The stylish new Mazda 6 is worth another look
The family saloon/repmobile niche here in Ireland has always been swayed by the respective contenders from Ford, Toyota, VW, and Opel and their respective Mondeo, Avensis, Passat, and Insignia models have long dominated the marketplace. But the contender from Mazda has never really got the look-in it deserved.
From the time Mazda ditched the leaden and ugly old 626 and began the Mazda 6 era, versions of that car have been right up there with the best in class — indeed it has been better than most, in my view. But, given that Mazda’s diesel offering comes only in a 2.2-litre size and the fact that diesel is the preferred option for the majority, many people appear to have rejected it as an option because of feared tax penalties.
That said, it has to be pointed out that with either of the two power output options (you can have either a 150 bhp or 175 bhp versions) the annual tax bill is either €190 or €270, neither of which, you’d have to admit, should strain any wallet unduly. So you can forget that argument about the bigger engine costing you way more than the opposition.
Mazda’s vaunted SkyActive technologies — indicating the use of high strength but light metals in the body construction and a raft of engine and transmission innovations — make this one of the lighter cars in its class, while the Kodo styling brief make it one of the most outstanding lookers in the class.
To be fair Mazda did have issues on price with the last generation 6, but the new facelifted version has seen the price being trimmed to a more competitive level and that fact, along with a revamped specification package has given the car its’ best shot at widespread popularity.
Price and spec. aside, however, I have to say that reacquainting myself with the car was a complete pleasure. The interior is beautifully made and presents a sophisticated visage to the driver and passengers. The new look is less cluttered than previously and the new infotainment system — seen to good effect across the Mazda range now, even in the supermini 2 — is intuitive to use and the sound system and DAB radio are top drawer.
On the road the 6 has been refettled and the damping is not now as severe as was the case and while some of the inherent body control has been blunted ever so slightly, the pay-back comes in the long distance comfort available, which is among the best in its class.
The 2.2 diesel reflects this by being quiet and refined while also having plenty of gumption when needed. The 150 bhp version, which will undoubtedly be the most popular customer choice, is also capable of returning 3.7 l/100 km (over 70 mpg), while also offering a 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds and a 210km/h top speed.
It is an excellent package all told and one which prospective punters will be extremely impressed by if they take the time to look into the car properly. Sure it is easy to go down the traditional route and stick with the usual suspects, but a little bit of investigative work will reveal a car which is now not only very cost effective, but has also got comfort levels, elegance and refinement to match the best.
If you’re in the market for a family saloon — or even the estate Tourer — this is certainly a car that should come into consideration. It is well worth the look.
Colley’s VERDICT
From €29,995.
Fear not about the tax friendliness of the 2.2 turbodiesel — it will surprise you that it will be affordable.
Even baseline spec comes with a raft of good stuff.
Ignore at your peril.
