There aren't a lot of really exciting mid-sized sedans; just some good, solid options attempting to fend off a tsunami of SUVs. But enter the new-and-lightly-improved Mazda6. It's no average mid-sizer.

Subtracting The 6:

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Instead, it borrows a few fun-to-drive cues from the Miata – sharp styling, too – and turns it all up a notch with a new turbocharged engine borrowed from the CX-9 crossover SUV. It's the “Zoom Zoom” alternative to doom and gloom.

Compared to the two closest com...