Mazda Mazda6

Maybe Ford abandoning sedans isn't such a horrible decision.

The number of car companies that don't offer a smartphone mirroring infotainment system is shrinking. Toyota is finally beginning to offer Apple CarPlay on new cars, first on the Toyota Avalon. Mazda is finally going to offer Apple CarPlay, too, as well as Android Auto. The first car to get it will be the Mazda6.

For the first time since this generation of Mazda6 was introduced, Mazda is offering the 6 with a more powerful optional engine. It's a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder available on the three highest trims: Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. This new engine offering means Mazda can more directly compete with the rest of the midsize family sedan market, the vast majority of which have at least two engine options, if not more. So we decided it was a good time to see just how w

We learned last fall that the 2018 Mazda6 is getting a slew of updates in the appearance and refinement departments, as well as this generation's first turbocharged engine (may we never forget the old Mazdaspeed6). Now we know how much it will cost to get that 2.5-liter four-cylinder's 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque: $30,090.

Given the choice, we'll take power over space.

The combined rating is 26 mpg.

The crossover continues to be king.

It's no guarantee it's coming, though.

A new engine and Signature trim spice things up.

The teasers reveal a lot.

Sport and Touring models get extra standard goodies.

We don't know when they'll be coming, but apparently they're coming.

The improved performance is invisible, and that's the point.

Mazda will focus its engineering resources on the next generation of Skyactiv engines rather than on building new Mazdaspeed versions of the 3 or 6. Those carswill arrive eventually, though.

Mazda recalls 374,500 total examples of the Mazda6, Mazdaspeed6, and RX-8 in the US to replace their passenger side Takata airbags that could rupture in an accident.

JD Power's latest APEAL Study hasn't changed much on the premium side, although Mini is the new champ for non-premium brands, besting Hyundai.

Mazda is recalling over 472,000 vehicles in the US, with an expansion of its Takata airbag inflator recall. The models affected include the Mazda6, RX-8, Mazdaspeed6 and B-Series pickup.

Mazda has an all-new advertising campaign in the US that focuses on the new slogan: Driving Matters. It's supposed to say something about both Mazda engineering and being behind the wheel of one of the company's vehicles.

Wards Auto has named its best cabins of 2015, ditching last year's high-dollar vehicles for far more attainable offerings.

Mazda is slightly increasing pricing for the 2016 Mazda6 and CX-5, but buyers are getting a little more from the refreshed models like exterior updates and higher-quality cabins.