the standard engine for Mazda6 s models. With a stirring 272 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, the V-6 is one of the most powerful in its class and offers best-in-class torque.