Mazda 6 TS2

Mazda has some big plans for diesel power. In 2011, it will unveil a host of brand new lightweight engines with hi-tech fuel injection and stop-start and particulate filtering systems. But until then, this new 2.2-litre oil-burner – which will also be used in the forthcoming Mazda 3 hatchback and CX-7 MPV ranges next year – is an indication that the firm is on the right track.

Diesel is by far and away the most popular fuel of choice for luxury cars like BMW’s 7-Series – and the same can be said of family hatchbacks, too.

Mazda is launching a new lightweight, high-efficiency 2.2-litre oil-burner in the 6 next year, and it promises to be one of the best engines the Japanese firm has ever built.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mazda 6

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Available in 123bhp, 161bhp and 183bhp forms, the unit replaces the existing 138bhp 2.0-litre. It features a stiffer engine block and a chain-driven balancer shaft to improve refinement.

Sure enough, on the motorway the 183bhp model is a brilliant cruiser. However, it suffers from turbo lag, so low-speed driving round town becomes a series of lunges. Torque steer is a problem under hard acceleration, too.

By contrast, the 161bhp variant is the much better day-to-day option. It has the same fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures of 51.4mpg and 147g/km as the 123bhp unit, but delivers more usable power than the 183bhp motor.

In addition, the TS2 can be specified with 18-inch optional alloys – which barely affect the ride but increase grip – plus a blindspot warning system.