Mazda 6 2.0 Sport Nav+ 4dr Reversing Camera, Leather Saloon (2019) at Mazda Northampton Motors

This improved third generation Mazda6 looks to be a very complete package. Good enough to out-point Volkswagen Passat and Vauxhall Insignia rivals? Jonathan Crouch decides.

Ten Second Review

This improved third generation Mazda6 has built on the strong showing of its predecessors with sharper styling, better attention to quality and some very economical engines. It's still got the talent to give some better-selling cars in its class quite a lot to think about.

Background

Back in 2002, the very first Mazda6 was a game-changer for the Japanese brand. Prior to the launch of this model, this Hiroshima-based maker was known merely for bringing us family cars that were reliable, well equipped - and rather dull. Now it would be overstating the case to say that this Mondeo-sized medium range model changed that perception overnight - but not by much. Sharky-looking and good to drive, all it really lacked was a little refinement and polish. The second generation version of 2007 added that, but at the expense of the characterful, dynamic approach of its predecessor. Some of that returned with the third generation model, launched in 2012. This featured Mazda's clever 'SYYACTIV' technology which dramatically improved running costs and made this model not only good enough to prise customers away from mainstream rivals but even to make buyers of lower order German compact executive saloons think twice. It only needed a smarter cabin and a bit of extra technology, both things apparently delivered by this much enhanced MK3 model. Let's check out what's on offer.

Driving Experience

There's now no diesel option, so most Mazda6 models will be sold with a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol unit, recently enhanced with redesigned intake ports, revised pistons and a more advanced fuel injection and cooling set-up. It comes in 145PS form with either manual or automatic transmission - or in a manual-only 165PS guise. At the top of the line-up is a vatiant that'll be a rare sight on our roads using a 2.5-litre petrol SKYACTIV-G unit borrowed from the US-market CX-9 SUV. It's paired with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic gearbox and puts out 194PS. Some effort has gone into improving ride comfort and handling dynamics too, the car benefitting from suspension fine tuning and component upgrades. Bump stop characteristics have been revised, the front dampers have increased in diameter and rebound springs have been added, all resulting in smoother vehicle behaviour and improved ride quality. In addition, the steering knuckles have been lowered to ensure a more precise response to subtle steering wheel actions. Extra noise insulation, improved aerodynamics and a special vibration-absorbing material been added to the centre tunnel and the roof lining should all improve refinement.

Design and Build

Not a lot really needed doing to the Mazda6's styling, but in recent times, Mazda has subtly changed it anyway for this fourth generation model. It's a mean and muscular looking thing; all pent-up curves and bulges, with beady eyes and a swooping, coupe-like roofline. The last MK4 model update meant a fresh frontal design focused around a smarter grille, which has the mesh positioned deeper within the surround to create what Mazda hopes is 'a more sophisticated and muscular face'. The LED headlamps integrate signature wing tips from the grille surround to underscore their so-called 'predator' style, and with the front fog lights incorporated into the headlight cluster, the smartly fashioned lower bumper features a sleek profile and an aerodynamically efficient air intake. Step inside and high quality materials and technology combine with careful cabin design to deliver an understated sense of luxury. There's a large eight-inch centre-dash display screen, plus a seven-inch TFT LCD positioned in the driver's instrument binnacle and a full colour windscreen projecting a head-up 'Active Driving Display'. The dashboard and door trim designs look smart, plus seat comfort has been prioritised - to good effect. There's decent space for a couple of adults on the back seat. And the saloon body style offers a reasonably-sized 480-litre boot. As before, the Tourer version is also acceptably practical, featuring a boot capacity of well over 500-litres with the seats up. Or, if you operate the clever flat-deck Karakuri rear seat folding system, there's well over 1,600-litres on offer.

Market and Model

Priced from around £25,000 to around £34,000, the combined Tourer and Saloon Mazda6 range features 12 models across five trim levels: 'SE-L', 'Sport', 'GT Sport', 'Limited Edition' and 'Kuro Edition'. There's a premium of just over £900 to pay if you want to switch from the saloon to the Tourer estate body style. And there's a £600 premium to pay on the mainstream models if you want an auto gearbox. The top 2.5-litre petrol variant (which costs from around £32,500) is of course auto-only. With an increase in standard active safety equipment across the range, all models now feature a huge range of advanced i-ACTIVESENSE technology, including Blind Spot Monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Advanced Smart City Break Support. In addition, all models get alloy wheels of at least 7-inches in size, plus auto headlamps and wipers, power-folding mirrors, full-LED headlights and privacy glass. Inside, there's an MZD-Connect infotainment system with an 8-inch screen and a multimedia commander, via which you access integrated navigation, Bluetooth 'phone-linking, a DAB audio set-up and internet app integration. Plus there's dual-zone climate control, along with cruise control and a speed limiter. The 'SE-L LUX Nav+' grade further adds leather upholstery, heat for power-adjustable seats and steering wheel and a reversing camera.

Cost of Ownership

Plenty of work has gone in here into improving running cost efficiency, much of it related to Mazda's 'SKYACTIV' weight reduction programme. In addition, SKYACTIV-G petrol models are also fitted with an active air shutter that closes when the engine does not need cooling to improve aerodynamics. All Mazda6 models get an 'i-stop' engine stop/start system (the fastest-reacting set-up of its kind on the market) that cuts fuel consumption by up to 10% all on its own. Plus on the 165PS 2.0-litre variant, there's the i-ELOOP (short for 'Intelligent Energy Loop') brake regeneration system that's able to harvest and then re-use far more energy than comparable set-ups. The 2.0-litre 145PS and 165PS manual saloon models manage 42.2mpg on the combined cycle and 152g/km of CO2. For the 2.5-litre petrol saloon variant, it's 38.2mpg and 167g/km. On to the other things you'll need to consider when it comes to running cost returns. Your Mazda6 will require a service every 12 months or every 12,500 miles, whichever comes round sooner. You'll be offered the option of a fixed-price maintenance plan which covers all scheduled servicing with parts and labour for three years or 37,500 miles. Owners can keep up to date with their car's maintenance schedule via the instrument binnacle trip computer screen and the 'Applications' section of the 'MZD-Connect' centre-dash monitor. To help you keep track of what work has been carried out, you can access a 'Digital Service Record' online and use a useful 'My Mazda App' to receive reminders about servicing, book your car in at your local dealership and access a digitally-stored record of your model's service history.

Summary

In summary, this isn't the most obvious choice in its class, but if you don't want to do the obvious thing, here's a car that won't penalise you for thinking a bit more independently. Some rival models are cheaper; others offer more rear passenger space, a larger boot or swoopier looks. If any of these things are priorities for you, then you'll probably look elsewhere in this segment. Otherwise though, there's an awful lot to like here. The Mazda6 is a car that can be engaging when you want it to be and cossetting when all you need to do is get home as comfortably as possible. It's a combination of virtues delivered only through the kind of painstaking engineering Mazda deserves to be rewarded for. Will they be? Over to you.

Existing Mazda owners may be surprised by the fourth generation Mazda6, a family car with more than mere practicality to recommend it. June Neary checks it out

Will It Suit Me?

First, second and third generation versions of the Mazda6 set this Japanese brand on its new 'zoom-zoom' path and this fourth gen design aimed to continue that momentum when it arrived in mid-2018. Whereas in previous guises, the Mazda6 was becoming a little forgettable, this is now a car that will catch the eye, both in the driveway and on its way down the high street. It's unashamedly sporty, not only in its looks but in terms of ride and performance. If you don't like that, then you won't like this model. Fortunately, I did.

Practicalities

This car reminded me of the old Xedos 6 that Mazda made a few years ago, but that design flattered to deceive. It looked sporty but didn't drive that way. The outside looked classy but the interior was lifted straight from the old 626 - all dull black plastic. This time, Mazda has done the job properly. As before, there's a choice of saloon or estate body styles. Take a seat behind the wheel and there's a high quality ambience relayed by the nice quality console surfacing. Higher quality materials and technology combined with refinements to the cabin design deliver more of an understated sense of luxury. There's now a larger eight-inch centre-dash display screen, plus a seven-inch TFT LCD positioned in the driver's instrument binnacle and the adoption of a full colour windscreen projecting a head-up 'Active Driving Display'. The dashboard and door trim designs have been redesigned, seat comfort has been improved and the flagship 'GT Sport Nav+' trim features Mazda's signature high-end interior finishes including real 'Sen Wood' trim, 'Brown Nappa' leather and suede to deliver a cabin that aims to fuse modern technology with Japanese craftsmanship.

Behind the Wheel

The Mazda6 continues to offer a polished driving experience but criticisms levelled at the old model for its fidgety ride are less valid in the current car. The suspension is supple and you're less conscious of imperfections in the road surface, although the ride remains firmer than most in the sector. The cabin is a more serene place to be generally now with beefed-up sound insulation and upgraded body rigidity cutting back on vibrations. That extra rigidity also helps the handling with the 6's trademark sharp turn-in still in evidence and the cornering stability now inspiring even greater confidence. Onto the SKYACTIV engines then. As before, most Mazda6 models will be sold with either 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel SKYACTIV powerplants. The 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol unit has been enhanced with redesigned intake ports, revised pistons and a more advanced fuel injection and cooling set-up. The alternative 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel puts out 150PS as before in its base form, but generates 184PS (up from 175PS) in its highest state of tune. There is a completely new engine in the line-up, but it'll be a rare sight on our roads, a 2.5-litre petrol SKYACTIV-G unit borrowed from the US-market CX-9 SUV. It's paired with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic gearbox.

Value For Money

Mazda6 pricing ranges in the £23,000 to £33,000 bracket typical for a medium range Mondeo segment car. Like Peugeot, Volkswagen and Toyota, Mazda reckons that there isn't much customer demand for providing a five-door hatchback body style in a car of this kind. That leaves the choice of either the saloon body shape or the Tourer estate. Most customers for this car will be business buyers who'll want the diesel engine and as usual, there's a reasonably large premium to pay for it over equivalent petrol power. Your Mazda6 will require a service every 12 months or every 12,500 miles, whichever comes round sooner. You'll be offered the option of a fixed-price maintenance plan which covers all scheduled servicing with parts and labour for three years or 37,500 miles. Owners can keep up to date with their car's maintenance schedule via the instrument binnacle trip computer screen and the 'Applications' section of the 'MZD-Connect' centre-dash monitor. To help you keep track of what work has been carried out, you can access a 'Digital Service Record' online and use a useful 'My Mazda App' to receive reminders about servicing, book your car in at your local dealership and access a digitally-stored record of your model's service history.

Could I Live With One?

With this car, Mazda has an often overlooked contender in this segment that's well worth seeking out. I would never have considered a medium range model from this marque before trying the Mazda6: now it's a car that would be higher up on my shopping list.