The Mazda 6 is powered by one of two engines — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque or a 3.7-liter V6 that cranks out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. The four is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 is only available with a six-speed automatic.

The 6 is available in seven trim levels: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring, s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring. Models with the “i” prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while models with the “s” prefix come with the V6. Base models are respectably equipped, while higher trim levels come with such niceties as alloy wheels, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control and an audible blind-spot monitoring system. Major options include a sunroof, an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and a navigation system.

The S Grand Touring trim package is the top of the Mazda 6 lineup and this one came equipped with the only available options, the technology and navigation packages. That makes it as fully kitted as a 6 can get with an MSRP right around $33,000. The car had Mazda’s 3.7 liter 272 HP DOHC 24 valve V6 with variable valve timing mated to a 6 speed automatic with available tap shifting.

Equipment included power and heated leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, glass sunroof, high end Bose audio system with six-disc changer, 10 speakers, sat radio, a nav system, auto dimming mirrors, rain and snow sensing wipers, stability control, blind spot warning, xenon headlamps with leveling controls (more on that later), smart key fob system, sills that light up with the Mazda 6 logo and more. Personal settings for you and your significant other are stored in memory. On the outside were 18? aluminum rims with wide 235/45 tires.