Mazda 6
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Dynamically accomplished, handsome and well-built - recent revisions have helped to strengthen the Mazda 6's case further.
Review
The Mazda 6 has long since been the most exciting of the company's non-MX5 products, and a set of mid-life revisions have helped to improve it further.
Not that anything but the smallest aesthetic differences tell you the car has changed - visually this doesn't even qualify as a course of Botox, let alone a facelift. The sleek, sporty styling remains pretty much as before (although the front end has been revised) - and inside the cabin is pretty much unchanged, too.
That means a well-finished interior, although with some cheesy-looking design details like the shiny plastic centre console. Both front and rear seat passengers enjoy reasonable space, although taller occupants will struggle for headroom in the back. The 6 is available in saloon, hatch and estate forms, all offer decently sized boots - and the hatch and estate also have easily collapsible rear seats to maximise luggage capacity.
On the road the 6's case has been improved by better soundproofing, which dramatically lessens the engine noise and road-roar that the pre-facelift car suffered from. Dynamically it's as accomplished as ever, meaty steering and keen responses making for amusing progress over a twisty road. The low-speed ride quality remains a bit too firm for comfort, but the trade-off is excellent body control on bumpier country roads.
Engine choice is limited to three petrol and two diesel units. Even the basic 1.8 litre petrol gives strong performance, although the 2.0 litre unit has more in reserve at speed - and we can't really see much of a case for the 2.3 litre four-cylinder that tops the range. The two 2.0 litre diesels are fast and frugal, but a little bit loud by class standards.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
One of the best looking cars in the segment - sleek and sporty.
Handling
4 star
The 6 grips well, responds enthusiastically and gives plenty of feedback. Good fun on a twisty road but stable at speed, too.
Comfort
3 star
Refinement has been improved by new soundproofing - it's now pretty much on a par with the best in the class. Low-speed ride quality is still a bit firm, though.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
We don't love some of the shiny plastics in the cabin, but there's no disputing the 6's well-built durability.
Performance
4 star
Limited engine choice, but all motors give decent performance - with the 2.0 litre petrol our pick of the range. 141 bhp turbodiesel is strong but vocal under hard use.
Roominess
3 star
Taller adults in the back will struggle for headroom, but otherwise the 6 feels impressively spacious. Saloon and hatchback have long, shallow boots - but estate's loadspace is cavernous.
Running Costs
4 star
Economical, reasonable on servicing and relatively cheap to insure - and residuals are far stronger than some rivals, too.
Value for money
4 star
Decent standard equipment on the bottom end of the range makes the 6 look like compelling value, especially as dealers are prepared to haggle hard to get your business. Only most expensive versions get traction control, though.
