We'll start by saying that each of these family cradles are separated from their predecessors by dozens of changes - all of them promising to outdo each other in the race for modernisation.
For starters, the new Nissan Teana comes with 'zero-gravity' seats. If the name itself doesn't impress you sufficiently, the design process should - they were inspired by NASA's (the very people who send humans to space) research in seating and posture, and claims to reduce muscular and spinal loads. Space-age seats on earthly commute - how cool is that?
The Mazda6, too, does not shy with its concoction of cutting edge technologies - particularly in the field of drivetrain. Besides a capacitor-based energy recuperating system (known as the i-Eloop), it also has an auto start/stop system that works faster than you can blink your eyes.
The Toyota Camry, too, has several tricks up its sleeves in the name of efficiency. It gets its regular dose of fuel saving techs, such as Variable Valve Timing (dubbed VVT-i), as well as an array of adaptations - such as covered under body, aero fins, etc.
It seems nowadays, family sedans need to do more than just ferrying five in style and comfort. Exterior
Despite being conceived for similar motives, each of the trio took on very disparate styling languages. Being the latest of the lot, the Teana bear very similar cues found in its younger sibling - the Sylphy. On first look, it was almost as if the mid-sized sedan has been blown up to proportions.
For starters, the new Nissan Teana comes with 'zero-gravity' seats. If the name itself doesn't impress you sufficiently, the design process should - they were inspired by NASA's (the very people who send humans to space) research in seating and posture, and claims to reduce muscular and spinal loads. Space-age seats on earthly commute - how cool is that?
The Mazda6, too, does not shy with its concoction of cutting edge technologies - particularly in the field of drivetrain. Besides a capacitor-based energy recuperating system (known as the i-Eloop), it also has an auto start/stop system that works faster than you can blink your eyes.
The Toyota Camry, too, has several tricks up its sleeves in the name of efficiency. It gets its regular dose of fuel saving techs, such as Variable Valve Timing (dubbed VVT-i), as well as an array of adaptations - such as covered under body, aero fins, etc.
It seems nowadays, family sedans need to do more than just ferrying five in style and comfort. Exterior
Despite being conceived for similar motives, each of the trio took on very disparate styling languages. Being the latest of the lot, the Teana bear very similar cues found in its younger sibling - the Sylphy. On first look, it was almost as if the mid-sized sedan has been blown up to proportions.
But no, we aren't complaining. The new Teana portrays an image that is more graceful than its forebearer. The curvy contours coupled with the larger dimensions give it an almost majestic look among the trio.
On the contrary, the Camry is more 'straight forward' in terms of styling. With a bolder, more angular profile, it does with less curves than any of the other duos. Hence, it is safe to say that the Toyota looks the most muscular of the lot.
This time round, we left the best-looking to be mentioned last. While aesthetics can be very individual, the Mazda6 hit a sweet spot with a pure sense of stylishness. The marketing people did not overpromise - a clean, yet strong wave of motion is clearly demonstrated by Mazda's family sedan, even at standstill.
And there's no shying that much credits go to the Takeri Concept, which the Mazda6 heavily borrowed its design cures from. And we think that's one of the reasons why it is the eye-turner of the group.
On the contrary, the Camry is more 'straight forward' in terms of styling. With a bolder, more angular profile, it does with less curves than any of the other duos. Hence, it is safe to say that the Toyota looks the most muscular of the lot.
This time round, we left the best-looking to be mentioned last. While aesthetics can be very individual, the Mazda6 hit a sweet spot with a pure sense of stylishness. The marketing people did not overpromise - a clean, yet strong wave of motion is clearly demonstrated by Mazda's family sedan, even at standstill.
And there's no shying that much credits go to the Takeri Concept, which the Mazda6 heavily borrowed its design cures from. And we think that's one of the reasons why it is the eye-turner of the group.
Interior
Always known to be one of the best in creature comfort, the Camry's cabin is truly one of the best places to be in. The plush soft leather seats plays a huge part, and even the carpets are thick - giving you a sense of oppulence that is not found in other cars.
Drivers will also feel calm and at ease at the Camry's helm. Buttons and switches are easy to access and use. That said, the clean, down-to-earth displays will not raise brows, but will unlikely create any sense of occasion either. The design of the cabin is relatively dated, and its limited aesthetical appeal may just be its biggest deficit.
The Teana, being the latest model among the trio, charms with solid build quality. The 'zero-gravity' seats are naturally the highlight, and are genuinely comfortable on the go. It is also the only one to feature an auto 'seat retracting' function - to allow easier ingress and egress for the driver.
Despite losing out slightly in legroom compared to the Camry, there are still generous allowances at the rear quarters of the Teana - a cosy, almost cocoon-like environment that will put minds and bodies at peace.
Always known to be one of the best in creature comfort, the Camry's cabin is truly one of the best places to be in. The plush soft leather seats plays a huge part, and even the carpets are thick - giving you a sense of oppulence that is not found in other cars.
Drivers will also feel calm and at ease at the Camry's helm. Buttons and switches are easy to access and use. That said, the clean, down-to-earth displays will not raise brows, but will unlikely create any sense of occasion either. The design of the cabin is relatively dated, and its limited aesthetical appeal may just be its biggest deficit.
The Teana, being the latest model among the trio, charms with solid build quality. The 'zero-gravity' seats are naturally the highlight, and are genuinely comfortable on the go. It is also the only one to feature an auto 'seat retracting' function - to allow easier ingress and egress for the driver.
Despite losing out slightly in legroom compared to the Camry, there are still generous allowances at the rear quarters of the Teana - a cosy, almost cocoon-like environment that will put minds and bodies at peace.
The driver will also be kept informed (and entertained) by the multi-function screen that takes centre stage on the instrument panel - displaying trip information, as well as cruise control and audio settings. A nice touch.
The sportiness exhibited on the Mazda6's sheet metal follow suit into its cabin. The Mazda6's tri-roundel instruments are good examples of simple gauges made classier. We, too, like the three-spoke steering that evokes a greater sense of sportiness as soon as you enter the driver's cockpit.
The interior also strikes immediately as one that is more youthful, with contrasting panels - courtesy of leather and aluminium-look trims and and lacquered plastics - forming the bulk of the decor.
However, while we favour it over the wooden trims in both the Camry and Teana, they fail to demonstrate the same kind of solid, bomb-proof feel that the others are eloquent in.
The sportiness exhibited on the Mazda6's sheet metal follow suit into its cabin. The Mazda6's tri-roundel instruments are good examples of simple gauges made classier. We, too, like the three-spoke steering that evokes a greater sense of sportiness as soon as you enter the driver's cockpit.
The interior also strikes immediately as one that is more youthful, with contrasting panels - courtesy of leather and aluminium-look trims and and lacquered plastics - forming the bulk of the decor.
However, while we favour it over the wooden trims in both the Camry and Teana, they fail to demonstrate the same kind of solid, bomb-proof feel that the others are eloquent in.
The Drive
Staying true to the 'zoom zoom' jingle, Mazda manages to squeeze 185 horses and 250Nm of torque from its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. While the Teana and Camry share similar engine capacity and configuration, it is the Mazda6 that has the most potent performance.
Likewise, the chassis is tuned for more intuitive driving. Its quick-to-react and sharp handling is delectable, and especially so for a family sedan. And we have to say it is the most enjoyable to drive among the trio.
On the other hand, the Camry will dispatch 181bhp and 231Nm of torque. Although it isn't the quickest of the lot, the Camry will retain its poise when driven hard. Its softer setup wasn't meant for it to take corners hard, and we reckon sedated cruising is best-suited for it.
Nissan has fitted the Teana with 173bhp and 234Nm of torque - the most conservative figures among the trio. Despite losing the power war, the Teana's 2.5-litre feels strong, mustering its might with relative ease that allows it to cut through traffic in a diligent manner.
Staying true to the 'zoom zoom' jingle, Mazda manages to squeeze 185 horses and 250Nm of torque from its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. While the Teana and Camry share similar engine capacity and configuration, it is the Mazda6 that has the most potent performance.
Likewise, the chassis is tuned for more intuitive driving. Its quick-to-react and sharp handling is delectable, and especially so for a family sedan. And we have to say it is the most enjoyable to drive among the trio.
On the other hand, the Camry will dispatch 181bhp and 231Nm of torque. Although it isn't the quickest of the lot, the Camry will retain its poise when driven hard. Its softer setup wasn't meant for it to take corners hard, and we reckon sedated cruising is best-suited for it.
Nissan has fitted the Teana with 173bhp and 234Nm of torque - the most conservative figures among the trio. Despite losing the power war, the Teana's 2.5-litre feels strong, mustering its might with relative ease that allows it to cut through traffic in a diligent manner.
More notably, the Teana takes imperfections on the tarmac with stride. The impressive dampling, courtesy of the new multi-link setup at the rear, soaks up bumps amiably.
Conclusion
We have construed three strong cases in this comparison, each with a unique take on the argument. The Camry's solid build quality and plush interior remains to be its strongest traits.
The Mazda6 is the almost definite choice for any family man who yearns as much for driving involvement, without sacrificing style and practicality.
What genuinely surprised us was the Teana, which has come some way from its predecessor to provide such level of sophistication and comfort, without eliminating the driver from the equation. And we reckon that not just us, but many others will be biting the bait.
Conclusion
We have construed three strong cases in this comparison, each with a unique take on the argument. The Camry's solid build quality and plush interior remains to be its strongest traits.
The Mazda6 is the almost definite choice for any family man who yearns as much for driving involvement, without sacrificing style and practicality.
What genuinely surprised us was the Teana, which has come some way from its predecessor to provide such level of sophistication and comfort, without eliminating the driver from the equation. And we reckon that not just us, but many others will be biting the bait.
