I'm in the same predicament as you, meaning I'm choosing between these same two vehicles with roughly the same primary purpose, a sedan that has decent looks, value and performance but will serve as a family-mobile.

Initially the Mazda6 was very appealing to me:

- Great test-drive impressions, sporty performance, comfortable ride, great look that hasn't been overexposed yet ala the fortuner around every corner. And, I LOVE that key. He he.

- Better value with regard to package, with all the standard equipment at a LOT less dough than the camry, especially when you factor in the promos and you come out with a much cheaper price tag.

- Availability. Camrys are just plain hard to come by, in any trim level.

However, here are the reasons why I pick the camry:

- The major downside to a Mazda6 is the fact that spy shots of the new generation Mazda6 have already hit the net, the most recent on edmunds inside line web site, where the car is much better in every regard. My initially great value will suddenly take a huge hit in depreciation once the new one comes out, rumored to be spring of next year. Your car will suddenly look old right away after less than a year of use. The new one will also have newer features (albeit at a higher price tag). Of course, if you don't care about having the latest thing and don't really plan to sell the car for a while anyway, and you're happy with the current 6, then its not a big deal.

- Reliability/Resale. I've had Mazdas in the US and while they were okay reliability-wise, they still had problems that my toyotas never had. In recent consumer reports, mazda6 cars were rated as average-below average in reliability. Also, parts for toyotas are absolutely more available at more places than Mazdas. It may seem like a small difference, seeing as few Mazda6 owners here have had that many problems, but its still early (3 years into the model cycle). My 1997 camry keeps humming along and still gets 7.5 km/liter, with nary a repair needed.

- Main purpose. I'm going to bring my family around often, and the Mazda6 seemed cramped for a family of 4+yaya. The camry gets a nice balance of looks, nice ride, and decent performance. I'm realistic with the knowledge that I'm not going to race the teenagers in their souped up minicars. Been there done that. Not that the camry can't go fast, but in Manila roads and traffic, who does that that often anyway? Mas pansin din sya just from reactions of people I'm with at different times. Maganda daw Mazda6, but they literally get wide-eyed at seeing a Camry.

That's just my opinion, but hopefully it helps you out a bit.

By the way, here are the differences between the V and G. The V adds:

Wood grain panels
Tri-color display
Leather seats/trim
Power sunshade
Power front seats
Power reclining rear seats
Rear controls for sunshade/audio/AC/recline
Cruise control
Immobilizer
Auto-on headlights
Rain sensing wipers