If you’re in search of a reliable sedan with a sporty look that’s packed with plenty of amenities for a value-driven price, the Mazda6 GT is a good choice.

The sporty look is cosmetic, which is not a bad thing. Underneath the hood is a fuel efficient, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 184 horsepower. It’s not the raciest car in the pack, although it looks like it could be. And that’s because Mazda wanted to deliver a vehicle that is modern and attractive but also practical and affordable.

The GT trim level definitely looks more premium than the price tag suggests. The interior features black and white leather. Paddle shifters are ready to give you a track experience. The convenient and futuristic head-up display, which projects key vehicle data on the windshield, is standard.

All-new G-Vectoring Control is new to the 2017 model. This greatly helps with the drive by using software that matches engine power to the driver’s steering inputs for a more responsive feel. One of the ways the system aids the driver is during turning. The system will reduce engine torque just a little in the turns in order to transfer power and weight to the front wheels for better grip.

Customers who owned previous Mazda6 model years complained about the cabin noise. Mazda has addressed this, and the 2017 Mazda6 GT now has more insulation and laminated glass windows to minimize the noise.

Drivers who wish to be more environmentally friendly will be happy to know that the GT offers a new system called i-ELOOP that can be added by purchasing the Technology Package for $2400. It’s money well spent, considering what you get for your investment.

i-ELOOP uses regenerative braking to capture the energy and store it to power any accessories that would normally tax or drain the battery. Mazda6 GT models equipped with the system can get a fuel economy rating of 5.9 L/100 km highway, compared to the standard GT powertrain delivering 9.1 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway.

Besides i-ELOOP, the Technology Package also includes a series of driver assistance and safety tech like Mazda’s radar cruise control, forward obstruction warning, high beam control system, smart brake support, lane-keep assist system, distance recognition support system, lane departure warning system and SiriusXM radio.

The long list of standard GT features is impressive for a car that’s less than $30,000 and includes LED headlights, tail lights and fog lights, a power glass moonroof with retractable sunshade, an electronic parking brake, air conditioning, heated door mirrors, a heated steering wheel with steering wheel mounted controls, power windows, power door locks, rain-sensing wipers, Nappa leather heated and adjustable front and rear seats, ornamental grille LED illumination and interior LED ambient lighting, an 11-speaker premium Bose audio system with 2 USB ports and audio jack, a 7″ colour touch screen with the Mazda Connect system and navigation, an HDMI commander switch, Sirius XM radio, Bluetooth, push button start, cruise control, a rearview camera, traction control, dynamic stability control and hill launch assist.

If you’re looking for a practical and reliable sedan that has a sporty edge and enough bells and whistles to compete with sedans double the price, the Mazda6 GT is the car for you. Come visit us for more information on the model and take one out for a test drive.