Mazda 6

With the 6, Mazda has created a car that can challenge the best in the class. The stunning exterior means it stands out, while the interior is equally refreshing – although there are question marks over some of the materials used. On the road, the 6 impresses with its engaging dynamics, but this range-topping Sport version is let down by the underwhelming 2.5-litre motor. Choose one of the smaller-engined models, and you’ll have a genuine Mondeo rival.

Competition in the large family car market is hotting up. Ford’s Mondeo and the Renault Laguna lead the field for quality, while Vauxhall’s Insignia promises to be just as impressive.

And now, Mazda is hoping to inject some ‘six’ appeal to the sector. The firm has given its 6 a stylish new look, as well as increasing quality and improving the specification. Bosses also claim the car’s reputation for sporty hand­ling will remain intact, and challenge the Mondeo for driving thrills.

So, we got behind the wheel of one of the first examples in the UK to see if it matches up to the promise. And there’s no denying that the exterior is a success, as the sleek 6 is one of the best-looking cars in the class. At the front, a deep, V-shaped grille is flanked by angular, swept-back headlamps. A low roof, high waistline and bulging wheelarches provide the car with a powerful stance.

At the rear, the neat LED tail-lights are distinctive, while this Sport model also benefits from a racy bodykit. This comprises side skirts, a deeper front bumper and a bootlid spoiler.

Climb aboard, and you’ll find the bold styling has also made its way into the cabin. The dashboard features an uncluttered layout and an excellent level of fit and finish. However, some of the plastics aren’t up to the car’s premium billing – those used on the centre console and stereo controls fall behind the high standards set by the Mondeo. Yet the interior is a treat after dark, as the dials are lit up in an orange and blue glow.

The cabin is a roomy and comfortable place in which to spend time. A 65mm stretch in length over the previous car means plenty of room front and rear, while the front seats provide excellent support. Standard equipment is also generous, with a powerful Bose stereo, Bluetooth phone connectivity and keyless ignition all included.

Hit the dashboard starter button, and the 2.5-litre powerplant fires into life. The 168bhp unit is smooth and unobtrusive, although it doesn’t deliver a knock-out punch. Peak torque of 226Nm is delivered at 4,000rpm, which means the engine needs to be worked hard for decent progress.

To compensate for the lack of low-down grunt, the engineers have made the gearing shorter to compensate – so 70mph in sixth translates to a busy 2,900rpm on the rev counter. This detracts from an otherwise refined motorway cruising experience – as does a small amount of wind noise from around the door frames.

There’s better news once you get into the corners. Mazda has worked hard on weight-saving measures, with the result that the 6 is 35kg lighter than its predecessor, at 1,275kg. This can be felt in the way the car drives.

The steering responds to finger­tip inputs, the six-speed gearbox has a slick shift and the chassis feels very alert: it’s clear that the company has drawn on experiences gained from its MX-5 roadster. The one downside of the sharp chassis is a rather restless ride. Over broken road surfaces, the Mazda can lose its composure.

But the 6’s biggest hurdle remains the Mondeo. For similar money, buyers can get a Titanium-spec version of the Ford. Although it makes do with a smaller 2.0-litre engine, performance doesn’t suffer greatly, and it equals the Mazda for involvement. Still, the company has ensured customers get plenty of variety in the line-up. As well as this hatchback, there’s a rakish saloon and a practical estate, as well as a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol motors or a 2.0-litre diesel.

With prices starting from £15,100, the 6 represents decent value, while the smaller-engined models benefit from an even more composed chassis, thanks to less weight in the nose.

Rival: Ford Mondeo
The blue oval’s family hatch is the car to beat, with a refined chassis, premium finish and vast cabin. The styling is a little fussy when compared to the 6, while the 2.5-litre engine is potent but thirsty.