The stylish and lively 2009 Mazda 6 hits the road this fall as the sportiest and most entertaining front-wheel drive midsize sedan on the market.

The new 6 ably fills the gap created when the Honda Accord grew a little larger and duller in pursuit of mainstream mega-sales.

The Accord outsells the 6 by about 6 to 1, so it's hard to argue with Honda's logic, but Mazda has successfully replaced it as the Japanese brand for budget-minded enthusiasts.

That budget can get a bit strained when you load up on the 6's available features, however, pushing the car into the price range of better-handling rear-wheel drive sedans like the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Pontiac G8.

The Mazda 6 handily beats those cars' fuel economy, although it trails less sporty midsize front-drivers like the Chevrolet Malibu, Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura and Toyota Camry.

Mazda has dropped the slow-selling station wagon and hatchback models from the 6 lineup. The '09 sedan comes with either a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or 272-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Six-speed manual and five- and six-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Prices for the 2009 Mazda 6 start at $18,550 for a base model with the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. The least-expensive 6 with an automatic is the five-speed $21,705 Touring.

The six-speed automatic comes with the V6. Prices for V6 models start at $24,130 for the 6s Sport and run as high as $28,260 for a 6s Grand Touring.

I tested a very well-equipped four-cylinder 6i Grand Touring model with the sporty, short-throw manual transmission and a $29,340 sticker.

I also briefly drove a loaded V6-powered 6s Grand Touring that stickered at $32,450. Both cars had the lively performance and nimble handling that have become Mazda hallmarks.

The prices give pause, however. They are at the high end of a competitive set that includes less expensive, but very good, cars like the Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

Mazda compensates for that with style, handling and some very appealing features the competition doesn't offer.

Most notable among those is a warning system that alerts you about vehicles in your blind spots.

None of the competitive models offers that addictively useful feature, and several can't match the optional navigation system and excellent Bose sound system in the cars I tested.

The 2009 Mazda 6 also has more passenger and luggage space than most of its competitors. Passenger room is an impressive 101.9 cubic feet.

Despite the big interior and generous space for knees and legs, headroom feels a bit tight, particularly in the backseat.

The trunk provides an exceptionally large 16.6 cubic feet, with a conveniently low liftover for loading heavy cargo.

The new Mazda 6 is 6.9 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider and 1.2 inches taller than the car it replaces, but it does not look large, thanks to a lovely body that creates a lithe, ground-hugging look.

The front styling emphasizes flared fenders and a fluid profile that borrows elements from Mazda's RX-8 and MX-5 sporty cars.

The look is all-Mazda from every angle except behind, where it bears a strong resemblance to a Toyota Camry.

Despite its generous dimensions, the 6 is quick and maneuverable.

Both engines provide good acceleration. The steering has good feedback and precise response around town, though slightly over-assisted at highway speeds, where it could use a more defined on-center feel.

The suspension absorbs bumps well and holds the 6 flat and stable through fast curves.

A nicely appointed interior completes the car's sporty persona. The leather seats are comfortable and attractive.

A combination of satin finish and chrome trim pieces provides appealing accents. An unfortunate black plastic trim that's shot through with light streaks is the only false note.

Fuel economy for both the four-cylinder and V6 models is at the low end of their competitive sets.

The EPA rates the four-cylinder with manual transmission at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 with six-speed checks in at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Despite that drawback and a price that can get dauntingly high, the 2009 Mazda 6's style and performance make it an excellent choice for buyers who want a midsize sedan that's not afraid to paddle outside the mainstream.

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2009 MAZDA 6i GRAND TOURING

Front-wheel drive, five-passenger midsize sedan

Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

Reasons to buy: Looks, handling, features

Shortcomings: Headroom, fuel economy, price

Vehicle type: Front-wheel drive, five-passenger midsize sedan

Base price: $24,910 (excluding destination charges)

As tested: $29,340

Standard equipment: Antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, alarm system, engine immobilizer, blind-spot monitoring system, curtain air bags, front seat side air bags, tire pressure monitoring, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off Xenon headlights, fog lights, power heated side-view mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink universal garage door opener, push-button start, leather-trimmed seats, 8-way power driver's seat with memory, manual tilt/telescope steering column, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, heated front seats, power passenger seat, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, keyless entry, power windows and locks, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer.

Options: Sunroof, navigation system, 10-speaker Bose audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer, AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio and auxiliary input.

Specifications as tested

Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC variable timing 16-valve four-cylinder

Power: 170 horsepower at 6,000 r.p.m., 167 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 r.p.m.

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Fuel economy: 20 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway

Wheelbase: 109.8 inches

Length: 193.7 inches

Width: 72.4 inches

Height: 57.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,258 pounds

Where assembled: Flat Rock

Comparative base prices

Manual transmission models, not including destination charges

Ford Fusion SE: $19,760

Honda Accord EX-L: $25,455

Nissan Altima 2.5 S: $21,040

Toyota Camry SE: $21,815