THE Mazda6 range has pumped up its diesel muscle in recent times with the choice of three new 2.2-litre engines in its 26 strong line up.
With sights firmly fixed on the business and fleet market, the Mazda6 is one of those cars that always draws a second glance.
And Mazda wisely taking note of its automotive magnetism have given it the best possible shot in terms of diesel power.
When the expanded 26-strong line-up of new Mazda6 models went on sale the all-new MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine took centre stage, with a choice of three power outputs.
Mazda is also offering an extra £1,000 on top of the Government's £2,000 scrappage scheme allowance to offer the best possible deal to the private motorist. Mazda UK has also given this enhancement a double whammy by offering 5.9% APR finance deals to 'scrappage sales' customers.
The Mazda6, apart from being one one the most attractive and pleasant cars to drive in its class has also been given a considerable specification upgrade.
A new standard equipment feature on 15 models from the £18,410 TS2 upwards is Mazda's lane-change 'Rear Vehicle Monitoring System'. This innovation will be a significant boost to safer driving. Fully automatic, the new active safety feature employs two rear-facing radar units that detect and warn the driver of an approaching vehicle before he/she has a chance to move across into a busy lane by mistake.
The new 2.2-litre engine offers substantially higher power and torque than the previous-generation 2.0-litre diesel, while delivering equal levels of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and weighing just 6kg more than the smaller capacity power unit.
It features fine low-end response and has to be is one of the quietest and most powerful engines in its class. This engine is teamed with a smooth six-speed manual transmission featuring a high top ratio for quiet, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising.
The proof of the pudding used to be in performance, but these days it is economy all the way and the 163ps TS2 version I drove features a combined economy figure of 51.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 147g/km, which is more than good on a car of this size and performance capability.
It is capable of a maximum speed of 132mph allied to a 0-62mph sprint of just 9.2 seconds, which underlines the Zoom-Zoom fun-to-drive image of the modern Mazda.
At £19,510 this is one of the most efficient yet enjoyable vehicles of its type, emphasising that Mazda has travelled a long way since its early days when it made its mark in so-called 'niche marketing' - producing low volume models for emerging needs in the car arena. From this the Mazda MX5 sports car was born and the company has not looked back.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.2 TS2 Diesel 5dr
Price: £19,510
Mechanical: 163ps, 2,183cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 51.4
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles