I own a 2015 manual as tested
I own a 2015 manual as tested in this piece. This reviewer and I have dead-on identical impressions of this Mazda. I even have a teen son with hockey sticks to cart around!
I agree this car, in countless ways, outshines its competitors. I drove an Accord Sport manual back to back when shopping. Accord was "fine" (damning praise) while the M6 was much more comfortable and seemed less compromised. They were only about $250 apart, but in the real world were very far apart. It was an easy choice.
I would only add that entry and egress through the front doors requires a bit more bending and neck twisting that I would prefer. The week I was heeling from a sprained MCL in my right knee required a bit of wincing and groaning to get in and out of my 6.
Lastly, this car looks and feels like something much more expensive. I still consider it a treat to get in this car to drive to work each day!