I KNOW I’ve always been a bit of a devotee of Mazda’s 6 but having just driven another version – the 2.2 diesel estate – I’m still not wrong.
It drives superbly in every situation and, in estate form, makes a perfect family car.
An average of 44 miles per gallon in real driving is not to be sniffed at and the performance leaves little wanting, with the engine pulling well from very low revs even in sixth gear.
It is very easy to drive, with a light clutch, slick gearchange, marvellously positive and precise steering and safe handling.
It has good acceleration away from rest and this gets even better through the gears, with tremendous urge for overtaking in fourth and fifth.
The ride is very slightly unsettled at low town speeds but smoothes out almost straight away as it accelerates and the road-holding and handling are sublime, with the most marvellous grip and excellent safety.
Interior
Rear legroom is excellent and the boot, with roller cover, is huge. Standard kit includes front and rear parking sensors, multi-function steering wheel, climate, multi-CD, alarm and alloys.
Mazda reliability and customer satisfaction is second to none - and that includes BMW and Mercedes. On top of that it's great to drive.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 Estate
Price: £22,480
Mechanical: 161bhp, 2,184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 52
Insurance group: 25
CO2 emissions: 143g/km
BIK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Main rival: Peugeot 508