The redesigned 2009 Mazda6 gets a bump in power across the board for its four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines; the V-6 sees an additional 60 horsepower. With the extra power, Mazda has maintained its fuel economy. The mileage ratings only dropped by 1 mpg in the city to 17/25 mpg city/highway for 2009; the combined rating is 20 mpg.
The V-6’s horsepower is now on par with its competition, but the Mazda6’s fuel economy is off the mark when compared to cars like the V-6-powered Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata.
Cars.com editor Mike Hanley writes in his expert review of the 2009 Mazda6:
“Where the Mazda6's drivetrains come up short is fuel efficiency. This car was developed before the recent increase in gas prices, but so were a number of other newer cars on the market that get significantly better mileage than the Mazda6.”
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I say, with new, modern, powerfull, smooth, reliable 4cyl engines there is no reason to 6cyl in this type of car (cheap family sedans).
In the short term, get the V6, unless you want to drive a short geared manual transmission (not for econo-commuters, the Altima 2.5 with 6 speed manual fits that bill)
The improved 2.3 (the 'new' 2.5) is good, but the old JATCO 5 speed just eats up performance & mileage (and the extra curb weight)
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Lets just say, that you'd better be able to keep your job to be able to pay for gas.
Mazda should have used a 6 speed automatic with the 2.5 I4 (ala Ford's 6 F 35)
and taller gearing with the 3.7 V6.