Mazda 6 2010 Road Test Report

Performance

The entry-point to the Mazda 6 range is the 1.8-litre petrol engine, which has 118bhp to offer just enough oomph in the hatch. It’s not the best engine choice for the 6, even if it does rev freely, and it struggles when the estate model is loaded up. Much better is the 153bhp 2.0-litre petrol that comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard in place of the 1.8’s five-speeder. Punchy and refined, this is the best of the petrol motor range, though those looking for more grunt also have the choice of the 167bhp 2.5-litre unit. Better still are the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines. They come in 127-, 161- and 177bhp forms, the latter taking a small power dip of 5bhp. However, this fractional loss of power is more than worth it for the greater flexibility of the most potent turbodiesel compared to its predecessor. Strong, relaxed and brawny, this engine is everything you could want in a family car’s turbodiesel motor, but it’s only available in the priciest Sport models, so the 161bhp remains the pick of the bunch. All of the revised diesels offer greater economy and lower CO2 emissions while being powerful, hushed engines for every type of driving condition, and their six-speed manual gearboxes are slick.

Ride & Handling

Mazda has applied its considerable brains to the 6’s suspension and chassis settings to come up with some small but significant improvements. By tweaking the mountings, revising certain components and firming up the shock absorbers all round, Mazda has made the 6 even better at gliding over bump-strewn roads. The 6, in hatch and estate forms, is now the equal of any car in this class and also mixes this superb comfort with top notch control on twisty roads. There are new mounting for the steering rack and different settings for the electric power assistance that give greater steering feel without any nervousness at higher speeds. The steering also remains light and quick for easy parking yet gives plenty of feedback on country roads when the driver indulges in a little fun. All of this adds up to a family car that cossets when it’s asked to and entertains when the opportunity allows, plus it’s now even quieter inside the 6’s cabin for long distance calm.

Build Quality & Reliability

Mazda’s reputation for fine build is more than evident in the 6. Panel gaps are tight and even, the interior is put together with care and attention, and all of the controls work with the pleasing sense that they will still be doing the same in many years’ time. This impression is borne out by the 6’s performance in reliability and satisfaction surveys, where it regularly outstrips its main family class rivals. As for the engines, these are proven units from the 6 range, and other Mazda models, so there’s no fear that they’ll cause problems.

Safety & Security

Every model in the Mazda 6 range comes with ESP traction and stability control, plus anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist. New for the revised models is the Emergency Stop Signal that flashes the hazard warning lights in the event of heavy braking to warn following drivers. There are also now smart turn indicators that operate the indicators if the car thinks the driver has forgotten to flick the indicator stalk. On top of this, every Mazda 6 comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, active headrests to lessen whiplash injuries and Isofix child seat mounts in the rear seats. With TS2 and Sport trim models, hill hold assist is also included to prevent the car rolling back during hill starts. Security is taken care of by a Thatcham Category 1 alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks.

Space & Practicality

The Mazda 6’s cabin is one of the most spacious in its class and offers generous seating for five adults when required, which is not something all of its rivals can boast. The driver is very well looked after with reach and rake steering adjustment, seat height adjust and driver’s seat lumbar support in all models. All-round vision from the driver’s position is good, especially in the estate model, and TS2 and above trims also come with front and rear parking sensors. Rear seat space is excellent for heads, legs and shoulders, and the boot of the Mazda 6 hatch puts many estates to shame. Go for the Mazda 6 estate and the large boot is easily extended by dropping the 60/40 split and tipping the rear seat by pulling the levers set into the sides of the boot and within easy reach with the tailgate open. When folded, the rear seat leaves a long, flat and uninterrupted cargo bed as the rear seat bases cantilever forward and down as the seat backs tip forward. Clever stuff that makes daily life easier.

Ownership & Value

The range-topping Sport models are a little on the pricey side, though they are offered with the superb 177bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that returns 52.3mpg and 142g/km. Those figures compare well with the competition and appeal to company and private drivers alike. The 161bhp 2.2 turbodiesel shares the same economy and emissions figures to be a cheaper and equally attractive proposition, while the 127bhp 2.2 turbodiesel rewards with 54.3mpg and 138g/km emissions. The 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols give economy of 43.5- and 41.0mpg respectively and 155- and 159g/km emissions, so give their rivals a run for the money. However, the 2.5-litre petrol rules itself out of most buyers running with average consumption of 35.2mpg and 186g/km carbon dioxide emissions. On the plus side, all Mazda 6 models have competitive insurance ratings, servicing is very affordable and Mazda dealers come out well in satisfaction surveys. All models are well equipped, with the entry level S including air conditioning, CD stereo, electric windows all-round and alloy wheels. Move up to the TS and you gain climate and cruise controls, heated door mirrors and a rear spoiler, while the TS2 adds larger 17in alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, hill hold assist, front and rear parking sensors, door mirror blind spot assist, and Bluetooth connectivity. The range-capping Sport trim further adds 18in alloy wheels, half-leather upholstery, Xenon headlights, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, privacy glass, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. All this and the Mazda 6 range is very keenly priced against the competition to stack up as a very sound choice in the family car class.