Mazda6 2.0 DISI Estate

Don’t expect anything controversial from the facelifted Mazda6. It picks up where the outgoing car left off, but subtly refines the looks, efficiency and driving experience. The punchy but frugal 2.2-litre diesel, available with 127bhp, 161bhp or 178bhp, is the pick of the engines – especially when hooked up to the superb six-speed manual gearbox. And whether you choose the hatchback or estate variant it offers class-leading bootspace plus one of the sportiest drives in the segment. These might be incremental rather than groundbreaking updates, but it should be enough to cement the 6’s position as a capable and compelling alternative to the big players in the class.

Mazda’s Mondeo rival has gained some extra ‘6’ appeal! At first glance the changes to the facelifted Mazda6 might appear subtle, but add-up the styling tweaks inside and out, revised engine range and reprogrammed steering there are over 400 changes compared to the outgoing car.

A redesigned grille, new front and rear light clusters and round instead of rectangular fog lights make up the exterior changes. On the inside additional chrome plating on the switchgear and new piano black trim surrounding the sat-nav touch screen are the only additions.

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

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68546","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The 6 still has an athletic stance thanks to its pronounced wheel arches and sloping roof and looks especially good in estate form, while the uncluttered interior has a high-quality and durable feel to it, particularly in the top Sport trim of our test car. Fold down the rear seats and the 1,751-litres of loading space trumps even the cavernous Mondeo.

We drove the new direct-injection 153bhp 2.0 DISI petrol engine, capable of returning 40.9mpg and producing 159g/km of CO2 – a seven per cent hike over the old MZR 2.0 unit. We tried it hooked up to the five-speed auto ‘box – a refined combination at motorway speeds, but faced with a twisting B-road it couldn’t do the car’s sporty character justice.

Also on offer is a heavily revised version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine – available in three states of tune. We drove the most powerful, which proved to be as smooth and punchy as you could realistically need. And thanks to a smaller turbocharger fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions have leapt by five per cent, while the performance figures match the outgoing car.

New steering software and lighter aluminium alloy wheels at each corner aim to simultaneously improve the car’s reactions and its ride – and it works superbly. The car always feels eager to turn in and there’s endless grip in the bends. Factor in the precise, mechanical action of the six-speed manual ‘box and it’s obvious that Mazda’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’ philosophy is more than just a marketing tagline.

Prices have risen by an average of 4.8 per cent across the range, but you do get more kit for your money.  A rear spoiler, front and rear parking sensors, Hill Hold Assist and swivelling front lights are all standard features as you move up the range.

Rival: Ford Mondeo
Much like the Mazda6 the Mondeo cuts a more dashing figure in estate form. The 6 might be marginally sharper drive, but no family car can match the Ford's ride quality, the estate in particular shrugs off poor road surfaces with ease.