Mazda6 wagon or CX5 compact SUV
I've driven the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV. Very impressed. Has a strong rating by Motor Trend as does the Mazda6, which has the best rating of a family-size sedan (over Passat & Accord, who held previous highest ratings). But I need a wagon, and the Mazda6 wagon with diesel has excellent ratings in Europe. This would be a strong competitor to the now non-existent Passat wagon. (Actually, the MKVI VW Sportwagon is as long as the previous European Passat.) The VW Sportwagon has nice room inside but Mazda6 is roomier. Having measured both the CX5 and Mazda6 I find the ground clearance of each at front and rear to be almost identical. This is useful as I trailer a lightweight, solid-wall camping trailer (Aliner). I'm having continued issues with my Jetta's turbocharger; now stuck in Montana, 2300 miles from home, with second turbo in 14 months! Why does VW only install rebuilt turbos? A Mazda sounds good at the moment, though I love driving the Jetta. Mazda6 diesel in sedan is due in dealerships this late-Oct or Nov 2013. In talking with dealers they feel the delay is due to "educating" their sales teams on how to talk diesel. I would guess they also have to train their service personnel & stock parts for diesels. If the Mazda6 wagon were not available I'd definitely buy a diesel CX5 when I get back home to Florida.