Mazda 6

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 £14,000 for the entry-level edition of the 1.8, rising to around £20,000 for the flagship 2.3-litre model

With an all-new platform, Mazda's Mondeo-sized car also has the advantage of being the latest demonstration of parent company Ford's expertise in chassis engineering. On the road, it did not seem that the 6 was about to disappoint. Not only did the suspension feel supple, and the steering precise, the engine impressed us, too. Our test car gave excellent throttle response from way down low in the rev range. The power delivery builds with engine speed, and the unit feels keener as it passes the 5,000rpm mark. Generating 163bhp at 6,500rpm and 207Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, the five-speed manual gearbox proved suited to the rev-happy engine, offering quick, precise changes. A four-speed automatic is also offered as a cost option on this car, while a five-speed self-shifter will be available on a Japan-only 3.0-litre V6 that will not go on sale in the UK.

On a more challenging road, the all-new self-levelling multi-link rear suspension system makes itself felt. Although described by Mazda engineers as a revolutionary set-up, the system owes a great deal to the 'control blade' arrangement developed by Ford for the top-selling Focus. It provides rock-solid straight-line stability on motorways and impressive cornering capability, especially on country roads.

Refinement is much improved, too, thanks in part to better soundproofing and the new, stiffer bodyshell. Safety is another high priority and the Mazda 6 is fitted with four-wheel ABS and EBD as standard, as well as dual-stage front and side airbags. In addition, the company is confident the 6 will do well in the demanding Euro NCAP crash tests. Inside, the cabin will carry five adults in comfort. Front and rear headroom is ample, while the dash design and dials are simple and functional.

A unique one-touch mechanism on the hatchback model allows the driver to lower the rear seats instantly, thus creating a flat-floored luggage space.

There's an improvement in quality, too, with interior trim finished in materials worthy of this class. While the old 626 looked as if it had been crafted from the remains of a plastic chair, the new car borders on the luxurious.

The 6 is impressive - and needs to be if it is to succeed. As the current 626 has few fans, the 6 and its forthcoming family will have to do much better if Mazda is to survive.

Compared with the 626 it replaces, Mazda's 6 is a work of art. Impressive to drive, spacious and comfortable inside, it's the best saloon car Mazda has built to date. But it faces quite a tough challenge. Not only is it charged with reinvigorating Mazda's appeal within the UK, it's also a car that must showcase the worth of the latest chassis produced by parent company Ford. Competitive pricing will help the Mazda's cause and, unlike previous machines from the Japanese manufacturer, it can also expect to benefit from its considerable charms.

At a glance

* New Mazda 6 on UK sale from next summer

* Prices are expected to start at £14,000

* Petrol and diesel choices in new range of engines nBased on all-new driver-oriented chassis