Mazda 6

Mazda is on a roll! It has already shown it can produce a class-leading supermini, in the shape of the latest 2. And now, the new 6 is ready to take on the Mondeo. Not only is it much more stylish than before, it’s also bigger, better built and has a much improved driving experience. While we still have some reservations over quality, there’s no doubt that the new 6 range offers family buyers a brilliant all-round package.

There’s a revolution on the way in the new car market. Although sales in the large family class are dwind­ling, the quality of the models available has never been better.

The latest Mondeo is one of the best cars Ford has ever produced, while the next-generation Vauxhall Vectra – due in dealers in autumn next year – promises to be a big step forward, too. So do the new Citroen C5 and Honda Accord.

From January, Mazda will add the new 6 to the mix. Available in hatchback or saloon form (with an est­ate following in March), and priced from £15,500, it’s bigger and better look­ing than before, and also offers more quality and standard equipment.

Penned by Youichi Sato, who also des­igned the last-generation RX-7 coupé, the 6 is certainly attractive. The deep, V-shaped grille, angular headlights, pronounced wheelarches and LED tail-lamps are particular highlights.

Mazda says it’s trying to develop a design language that’s home-grown, rather than Euro-inspired. Although the 6 doesn’t stand out as much as it could, it still looks very sleek. In fact, if you took the badge off the front, you’d prob­ably mistake it for a Lexus!

It’s much better on the inside, too. At 65mm longer, there’s now space for four six-footers to travel in comfort. The interior design features a simple, uncluttered dashboard and sporty recessed instru­ments.

But while the general quality of the cabin’s fit and finish is excellent, some of the plastics Mazda has used could be sturdier – the Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat continue to lead the way in this respect. However, there are plenty of neat touches. On entry, the main controls on the centre console are backlit in a warm red, with the stereo illuminated in contrasting blue. A Mondeo-style toggle switch on the steering wheel controls the stereo, ventilation and satellite navigation systems.

Trim levels follow those of the pre­vious 6, with a choice of S, TS, TS2 and Sport models – although a new luxury spec will arrive next year. Even the base S gets air-con, a CD player, traction and stability control and elec­tric windows. TS2 trim adds Bluetooth, a tyre pressure warning system and adaptive headlights. Options include a seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav.

Under the bonnet, a new 168bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine replaces the old 2.3, while the 118bhp 1.8-litre and 145bhp 2.0-litre petrols are carried over. The 138bhp 2.0-litre turbo­diesel features a new particulate filter. Only the 1.8-litre comes with a five-speed manual box; all other variants feature six-speed transmissions, with a five-ratio automatic optional.

It’s all change in terms of the driving experience, however. Careful hon­ing of the aerodynamics has resulted in an excellent drag coefficient of 0.27, and while the new 6 is larger, it weighs up to 35kg less than the previous car. The body structure is stiffer, while the suspension is new front and rear, as is the electric power-steering.

So do these changes work? Well, based on our brief drive at a closed race track in Hungary, it seems Mazda is on to a winner. The 6 is a much more grown-up car, with better ride comfort and far less engine noise. But it’s still lots of fun to drive. The steering is direct and linear, the gear­change slick and the handling agile, with excellent balance and grip. In fact, if the steering had a little more weight, the 6 would worry the Ford.

We didn’t get the chance to try the diesel, but our pick of the petrol models are the 1.8 and 2.0-litre. These provide better steering feel than the heavier 2.5, as well as a decent blend of performance and economy. We’ll be able to provide a more comprehensive verdict when we test the 6 next month, but even at this stage, it’s obvious that it’s a huge leap forward. Here is a car that can truly compete with the best in class.

Rival: Ford Mondeo
Simply the best large family model money on sale. It offers a wide range of engines and trims, great looks and peerless handling – so we can’t wait to put it head-to-head with the new 6.