I’ve always been a fan of the Mazda 6 – even going back to its predecessor, the Mazda 626 that first debuted in the US in 1979. But I was staggered when the current model came out in 2013 – it was an absolutely beautiful design – and the first thought that came to my mind was……
…….”this thing looks more like a Jaguar than any models that brand currently sells.”
Look at those curves……
And sensuous flowing lines……….
Closely hewing to the gorgeous Takeri concept from which it was derived……
So when Jaguar bowed its new mid-size XE model in 2015, I was somewhat underwhelmed. Not unattractive, but does it really evoke the visual image of a Jaguar?
To me, it just seems an amalgamation of various styling elements from a variety of different sport sedans – BMW 3 Series front and rear, Audi A4 sides, and Honda Accord greenhouse. Derivative…….not a word you’d associate with a Jaguar.
I just have this feeling that if you were to de-badge each car, put 50 average folks in a room, pull back the curtain, and ask “which one is a Jaguar”, a majority would pick the Mazda……….
What do you think?
How funny. I own a 2016 Mazda6 and I’ve thought the same exact thing. It’s particularly striking when parking next to an Accord.
Did Mazda pay for this plug?
I want to keep Curbside Classic going, and if it means plugging a new car, then we can do that by comparing the new car to an older curbside classic.
As long as one of the car companies pays for something like this, I’m OK with it.
But neither the Mazda or the Jaguar that is being insulted here, is a curbside classic.
I wish.
‘Dude, you’ve been around here long enough to know that we are car guys, and like to talk about all vintage of cars, instead of feeling we have to go elsewhere.
Does thetruthaboutcars only post the truth?
Never heard of that site before!
Your stuff about auto histories and legacies is worth cash dollars to auto manufacturers. It would do any of the current auto companies credit to get their 2016 line up compared to their own Curbside Classics here.
Even Fisker, with all their government dough, could get a Curbside Comparison with other classic electric cars. They spend billions and they should see the value of dropping some of it here.
How often do Motor Trend and other publications do a comparison between a new Camaro, Mustang, Porsche or even Suburban to their first generations? Even if it isn’t a performance test between a 1970 Mustang to a 2016 Mustang – seeing how a company, like in this case, Ford, handles or dismisses the Mustang’s interior and exterior design heritage, would be a great read.
Your work is outstanding. It is worth a lot. You are owed more than you get from the auto brands that get this site’s attention on a daily basis.
Yeah, that new XE is pretty generic. Nice, but generic.
Still not a big fan of the Mazda though. Those front fenders are just odd. It’s unique and distinctive though, I’ll give it that.
So, it’s not only me. Beautiful from the cowl back but to my tastes, the front clip puts me off.
The hint of olde style motorcycle type front fender has been a Mazda thing on various cars for quite a while. The previous Mercedes S class had a far less graceful version of this idea, and at the back wheel as well.
I also remember thinking that the new Jag looked like a Mazda 6; as well as the current Ford Fusion. I thought it may have been the common influence from the former Ford connection with both Mazda and Jaguar.
The Mazda 6 is a nice looking car. I really liked these when they first came out, especially in that red. My stepson has the 3, and with it’s 6 speed stick, it’s a real fun car to drive. I just wish that they offered the 6 with a Six… as the 2.5 liter I-4 (the only engine offered) is a tad under powered for a car that large.
They do a turbo version for the new CX9, so who knows if it will be more widely used. On the other hand I expect the existing engine gets pretty good mileage
And there inlies the rub… The 2.5L I-4 in the M6 offers great mileage, and that’s likely the demographic for which they are shooting. My boss has one. He has a very long commute. He bought it for its awesome styling and good gas mileage. He traded in a Saab 9000 on it, so he was used to an upper end car. While this is no Jag as the article compares, I am sure its tasteful appointments for a touring car were part of the appeal.
All of that said, for guys that like a little more performance, a turbo 4 or a nice torquey 6 would be really desirable on this car.
I have the same problem with the 6. It’s gorgeous, the best looking mid-size car out there by a mile. Great interior. I hear it handles, too. But where’s the hot engine option? The previous generations had a V6 option, and I understand that’s now considered unfashionable in a mid-size car. But turbo fours are everywhere, even in some other Mazdas. Why not give this car one? Come on…what’s more zoom-zoom than a turbo?
Which of them looks more like a Jag? Neither one.
This looks like a Jag.
That’ the thing, isn’t it? For every XJ6 and Mark 2, there was a Mark 1, with its crazy narrow rear track, a cumbersome Mark X, a clumsy S-type or 420, and baroque anachronisms like the Marks V-IX introduced after the war, What’s so special about building a ‘modern Jaguar’? A worthy successor to the XJ6? That would be pretty exciting, but Jaguar doesn’t even seem to have thought about it, and flame surfacing a mid-sized Mazda doesn’t really capture anything other than the packaging efficiency of the XJ.
Yep, when I think “Jaguar” I think this sort of styling. For me, its more the 70s, 80s and early 90s XJ6/8/12s.
I see the new Jaguars around town and they are certainly nice cars. I especially like the long wheel base XJ which I do think is rather gorgeous but when I think about it, its the large size I like and the interior but it doesn’t particular scream “Jaguar” to me. It could be an S-class, or a 7 series, or an LS or Cadillac’s new “flagship…maybe?” or a different Tesla and on and on. Some folks put the old leaper hood ornaments on them, but they look silly because they don’t look anything like the car that hood ornament undoubtedly came off of.
You have hit upon a serious issue with many of today’s sedans. They all look like the same designer penned them, they all have the same basic window design, they all have plain sides with a few creases thrown in here and there and if it weren’t for the badge few would be able to tell them apart. Then you have cars like the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion which look pretty good by today’s standards and cars like the new XE above or the new Continental that could pass for insert generic faux luxury sedan here. It’s pretty sad to see a once very distinctive company like Jaguar penning such generic cookie cutter looking bland mobiles.
Well, this Jag looks like a Taurus….
(Picture screen grabbed from the old TTAC website)
I actually like this Jag much better than the newest ones to be honest.
Oh, I don’t dislike this one, it’s just obvious when you look at this generation Type S that Ford and Jag were joined at the hip back then. This “Taurus” looking Jag looks more like a Jag than the featured Mazda 6. I always did like these Jags when they were out.
The 6 is easily the best looking sedans for sale today, hampered by a few weird decisions on Mazda’s part.
If they’d invested in some sound dampening, and a more powerful optional engine, it would surely steal even some upmarket sales with its gorgeous looks. As it sits, it’s slow, loud, and rides far too harshly with those beautiful 19″ wheels in the photos to be even remotely competitive in the midsized sedan game.
Simpy look at Mazda6, and you’ll wonder why they don’t sell well. Drive one, and then a Camry/Accord/Altima/Fusion/Sonata, and you won’t…
Clearly, M6 isn’t a good match for you.
I have a ’15 M6 with manual trans. A manual trans is a “must have” for me when choosing a car, along with great MPG and reliability (which excludes cars from Germany). A manual is not available in Camry, Fusion, 200, Malibu, Altima, Optima, or Sonata, so it was between an Accord Sport or M6 Touring. I needed split folding rear seat, which Accord did not have in 2015, so M6 it was. Perfect match!
We all have our priorities. How wonderful that the major manufactures have so many options for us to choose from. This is a great time to be an auto enthusiast.
Very true.
And also, I’m curious about a split folding rear seat being such an important feature that you’d pick a car based on it. I drove both, and the Accord was a much more substantial car IMO. I’d get a Thule rack or something to avoid the Mazda NVH issues as a tradeoff for the split seat.
I carry my son and his hockey buddy several times a week–gotta lay those hockey sticks down while leaving room for a passenger back there. Also, I don’t really know why you found NVH issues. I consider the suspension taught, yes, harsh, no. I find the drivetrain to be virtually vibration-less. I have frequently looked down at my gearshift when cruising on the the freeway to notice I forgot to shift up to sixth. It is a very smooth running engine. I also found my fat butt was more comfortable in the M6 well-bolstered seat compared to Accord’s flatter butt-cushion. My only complaint on M6 is that entry and egress to/from front seats is awkward–I must crane my neck to get in/out. My wife’s Mazda CX-9 has the same design flaw.
I’m sure it’s not deafening, but I thought it was noticeably louder inside than any of the other cars I drove that day.
And I’m not alone:
“Wind and road noise also emerged as problems. “Like the last Mazda6, wind noise seems to be an issue. It’s coming from all around, not just a particular area,” Mays said. “Road noise was a significant issue during my test,” Geiger said. “It was pretty intrusive and a near-constant presence.”
“Coming from a sports car, one might forgive the firm ride, but we think most consumers will regard the 6 to be stiff and uncomfortable. Pair that with an excessive amount of noise emanating from the road and wind and you have the makings of a relatively harsh commute experience compared with most of its competitors, particularly the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry.”
“Economy-grade interior noise levels in a mid-priced family sedan.”
If you want a flaccid dull isolation chamber that simply serves as a stepping stone to the autonomous future, the Camry/Accord/Altima/Fusion/Sonata are for you. If you want a car you like to look at, like to drive, you get the M6.
I do however agree, the four banger compromises it a bit. It’s actually got decent power and torque for one(it is a BIG four) but you really need to get on it to bring it out. Most of the NVH lays squarely on it, fours vibrate, don’t make a pleasant noise(nothing but a I6, V8 or V12 does though). In terms of suspension, chassis, and construction they don’t need a bunch of band aids to hide unpleasant things, it’s firm but compliant and there’s no creaks and rattles. If there’s anything that’s too firm it’s the seats, for me they definitely become a bit uncomfortable after an hour of driving.
You explained right there why they don’t sell well though.
People that buy cars primarily for driving fun, or styling, don’t buy midsized sedans. And even if they were going to, they’d be put off by the lack of power. Buying a Mazda6 as a sports car replacement is a compromise that would be better served by a GTI, or Focus ST, et al. Plus, even in just plain midsizers, the Accord has all the fun, without the NVH tradeoffs, just in a slightly duller looking package.
The traditional midsized sedan virtues of safety, comfort, efficiency and value are a better proposition in any of the “boring” competition, and the sales numbers reflect this.
They’d just become another redundant also ran, I doubt sales would increase one percent if it became another Camcord for that market.
The M6 really evokes the 4DSC Nissan Maxima IMO, they never stood a chance against the big selling midsize competition, but they did exploit a niche. Then the Maxima got fatter, uglier, more isolated and it’s now utterly miserable shell of it’s former self. I really hope Mazda stays the course and people let their hair down a bit.
“I doubt sales would increase one percent if it became another Camcord for that market.”
Except that everytime a manufacturer has gone from ” sporty or different” to super mainstream in the midsized segment, it’s sold far better.
Ex; Passat, Sonata/Optima, Altima, Contour/Fusion, and every Subaru in the last decade.
Hell, even the Camcord themselves got to where they are by doing this. As smaller, high quality Japanese made cars in the 70’s through the 80’s, sales weren’t so good compared to the domestic competition. Only once they upped them to softer, larger cars did Americans take notice.
Why would you not want isolation? Along with that most blessed gliding ride, that’s one of the main marks of luxury!
That said, you have a point. Unless its trying to be Brougham reincarnated (which none of the Japanese imports really are except for the Avalon) then one should expect a more “spirited” ride. If it doesn’t have all the glitz and cushiness, then isolation isn’t much of a selling point.
The problem with the Maxima is that is kept too much of its “sporty” schtick and the newest refurb has some weird lines. They would have done better making it a 300c competitor, which is kind of what it looks like except that it has no actual luxury oriented options even in its highest trim level. The interior is utterly forgetable and not particularly comfortable, right now I’m trying to remember if it was appointed with some faux carbon fiber or some sort of wood that basically looks like carbon fiber.
The Mazda 6 is kind of the same way, except that the exterior lines are much better. The rest of it, meh. Same sort of forgetable interior like the Maxima. Another economy car posing as a “sports sedan”.
I completely agree with Ltd. You spend 30K or more for a sedan, it damn well be dead quiet and have a compliant ride. Lots of them are. And wind noise is just a matter of lack of development and paying attention. They are pretty though.
Might want to look up how much these actually cost. I know my Dad’s was under $25k, brand new off the lot last April. That was a motivating factor for him given Accords and Fusions in anything above base spec are well into the 30s.
FWIW, I’ve driven and ridden in that car for hours on end at interstate speed. I really don’t know what you guy’s standard is for wind noise but whatever unit of measurement you have must kave K9 sensitivity, or you’re just keen on spreading the same line from some guy’s review. It’s as quiet in that regard as the Lexus it replaced at least, that’s all I know.
“That was a motivating factor for him given Accords and Fusions in anything above base spec are well into the 30s.”
What?
These 3 cars are nearly identically priced with similar options.
The Accord trims are priced out at $22k (LX), 25.5k (EX), and $28.6 (EX-L).
The Fusion is $22.1k(S), $23.6K(SE) and $30.6 (Titanium)
The Mazda6 trims are $21.5k (Sport), $24k (Touring) and $30.2k (Grand Touring).
To spend over 30k on any of these cars you have to get the absolute highest trim. The Mazda might make some sense as a base $21.5k alternative to a compact, but a Touring or Grand Touring are still outclassed by the competition.
Starting prices. The price climbs heavily on the Ford and Honda with additional options, and most cars on the lots tend to have a few. When I went with him to look at the Fords, the Fusion SE he looked at was about the same as the 6 Touring he bought, but found it too vanilla, and the Titanium on the lot he found more appealing had a $38,000(!!!) sticker. I wasn’t with him when he looked at Honda and ultimately went withe the 6(same day) but it sounds like it was the same story.
The thing with the Mazda is those levels seem to truly encompass the available options, there’s a few that can be added to a Sport, and few you can add to a Touring to make it more like a Grand Touring(can’t get the manual trans with the GT), but after that it’s pretty much fully loaded at that ~$30.2k figure in GT form.
I think the prices I quoted speak for themselves.
And are these USD?
Just built a Fusion, the most expensive Fusion, an AWD 2.0 Turbo Titanium with every option carries an MSRP of $36,280. And that’s MSRP…
Same for the 3. I have a 2015 model and it’s noticeable. Have not had it on a long run yet so we shall see how tiring it will be driving for more than 200 miles. And yes, the 18″ wheels result in a harsh ride.
The Mazda 6 is a very good looking car, arguably the best in the segment. The interior design is attractive too. My brother has a 2014, and he’s very happy with it. The car drives well, is quite spacious/comfortable, and has had no mechanical issues whatsoever. The biggest flaw is a rather dated touchscreen/radio controller.
Sadly I find the Jaguar XE to be a huge disappointment. As others have noted, it looks like a bland amalgamation of current design cues, with nothing at all that telegraphs Jaguar. It too has a dated touchscreen/controller, even though it is a brand new premium car–embarrassing to say the least. The rest of the interior doesn’t look premium either, and from what I’ve read the back seat is very tight.
I’d take the Mazda any day. I don’t understand why the 6 isn’t more popular given how nice it is–and I admire the car for breaking the segment “norms” to offer a more expressive design. I fail to see how the Jaguar can really gain any traction with this copy cat design and sub-premium interior–the C-Class absolutely trounces it in my opinion.
“I don’t understand why the 6 isn’t more popular given how nice it is”
Mazda’s less than stellar dealer network.
Yep, I think you are right about that. Luckily my brother really hasn’t had to go back to the dealer for anything.
Odd choice to compare the 6 to the XE, when it’s the XF that’s also mid-size, and closer to the 6 in external dimentions. Yep, gotta say I prefer the cleaner lines of the Jag:
The XE and Mazda6 actually have almost identical dimensions, wheelbase and width, down to the inch.
The XF is about half a foot bigger than the Mazda6 in all dimensions.
That being said, I still think the Mazda looks better.
Overall length:
XE: 183.9
6: 191.5
XF: 195.0
This is where I based my comment from, as well as internal dimensions.
Wheelbase:
XE- 111.6
Mazda 111.4
XF- 116.5
Width
XE- 72.8
Mada- 72.4
XF- 74.0
Curb Weight (approx on options)-
XE- 3400 lbs
Mazda6- 3200 lbs
XF- 3800 lbs
As you can see, the XF is a size larger when you take all dimensions into account.
Things are not that simple…
The Jaguar XF is a Mercedes E-Class / Audi A6 / BMW 5-series competitor. That’s the E-segment (executive cars), loud and clear.
The XE is one step lower on the ladder, so D-segment. Just like the Mercedes C-Class / Audi A4 / BMW 3-series. And Mazda 6.
“Form follows Germans”, that’s what I read a while ago. Look at the side-profile of the brand new Renault Talisman, Alfa Romeo Giulia AND Jaguar XE.
And yet, the 6 is 4.8-something metres long. That’s longer that my ’00 Diamante, and too long for my garage. All in the name of style? Pretty, yes, but…..
The XF is much closer to the 6 in terms of design. It’s a whole different league in price, among other things. It’s likely that a prospective XE buyer could cross-shop higher-end non-luxury midsizers (base price on the XE is $35k). The XF starts at $52k, so you’re not likely to see anyone cross-shopping it with anything with a Mazda badge.
Only the trim on the C pillar of the Mazda suggests “cheap”. (If they could have come closer to the concept back there, it would be a knockout) Otherwise I can see what you’re saying.
The Jaguar’s grille is really the only “Jaguar” or even premium element of that car. Not that the rest is bad…it simply doesn’t wow. Nor does it suggest an attempt at understatement…it’s just, well, derivative…and not in a good way.
I own an M6, despite its appearance, which I don’t particularly like. To me, it screams “Japanese!” , not “British”.
With regard to Jag-esque appearance, I don’t see it. Jaguar is a brand currently in a transitional period. Jag’s ownership (Tata in India) appear willing to invest in the brand, and clearly developing some coherent design language and brand philosophy must be job one.. At this point, the “brand” does not really mean anything, beyond historical links to E-Type and XJs.
I think F-Type is stunning, but it is a stand-alone product. It does not share product attributes with any other Jag product. –just as Viper is unrelated to Dart in any meaningful way.
I actually recall Dad discussing trading up to XF when they first came out, but ultimately decided against it. Fittingly enough, he ultimately went with the Mazda 6. So yes, I’d say it’s definitely got a Jag vibe, and to my eyes looks better as well.
Isn’t the XF DEW98 based? ala S-type/Lincoln LS?
Yes it was, until the current model came out last year (or in 2014?)
I would agree that the Mazda6 is a very striking car, though from some angles (I guess it’s the front fender sculpting?) it has a tendency to look like the front end of the car is a touch too long….almost like it was originally designed for a longitudinal and not transverse engine placement.
I don’t know about the local dealers (there are 3 and 2 are owned by 1 dealer group), but research on the internet when I considered a near-new 3 or 6 turned up a lot of complaints about software glitches.
BTW, some markets get turbo diesel engines and a choice of body styles that includes a slick looking Mazda6 wagon.
That’s exactly what I like about it. How often are “FWD proportions” brought up around here when criticizing… FWD cars? I mean I guess it’s not as space efficient like that but, bleh, really, nobody wants a K car proportioned car anymore.
If only the Mazda6 could have the concept car’s rear doors. Much better look.
Poor Mazda. When it comes to their sedans they seem to always be the also-ran. The brand that people forget. The brand that people say, “What is that”? The brand that people won’t even look at because they are not very popular. I sold them for several years back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. People either loved them or hated them. A lot of Ford influence due to the partnership of the two companies marred what was once a great Japanese nameplate. (The Miata probably the only non-Ford influenced Mazda that has been and always will be a great little car!)
I do think the design of the new Mazda6 is sharp. The only real problem with it is that it isn’t for everyone. Could it be that maybe it’s a little too radical? The ride may be a tad too harsh? The interior not quite up to the competition? Mazda’s very weak advertisement? More than likely these may be the reasons it isn’t on more people’s lists when shopping for a family sedan. Too bad. Then again its Mazda. Poor Mazda.
I assume Mazda is simply playing to its own strengths. It probably can’t support a break-out higher volume car, but can earn a good profit doing what it is doing.
Mazda design attributes include: Sharp handling (thus the “Zoom Zoom” marketing), lower power engines for economy, design continuity among models, reliability, and high assembly quality. To my eye, they are doing a pretty good job.
Regarding interior quality: I sure hope they have improved it in the last 10 years. I have an 06 M6 and it has a host of little problems that just don’t belong in a car from this century. The headliner came down years ago (see my comments in Aaron’s headliner post), one of the HVAC knobs disintegrated, the info display cuts out below about 40°f, the electric control that routes the heat/ac needs to be changed. On my 02 Subaru, with more miles and lot more gadgets, everything works like the day it came off the assembly line.
The 6 hasn’t been mechanically reliable either, though I suspect that that is at least partly related to the previous owner.
Hmm. The only quality problem I had with my ’05 3 was the dash top cracking from the sun – but all cars do that here. When I sold it last December, after 200,000km, everything still worked, even the dealer add-ons.
Sounds like their quality varies.
I’d disagree on the dash cracking Pete, I can’t remember the last ‘new’ car I saw with a cracked dash. Some fading or warping plastic yes, but not cracking.
Pete, where are you? I’m in Southern California which has pretty brutal sun, and the dash is fine, though it certainly looks harder and more plastic-ey than my Subuaru’s does. The cloth upholstry has held up well too, better than that on our ’10 Honda CR-V. And the Mazda is certainly a lot more fun to drive than either of the others.
Which one looks less like a Kia?
I like the Mazda. I dislike all modern Jaguar saloons.
I was pumped for the mazda6 till I test drove one. Excessive engine noise, wind noise and road noise at all speeds. Rough choppy suspension that brings back memories of a GM n body. Overly boosted artificial steering, and an underwhelming low revving engine that makes the quad4 feel like a performance engine….this car is not fun to drive. On top of that the schnoz is fugly and the interior is cramped for a midsize. With competition like the optima and fusion and mazda3 (which is almost the same size) its no wonder why the 6 has bombed. It’s sad cuz the last 2 generations of 6 were genuinely fun to drive.
And motto from my 6 test drive…ignore all car reviews. They all say this car is great but its garbage. Sorry 6 drivers.
I have a Mazda 3 and I agree about the ride and noise although, given mine is the (European) 2L, 165 hp Sport model, it is perhaps to be accepted (and it’s also down to the obsession manufacturers have these days with the biggest wheels they can economically fit – 18″ in this case). What strikes me every time is indeed how big the car is when compared to others in its class (compact here in Europe). Then again the 3 and the 6 share the same platform which is unusual – basically they took a big car and made it slightly smaller. Seat is however the best I could find in any car this side of € 25,000, and to me that was the clincher as I have back issues and the “wrong” kind of seat would be a definite no-no.
Interesting about the noise. Here in Australia, magazine tests have blamed the road noise on our coarse-chip bitumen – sounds like it’s more than just that.
My 3 Maxx Sport was an ’05, and the wheels were 16″, but the road noise made any longer trip tiring. Didn’t seem to matter what tyres I used either. I found Michelins the quietest, but the noise was still intrusive to the point where you couldn’t hear the engine at 100km/h, and the stereo had to be uncomfortably loud to hear it over the tyre roar at highway speeds.
Coming from an ’87 Ford Laser (323 clone), I found this disappointing.
Very important consideration downunder for sure, with the distances you have. The only trip on an “Aussie” scale I’m likely to take is Vienna – Colchester (UK), roughly 1400 K, mostly done on the German Autobahn, and I can imagine 160 Km/H (or more) which you can keep to at night will not be relaxing.
That’s a very good question, and in that red I’d be very tempted by the Mazda if I were in the Insignia/Mondeo/Passat/A4 market.
One thought is how the configuration (FWD Mazda and RWD Jag) defines and drives the proportions.
Good call Jim. I’m not too impressed with any of Jaguar’s current range; compared with the camcords, this 6 looks like the 1968 XJ saloon. Even though it’s a bit finicky, I also like that trim line that sits under the grille and into the headlights.
This is a great looking car, but aside from the front fenders, I find it derivative of way too many other sedans.
I credit (blame?) the 2009-2014 Hyundai Sonata for this look. The 2009 Sonata was a great looking car, but the parade of cars carrying this look seems endless. Even the new 2016 Malibu, which is hard to distinguish from the Impala, has become another follower of this look.
Just to avoid confusion, the previous Sonata actually came out as an early 2011 model, though production probably started in 2009.
I found that Hyundai to look impressive when it launched (remember what a 2011 Accord, Camry, or even Fusion looked like!), but it aged very quickly – specifically, it didn’t look so great anymore once the Mercedes CLS it sought to emulate was redesigned.
I always preferred its 2011-2015 Optima sibling, though. There is something very SAAB-like to its design. The 2016 redesign continues to look good.
I agree with most of your sentiments here. The beginning of Hyundai’s styling image transformation began with the new 2010 Sonata. If you only had $20,000 or so to spend then, nothing could touch it in this regard. Then along comes the even better Kia Optima. Totally agree it had Saab-like qualities, interior especially.
And then recently the next generations of both appeared. Each are regressive in my opinion. A better powertrain option (1.6 turbo) at the expense of design conituity (Sonata). As for the Optima, I also dislike the subtle changes made to the greenhouse and front end treatment in the extreme, not to mention the interior looks like a crib of the current Mazda 6. Sadly, they each are way closer to also-rans than their preceding designs.
If you want a cheap new car, a Sonata or Optima is hard to beat. I thought they both drove decently considering what they are and they both look decent, even handsome.
I agree with your disappointment in the Sonata/Optima redesigns. Both seem to lose some of the unique elements of the previous car in an attempt to hew more closely to market middle ground. If it hadn’t been for the existence of the 2011-2015 Optima, I’d like the ’16. Given the existence, the ’16 seems quite regressive.
Also you can’t get an Optima SX in Corsa Blue anymore. That alone draws my ire.
I don’t agree…first, the new Sonata/Optima are not “cheap” cars. They do not use inexpensive materials, are built better than many premium makes and sell for prices equal to others in the CamCord class…the sell price advantage of Hyundai/KIA is a thing of the past.
Next, the previous styling of both was a bit overwrought and trendy…fine for some tastes but a little over-the-top for most who prefer a more dignified design in a mid-size sedan. Both are now more mature, still strikingly stylish but more handsome and elegant. Look at a 2014 Sonata next to the 2015…the 2014 looks like Justin Bieber, the 2015 looks like George Clooney.
The 6 is certainly nicer to look at than any current Jaguar sedan. It has that sleek, slinky look we used to associate with Jaguar pre-XJ40. But we buy cars to drive. I haven’t driven either, but I suspect the Jaguar would win there.
Top marks to Mazda for styling, but here’s a real Jaguar.
The new XE looks like a blatant rip-off of the 3 series, right down to the Hoffmeister kink. At least Cadillac had the sense to cloak their BMW immitator in their own design langauge, other than the grille Jaguar barely bothered.
On viewing the top picture, my initial impression was that of a 2016 Chevrolet Impala (see below). Same profile, just different lettering on the side.
All the sedans today look alike because they suffer from the Smashed Greenhouse Syndrome (SGS). I’m not talking emissions, I’m talking about the sensation of sitting in a tin can. Roof lines have fallen, belt lines on a car have risen, and the windshield is now at a 65 to 75 degree angle. You do not get into a car today, you “climb” in.
If you want proof, just “climb in” to the back seat of a current sedan. Mario just gave up on the Chrysler 200 because no one wanted to climb in the back seat!!
Now we know why SUV’s are so popular.
You have a point. Maybe I’m not paying enough attention, but I rely more on the grille or brand logo to identify all these sedans than I had to do before.
By contrast, I don’t have this problem with smaller C-segment (Golf-sized) cars.
I can tell an Impala from a LaCrosse, from an XTS a mile off. Same with a Taurus and an MKS. The 300 and Charger stand out the most from all of them though. But is it really that hard to tell the difference? I mean, there are some rather obvious design features that differ between them all, same as any other era.
It all depends on what trips your trigger. For me, I couldn’t tell you a 20s or 30s Packard from a Duesenberg from a Cadillac from a Chrysler from a Ford or a Chevy or a Bugatti for that matter (other than that thing is gigantic)-they are all just big beautiful machines but one has to admit, they all have the same sort of design language. I’ve never considered actually owning anything from that time period, so I just don’t invest the mental effort into learning the subtle differences.
When it comes to the true premium cars, its the same sort of thing. I can tell a Mercedes from a BMW from a Lexus easy. Jag just seemed to have come late to the party, so their big sled looks like a 7 series with a different grille.
You are totally correct. When I “climbed in” behind the driver’s wheel of the in-laws 2015 Ford Focus hatch, I hated it. Beltline too high, windshield too raked and I nearly hit my head on the swoopy roofline getting in and out.
No thanks.
Count me up too. This is one of the things I hate with passion on my Mazda 3 – it’s like driving an armored car, visibility is atrocious. Rear view cameras and warning buzzers are no luxuries with these, but then (with the exception of VW’s Golf, to be avoided on other grounds) all modern cars are like this. In part this has been driven by the strive for better safety, modern cars are built like armored vehicles in more ways than one. Sigh.
Well as far as I’m concerned, good visibility is a safety feature and mfgs have forgotten this. No amount of backup cameras etc. is a sub for a clear sightline.
Totally agree.
+2.
The last (side profile) picture of the Jag is particularly sad. Is that an XF from 2009? No, that’s a Volvo S60! No, wait, the front wheel is too far forward…so I guess…hmmm…THAT is the new XE?
S60 pictured for reference.
they all look like a ’92 taurus nowadays…
Uhhhhhhh….
You are right – they all have four doors, four wheels, and one steering wheel.
“they all look like a ’92 taurus nowadays…”
Nah, they all look like a 2013 Ford Fusion.
I wish. The 92 Taurus didn’t have tiny windows, high riding stance and a bloated Kardashian butt like everything else does now.
The new Mazda6 is truly a beautiful mid-size sedan and the revised interior is a huge improvement. Mazda’s current design language just hits all the right notes. I also love the new CX-3 and I’m not a huge fan of that segment.
I just wish the Mazda6 had an up-level engine. I know a NA four-cylinder is all most people in that segment want, need and eventually buy but I would prefer a turbo four or a V6.
It does have visual presence and I’m glad I’m not the only person who thinks it could be a Jaguar design. Great piece, Jim.
I, too, am quite taken with the CX-3. Love the styling, love the specs, and all the reviews are glowing. Normally I’m not a CUV person either, but given that something in that neighborhood will probably replace the Forte Koup in the next year or two, I’m paying more attention.
Sadly the CX-3 is probably too small for our needs. The CX-5 is nice also, but it’s less distinctive and is not offered in the bright blue color available on its smaller sibling. Still, Mazda is indeed on their game in the CUV/small SUV niche.
I would sell my left testicle to buy a 6 wagon in the US.
Interestingly, I believe it actually rides a shorter wheelbase than the sedan.
I just did a round of midsize sedan shopping for my mother and I was shocked how much I liked the Fusion (which she ended up buying.) Driving-wise I wasn’t looking for anything too enthusiast-oriented as this was a car for my 70-something mother, but the Ford felt extremely competent. Actually, driving it reminded me of my mother-in-law’s S60. I wonder if there’s still some Volvo DNA floating around Dearborn?
Out of the current crop of midsizers, though, I think it’s by far and away the most handsome, with the Mazda 6 taking second place and everyone else way, way back. I think the Accord’s downright ugly and the rest fall somewhere mid-pack.
It does suffer from the same headroom-in-the-back issue as every other current sedan, but I’m 5″11 and I was still comfortable in the back seat. Someone needs to hire GM’s 80’s C-pillar designers.
(Interestingly enough, the other car she seriously considered was a Kia, so I guess that tells you how far the ‘mid-market’ brands have come, or how compressed the market has gotten in the middle, or both.)
I’ve not driven one, but riding in a new Fusion rental a co-worker had, I was struck by how massive the console is. It made the seat footwells seem almost bunker-like. Is that the norm in midsizers these days?
It didn’t stick out to me as being much more or less so than any of the others we looked at. It would be interesting to look at the interior specs though.
I find it worse in the Taurus and Focus than I do in the Fusion. They’re all pretty cumbersome in the segment though. That’s probably the biggest à la carte option I wish remained so
Absolutely. If we could have gotten her a car with the shifter on the column and no console we would have. In fact, she still reaches for the non-existent column shifter when driving.
I have that problem. I reach for the nonexistent column shifter sometimes in my wife’s Kia, and after driving her car, I sometimes reach for the nonexistent console shifter in mine!
Just an idea… what if the front fender was echoed in the rear? would it be a better design for those who don’t like it… or too predictable…?
Now have the window line dropping about 1 1/2″ to the B-pillar, then paralleling your hip line toward the C-pillar. That would look even slinkier and make the interior feel airier/roomier.
Agree on the Jag-like sentiments, that’s what I thought when I first saw these. I toyed with the idea of buying one before I got my 3 (which shares some of the styling elements but is more Alfa Romeo Giulietta-like, although 10% – 15% larger) but the size was really too much for my needs (I was living in Vienna at the time which meant parking issues).
YES! When I first saw the 3 hatch, I thought, “that looks like a Giulietta to me”. Only when I saw the front, I would say, “nope, that’s not what any Italian maker would design at this point.”
Nothing like an Italian, no… It’s really the 6 (very slightly) made smaller:
Ithink it’s a 6 in the background to demonstrate
3:
Giulietta:
Boring front end, trailing off to a ho-hum tail. I’ve wanted for the last several years to compliment a Jag owner on his decision to buy a good-looking Buick.
THAT’S A BUICK???
Cue disco music
lol
I believe the Mazda6 is the best looking mid-size car out there right now, which is one of the many reasons I bought a 2016 Sport model. But styling is very subjective and Mazda is not as generous putting money on the hoods of their cars vs. some of the volume leading brands.
The Jaguar comparison is interesting and I think it makes the M6 look even better
I think that the new XE, which is the smallest Jaguar sedan, shares the new “face” of the Jaguar marque. I think the overall styling is handsome, solid and substantial but yes overall it looks like most other comparable cars. I think the Mazda might be mistaken as a Jag because of it’s fussy over detailing is what the public might have perceived as a Jaguar cue. Jaguar had rehashed it’s styling cues to the original XJ for over thirty years, it was successful for a long time but it did run it’s course. The rehash of the classic Mark II sedans was even less successful. Jaguar management knew that they had to break with past styling to find any relevance in today’s market. It hasn’t been easy, but the company had it’s best sales in years. If you look at Cadillac, they have been pretty successful in cultivating a new image for their model line but of course us traditionalists are still not satisfied.
This is quite the dilemma. A premium prestige marque has to offer something special and unique to differentiate itself from it’s rivals. If you want a car more like a Mercedes, you buy a Mercedes, if you want a car more like a BMW, you buy a BMW, likewise with Audi,Porsche or even Cadillac. What is the essence of Jaguar? For a long time it was traditional and Old World. What is the essence of these other high end marques? I recall a video of the release of the late 90’s Jaguar XJ6. The spokesman said that their goal was not only to produce a car that would be a treasured possession of the original owner, but for subsequent owners ten, twenty, even thirty years from now. Wow, what kind of challenge is that?
I like the new F series sports car. I like the current XJ. It is long and sleek with a beautiful interior. I have come to accept the styling of the XF and XE. Still what tugs my heartstrings is the classic beauty of traditional Jaguars. Lucky for me, since I’m not in the new Jaguar buying demographic. I made my choice with the purchase of my XJS and I just bought an extremely nice 1997 XJ6L. To me these are both examples of the traditional essence of Jaguar.
Maybe Jaguar will take the mid-cycle refresh as an opportunity to make the styling more expressive, and spice things up with the next generation. I don’t blame them for playing it safe this time around, given the kicking the X-Type got.
I don’t know much about new cars. My observation from the pictures on the post is that the styling while striking, at first, seems somewhat contrived. Although this is much easier on the eyes it reminds me of the Pontiac Aztec. It was different just to be different.
Ten, twenty years from now I may see it differently.
They have one of these new Jag XE’s on display inside my local shopping mall (Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold NJ). From a distance, you can not tell what it is… it’s very bland, non-descript,and looks like every other midsized car on the market today. Upon further examination, the grill does say Jag, but the fact that it’s made out of cheap black plastic really turns me off. As does all the other cheap black trim on the car. I assume that the model on display is some sort of sport model, as it has no chrome on it, and the wheels look somewhat sporty.
I have to say that the Mazda 6 is a much better car, but it also looks like most cars in the segment. All these cars suffer from slopping rear window syndrome. I also miss the formal c pillar styling of the 80’s/90’s. At least the formal roof line allowed for easy entry/exit into the back seat, and much more interior space.
I only wish that the Mazda6 variants for the European market were available in the US. On Mazda.de, you can select a Mazda6 Kombi (station wagon) with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbodiesel. That would be interesting! In the US, you can only get a gasoline-powered sedan, and while manuals are available, they’re not commonplace.