Mazda seem to be on a roll at the moment, the new Mazda2 has won acclaim from the media and finished second in the latest Car of The Year competition; additionally Mazda is having one of its best years ever with 261,000 cars sold from January to September. Don't dismiss the Mazda6 as a Ford Mondeo clone either; Mazda are very keen to demonstrate their engineering expertise, rather than share the S-Max platform on which the new Mondeo is based. Mazda is making great claims for the new 6, but could it vie for class best? After a couple of days at the wheel I have my answer.
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The all-new Mazda6 is the second model of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom line up (after the Mazda 2) to benefit from a complete re-working. With 470,000 examples of the old Mazda6 sold, the new car is designed to build upon the previous models excellent reputation, but to be lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. It might be larger than the old car, but in a market where bigger usually means heavier, the 6 bucks the trend by being up to 35kg lighter than the outgoing car. Designed with visual cues you would expect from premium brands, the styling of the new car is more evolution than revolution and there's still the sportiness and design flair of the 2002 original.
From the front, the Mazda6 is really distinctive, yet still follows the Mazda family look. Worthy of particular mention are the delicate, flush-fitting front lights with their band of square reflectors - they're particularly bright and as a result, you couldn't mistake the Mazda6 for any rival on the road. Other design highlights from the front include the accentuated front wheel arches, which echo those of the Mazda RX-8 and the new Mazda2. There's also the Mazda6's new take on the corporate family grille. There are two different versions available for standard and sport models and both are well-integrated with the frontal styling. At the back, there are some trick rear lights with LED technology and upgrades like the fitment of twin exhaust pipes for 2.0- and 2.5-litre models. The shape flatters most colours, but my personal favourites were silver, white and metallic blue.
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Inside the Mazda6 feels equally well-made, though I felt that the doors and features lacked solidity against the heavier Mondeo. There's the usual quality feel; the seats are comfortable and supportive and the dashboard architecture is attractive. Mazda are making great claims for the CF-Net system fitted to the new Mazda6, which helps the driver to work systems such as the audio, sat-nav, trip computer and air-conditioning. But on first acquaintance it was a bit complicated, although I'm sure it would become more familiar with use. There's enough headroom and adjustment for the seats so that even the tallest drivers can get comfortable.
