Mazda 6 - Stylish Diesel Saloon Joins The Fleet

The new 6 is Mazda’s second model to use SkyActiv tech - but is it all it’s cracked up to be? A year’s test should reveal all

The excellent Mazda CX-5 has proved that there’s real merit in the maverick Japanese firm’s approach to improving the efficiency of its cars without sacrificing performance. Mazda’s weight-saving, economy-boosting SkyActiv platform and engine technology may not be as radical as what some of its rivals are doing, but it’s a cost-effective way of helping the CX-5 to challenge - and even beat - the established leaders in its class.

As the second model in the firm’s line­up to go down the SkyActiv route, the new Mazda 6 is showing every sign of reaping the same rewards as the CX-5. Our road test (23 January) confirmed that this third-generation model has made significant progress compared with its fine-handling but rather patchy predecessor, proving to be engaging and frugal in equal measure and getting closer than ever to the class-leading Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The fact that, like the CX-5, it wears Mazda’s striking new design language doesn’t hurt its cause, either, helping to distinguish it from a capable but largely uninspiring bunch of rivals.

Mazda 6 - Stylish Diesel Saloon Joins The Fleet

Unlike other economy-driven 1.6-liter or hybrid alternatives, the Mazda is offered with a gratifying range of 2.0-liter petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engines. These larger-displacement units don’t have to work hard to pull the Mazda around, so they’re potentially more economical in the real world.

Experience has demonstrated this fact before, with 1.6-liter diesels frequently returning worse economy than their larger 2.0-liter cousins and suffering a sharply reduced range, necessitating a regular and boring need to refuel. The bigger engines are typically more flexible, too, making driving less stressful and tiresome.

Several versions of the new Mazda 6 are available. Entry-level 2.0-liter petrol saloon models start at $29,395. The larger, and predictably more practical, Tourer versions cost $31,895. You get a satisfying amount of kit for the money, with all featuring cruise control, air-con, push-button start, heated door mirrors, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a color touchscreen multimedia system and a host of safety systems.

Ours, however, is a range-topping Sport. Given that it costs almost $6,000 more than the standard car, you’d hope for a big leap in specification. And Mazda doesn’t disappoint, with additional niceties such as climate control, keyless entry, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, heated seats, a Bose surround system and integrated sat-nav. Black leather is standard at this level, too, or you can upgrade to ‘Light Stone’ leather for an extra $300.

Bumping up the price of our Mazda 6 even further was the decision to opt for the high-output, 173bhp twin-turbo 2.2-liter diesel engine. This hikes the price up to $38,245. You may think that sounds costly, but when you consider that even a base-spec 1.8-liter petrol Audi A4 costs $35,670, suddenly it all seems very reasonable.

Mazda claims that the 173bhp diesel 6, with a six-speed manual gearbox, will sprint from 0-62mph in 7.9sec and reach a 139mph top speed. A muscular 310lb-ft should deliver decent in-gear acceleration, too, useful for swiftly passing those ambling along country roads at well below the posted limit.

Mazda claims that the 173bhp diesel 6, with a six-speed manual gearbox, will sprint from 0-62mph in 7.9sec and reach a 139mph top speed.

Despite its displacement and output, Mazda says the 173bhp diesel will average an impressive 62.8mpg. With a 62-liter fuel tank, the 6 should be able to cover 850 miles between fills. Time will tell as to whether that range has any grounding in reality. Aiding the Mazda on its way - well, in theory - to returning such wallet-friendly figures is a battery of systems designed to boost economy, including stop-start and regenerative braking. A low drag coefficient - less than that of the sleek third-generation Mazda RX-7 will no doubt help, too.

There’s little in the way of options on our car, barring $780 pearlescent white paint. It’s refreshing not to have to look at an options list in great detail, knowing that the standard spec is so comprehensive as to remove the necessity to tick myriad boxes. A standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty should help to avoid any unexpected surprises as well.

Cabin is dark, but fit and finish are impressive

Although the white paint will probably become grimy with the car’s first big motorway trip, I must admit that I have a soft spot for white saloons. The Mazda may not be as fast as my old BMW M5, as endearing as my Triumph Dolomite 1850HL or as aurally evocative as my V8-engined Rover P6 (which were all white), but I’m looking forward to my time in this Japanese newcomer.

More importantly, I’m keen to see if it delivers the blend of performance, enjoyment, comfort and efficiency that Mazda claims. If it lives up to the hype, Mazda could be on to a winner.

One thing’s for sure: with the Mondeo becoming increasingly aged and the Passat increasingly uninteresting, the sharply styled Mazda 6 is a welcome sight in the occasionally humdrum modern mid-size saloon market.

Six-speed manual, 173bhp 2.2-liter diesel Mazda promises fuel economy of over 60mpg

Dashboard

Mazda 6 - Dashboard

The Mazda’s dash isn’t exactly inspirational but it’s clear and well arranged. Build quality’s good, too.

Boot space

Mazda 6 - Boot space

Large luggage fits in the spacious 483-liter boot with ease. Rear seats drop quickly to further aid space.

Smart key

Keyless entry works without any fuss. Walk up to the car, press the button on the door handle and voila.

Trip computer

The on-board trip computer only displays one readout at a time, despite a relatively large display.

Sat-nav screen

A small, sluggish display and occasionally hesitant controls mar the Mazda’s sat-nav system.