Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Mazda 6 Tourer vs rivals

Mazda is going boldly into estate market as new 6 Tourer faces key rivals

Mazda 6 Tourer vs rivals

Space exploration has changed dramatically in the past decade, as organisations such as NASA and the European Space Agency have to count the pennies on every mission. Thankfully, today’s family estates come with advanced fuel-efficient technologies that mean you can reap savings on every journey you take.

Mazda’s new 6 Tourer has taken a giant leap forward using SkyActiv tech to cut costs without sacrificing performance. It also makes the top-spec Sport feel rocket-powered. The 6’s rivals here also incorporate stop-start and energy-saving kit. VW’s Passat Sport uses BlueMotion tech to improve mpg, plus its 2.0 TDI comes close to the 6 for performance. And while Hyundai’s i40 Tourer can’t match rivals’ pace, it’s efficient, and the top-spec SE Premium has lots of kit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

So which of our trio of spacious estates is a star turn? And which model is left on the launch pad?

Verdict

All three cars in this test have their strengths, offering bags of variety for buyers. The Mazda 6 Tourer is as involving to drive as its saloon brother, and it’s superbly efficient, too, while the large boot means it’s an obvious alternative if you need the extra space. The Volkswagen Passat has sporting pretensions, even if it can’t keep pace with the Mazda, but it makes up for this by being the most practical car here. You just have to raid the options list to bring it up to the same spec as its rivals, which soon makes it look expensive. And then there’s the Hyundai i40. It falls between the other cars for practicality, and it’s loaded with kit. Yet it feels underpowered in this company, and isn’t very exciting to drive. As a result, the 6 Tourer takes victory. It offers the best mix of economy, practicality, kit and performance in a sharp-suited package.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £12,100
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,124 off RRP*Used from £8,250
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025
Skoda Fabia 130 is a 174bhp hot hatch for under £30k
Skoda Fabia 130 - front cornering

Skoda Fabia 130 is a 174bhp hot hatch for under £30k

Along with more power the hot Fabia gets revised suspension and steering
News
7 Oct 2025
New Tesla Model Y Standard is here to make the EV SUV a bit cheaper, just not in the UK
Tesla Model Y Standard

New Tesla Model Y Standard is here to make the EV SUV a bit cheaper, just not in the UK

New Tesla Model Y Standard has been revealed, but UK buyers may have to wait a little longer to buy one…
News
7 Oct 2025