Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda 6 2.5 Sport Estate

We've already been impressed by the firm's latest load-lugger. Can the range-topper continue the success?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mazda 6
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

There’s no doubt about it: the new Mazda 6 is a great car – especially in estate guise. Competent in corners and as stylish as anything else on the road, it’s the model that pushes the class-leading Mondeo the hardest. Without the fire and brimstone of a hot MPS model, the 2.5 Sport is the flagship choice – it’s just a shame that the performance doesn’t justify its higher price or expensive running costs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you are looking for both space and pace, the Mazda 6 could be the car for you. We have already been impressed by the estate version in 2.0-litre petrol guise. But how does it rate in flagship 2.5 form?

The manufacturer doesn’t intend to introduce a hot MPS version of the 6, so the new, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine is the biggest petrol option. Essentially, it’s a reworked ver­sion of the old 2.3-litre unit, and with 226Nm of torque – up 19Nm – its best work is done at low revs.

Performance is brisk for such a big car, and 0-60mph takes 8.3 seconds.
As with the rest of the Mazda 6 range, what makes the 2.5 Sport a joy to drive is the crispness of its controls. Everything, from the slick six-speed gearchange to the smooth clutch and progressive brakes, allows the driver to concentrate on enjoying the well balanced chassis.

Admittedly, when you’re pressing on, the 6 isn’t as engaging as Mazda parent company Ford’s latest Mon­deo. However, even with the heaviest of the petrol engines nestling under its bonnet, the 6’s beautifully fluid steering and tight body control more than compensate. Although the more powerful five-cylinder blue oval range-topper is a more entertaining driver’s car, it is by only a fraction.

In fact, the 2.5-litre model’s biggest threat lies much closer to home. Mazda’s own 2.0 diesel is an excellent engine, and even the smaller 2.0-litre petrol powerplant provides more real-world muscle than its modest output of 147bhp suggests.

Take a look at the fuel economy figures, and the case for the 2.5-litre car weakens even further. The range-topper returns a claimed 34.4mpg, which doesn’t compare well with the 39.2mpg of the 2.0-litre.

Whichever model you choose, you are guaranteed plenty of space. With the rear seats in place, the estate’s 519-litre boot is only nine litres bigger than the hatch’s, but fold the chairs flat and there’s an impressive 1,751 litres of load room to play with. That’s 18 litres more than in the Mondeo.

If you have to buy the 2.5-litre, then Mazda is equally insistent on you having it in Sports guise: it’s the only trim level available. Thank­fully, this variant isn’t equipped with a special bone-jarring suspension set-up. Instead, you get smart 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as xenon headlamps with static cornering lights to improve visibility after dark.

Inside, the neatly styled cabin features half-leather upholstery, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a push-button starter as standard. Alloy pedals and an upgraded Bose stereo with no less than eight speakers further enhance the kit count.

At £20,330, the 2.5 Sport Estate is well priced against competitors from Honda, Volvo and Volkswagen. But it is still no substitute for a proper MPS. That being the case, you might as well spend your money on the smaller and more economical 2.0-litre petrol 6 or the torquey diesel instead.

Rival: Alfa Romeo 159 2.2
With bags of character, the Alfa is arguably the most stylish estate on the market. At £22,350, it’s a touch more expensive than the Mazda, although it comes with a fraction more power and a classy cabin.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: the refined Lexus RZ 450e for £283 per month
Lexus RZ - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: the refined Lexus RZ 450e for £283 per month

While the Lexus RZ isn’t perfect, the premium EV is very tempting on a £283-per-month lease deal
News
30 Oct 2024
Used sports cars and hot hatches can bring huge fun at bargain prices
Opinion - Toyota GT86

Used sports cars and hot hatches can bring huge fun at bargain prices

Consumer report Tom Jervis gives his expert insight on why you won’t miss out on driving thrills by choosing a car just a little bit older
Opinion
31 Oct 2024
New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV
Dacia Duster Hybrid - front

New Dacia Duster 2024 Hybrid review: electrical assistance suits superb small SUV

The first ever Dacia Duster Hybrid is a hit from behind the wheel, but better options exist in the small SUV’s range
Road tests
30 Oct 2024