WHEN it comes to watching my weight, I've always had a bit of a blind spot.
The benefits have never seemed to outweigh (forgive the pun) all the hassle.
However, having driven the new slimmed down Mazda6, calories are definitely now being counted.
Introduced last year, the 'Sustainable Zoom-Zoom' development strategy sees Mazda targeting environmental issues by controlling the weight of its newest vehicles.
Thus the latest Mazda6, despite being larger and better equipped is 50kg - or more than 3 per cent - lighter than the model it replaces.
The reduced weight is combined with an improvement in aerodynamic performance and new hi-tech engines to ensure the car now uses less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide than before.
It also has the neat benefit of allowing green credentials to be boasted of while providing a much improved driving performance. Having your cake and eating it springs to mind.
As well as the two-litre petrol engine in the car I tested, Mazda offers three other engines - two petrol and one diesel - but it's the first named that gives the best balance between price, economy and performance combining smooth progress with decent acceleration.
The six-speed gearbox is a little notchy but does the job of helping the engine pull the Mazda6 from 0-62mph in a shade over ten seconds.
The two-litre power unit is also a refined beast leaving the peace undisturbed unless it is worked extremely hard.
All these plus points would be in vain though if the Mazda6 was a nightmare to drive - but here once again the Japanese prove they know how to make a car go round corners.
It's anything but a small motor, but the agility and grip available are more hot hatch than family hatchback and there's little if any body roll.
The ride is fairly firm as a consequence - but not unpleasantly so as it retains the ability to soak up the bumps and potholes infesting our road network.
Meanwhile the steering is light and precise giving the driver more feedback than a rock concert.
Thus, whether it's on the motorway or a winding country lane, the Mazda6 is fun to drive.
As far as value for money is concerned Mazda ensures the sticker price has plenty of 6-appeal compared to rivals while the model's running costs are relatively easy on the wallet.
Plenty of goodies are included for the money, with the TS2 trim benefiting from radio/CD player, dual-zone climate control, electric windows and door mirrors, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic headlights and Bluetooth connectivity.
Climb into the cabin and the first discordant note is struck as some of the plastics used let the side down - especially on the driver's side.
However there's a youthful sporty feel about the interior as eye-catching bits of metallic trim, circular air vents, and cowled dials make their presence felt.
There's more than enough space up front while rear legroom could accommodate a giraffe, although the sloping roof line can leave headroom a little tight.
The boot is impressive offering a big square space that becomes even more cavernous when the rear seats are folded flat as the bases automatically drop when you lower the backrests.
All the buttons and dials are well laid out and easy to use offering bright splashes of colour when lit at night.
If your looking for a family hatchback then the joy of 6 shouldn't be forgotten.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 5dr
Price: £17,840
Mechanical: 147ps, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 10.2 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 168g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust