2010 MAZDA 6 reviews

Mazda 6 Upgraded 6. 180bhp Diesel 2010

If there was ever any doubt that one could aspire to really enjoyable motoring without going to extremes of elaborate specification, that doubt was dismissed for me by the new Mazda 6, which has been extensively redeveloped. From stylistic enhancements and equipment upgrades to re-tuned engines this car continues and enhances a winning formula. Very competent in everything, it makes fundamental real world sense - being an abundantly easy, reassuring and relaxed car with which to live. The new model builds upon the old models success - and on those grounds alone its case is strong. It would be wrong, however, to look at the Mazda 6 just as a pretty face and a sound car to drive. Although it’s these core values that are likely to inspire you on first acquaintance, it is the 6’s many other talents that make it such a sensible car to consider in its sector. It is, for example, one of the best-built cars from the major manufacturers and what emerges is conscientious engineering in a car with above average performance, handling and comfort - and the average in this highly competitive sector is very high. The job was simple enough. Fly to Inverness, capital of the Highlands, where a 180bhp Diesel Mazda 6 was at my disposal, full of fuel and gleaming sleekly. On the ninety mile route to Loch Torridon I drove along A roads before getting B-side myself on winding minor roads where fast and bumpy bends came thick and fast, culminating in a single track road with airborne sections, leading to the hotel. It was here that I was able to appreciate how the extensive raft of upgrades to the cars steering and suspension had further enhanced its dynamism and athleticism. The Mazda 6 simply feels good to drive after a long day: a good all-round test of a car. Perhaps I should have been surprised that the 180bhp 6 took it all in its stride, but I was not. This Mazda is a brisk car, stable in bends and with a good measure of hill-storming urge between them, thanks to a diesel that delivers solid response from right down in the doldrums of the rev. range. It is uncannily smooth for a diesel and gives a seamless power delivery: all important, because without those virtues no car can be driven quickly for long. The new 6 looks terrific, of course. You can see that. It’s distinguished by the restyled front and rear featuring Mazda’s new family face and striking new taillights. To complement the exterior changes there have been interior changes too, which give a softer and better quality feel and the familiar equipment levels remain - S, TS, TS2 and Sport. There’s a choice of six engines - three petrol and three diesel, with outputs ranging from 120ps to 180ps. and average fuel economy and CO2 have all improved. Prices for the new car start at £16,995 and rise to £23,445. ‘ Is this a Mazda to melt the miles away?’ I asked myself. I had literally taken to the highways and byways and never once felt hot under the collar. A tribute to the totality of a package that anticipates all the niggling vagaries of today’s frustrating roads and does its best to weave its own alchemy and make the very least highly tolerable. In today’s unleaded motoring world this is the nearest one will get within sensible price ranges, to ’golden motoring’. The philosophers stone is to be found in Mazda’s engineering skill and design aplomb.