New Mazda6 vs B7 Passat

[brad]

in my eyes, the best competitor out there is the volvo s60 r-line
sexy car in sedan or wagon form, AWD, V6 turbo. miles ahead of the mazda 6 too

thoughts on this?

At $75k plus on-road costs, it's also miles ahead on price.

Street price is significantly less. Expect $10k discount on the vehicle & an inflated trade-in price. It pretty well brings an V60 T6 R-design to a competitive price with the Passat wagon.

Still wouldn't recomend it as the Swedes don't seem to have a handle on build quality these days despite 5-5-5 service-roadside assist-warranty package

[OilBurna]

I seel all new Mazda 6's are being recalled due to a potential fire risk...

[Spaceman]

Having owned a Mazda and a number of Japanese cars and now a VW. Not sure I could go back. The Euros are just so well put together and I am pretty converted now.

[team_v]

I seel all new Mazda 6's are being recalled due to a potential fire risk...

I believe it's just the diesel ones with the energy recovery systems.
Both fires (1 in UK and 1 here) were while it was parked in a dealership.

Doesn't look like they are having a good foray into clean diesels but at least they are doing a recall to fix it.

[nyc863]

Despite some laughs directed at Mazda I think it is instructive to compare how they are handling their small defect: loaner cars for those inconvenienced, free first service, warranty extensions for time lost, pretty open and fast communication. I don't see any unhappy new Mazda-6 buyers in the forums.