Signature Achievement: The 2018 Mazda 6 Signature

The 2018 Mazda 6 Signature.

Regular TireKicker readers know of our fondness for the Mazda 6.  Of all the mid-size family sedans available, the 6 is the most engaging to drive.  For 2018, the 6 gets an interior and exterior refresh, plus a new trim level---Signature.

2018 Mazda 6 Signature.

Until now, the Signature trim, which brings Nappa leather, suede and real wood to the interior, was available only on Mazda's flagship large crossover, the CX-9 (also one of our favorites).   Also new for the 6, beginning this month (September, 2018), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models as well as a more powerful, faster-charging 2.1 amp USB port.

Like the Grand Touring and Grand Touring Reserve, the Signature models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 250 horsepower (the Sport and Touring models get a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter four rated at 187 horsepower) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.  EPA estimates are 23 miles per gallon city/31 highway.

2018 Mazda 6 Signature interior.

The list of standard equipment in the 2018 Mazda 6 signature is exhaustive.  You can see it here.

All that comes at a base price of $34,750---which is about two grand under the average cost of a new car in America these days.

Our tester had only a few options---a cargo mat for $75, scuff plates for $125 and a special Snowflake White paint that costs $200.  with $850 delivery, processing and handling fee, the total rang in at $36,040---which is within range of that average cost.  Meaning that, for the price of an average car, you can have one way above average in terms of styling, driving pleasure and feature content.  As at the bottom of a letter, this Signature is a terrific finishing touch to a terrific car.