Mazda 6

Lowly but surely, Mazda is reinventing itself, tapping into the creativity that brought us the popular MX-5 and storming RX-7 sports cars, and injecting it in its saloons.

Auto Express Car Reviews

March 2002

Lowly but surely, Mazda is reinventing itself, tapping into the creativity that brought us the popular MX-5 and storming RX-7 sports cars, and injecting it in its saloons.

The first demonstration of all this work is the stunning replacement for the 626 you see here. Christened simply the Mazda 6, the newcomer is set to rival the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo and Renault Laguna. Auto Express climbed behind the wheel first to bring you this world exclusive test of the car due on sale next summer.

Although our drive concentrated on the petrol-engined 2.3-litre five-door hatchback, saloon and estate versions will also be available. There is a wide choice of engines, as well, including 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol units and a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel.

Prices are expected to start from