Overall rating:

Mazda will introduce its new Skyactiv technology across the entire range as it's replaced from 2011 onwards. It's a big ask to promise greater economy while retaining driver appeal, but one that, on first impressions, Mazda seems capable of providing.

Key Facts

Model driven: Mazda6
Engine: 2.2-litre turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia, Toyota Avensis
CO₂ emissions: sub-120g/km
Combined economy: 60-70mpg
Power: 180bhp

In the Metal:

Stickers, rivets and some pretty shoddy fixtures and fittings are evident on Mazda's Skyactiv technology mule car. Clearly based on a current Mazda6, but very different underneath, this early prototype is for demonstrating technology rather than Mazda's current and future design direction.

Inside it's much the same story, with the interior looking and feeling like a particularly hard worked minicab. Again, we're not here to consider interior fixtures and fittings, but like the outside Mazda's eventual production model is certain to look and feel good inside and out.

Driving it:

Two laps of a short but testing circuit is all the time we had with the new 2.2-litre Skyactiv turbodiesel. It's enough though to realise that the two stage-turbocharged unit is something a bit different from the norm. A raft of changes over the conventional unit see it revving more freely - the reduction of internal mass and friction evident - while the way it delivers its power is very un-diesel like. It revs, and the power doesn't tail off like it does in conventional diesels. There's little need to rev it up to 5,200rpm, but it delivers a fine spread of power when doing so.

Even in this engineering mule it's quiet and smooth, while economy promises to be around 20 per cent better than the existing 2.2-litre turbodiesel. Skyactiv doesn't just focus on the engine; indeed it encompasses the entire vehicle, with the transmission, suspension and body all featuring new Skyactiv 'thinking' to maximise economy yet retain an enjoyable drive.

Those enjoyable drive claims have credence too, the prototype's steering in particular being a highlight. Well weighted, precise and with a decent amount of feel, it's backed up by suspension that retains good body control and a decent ride - even if our test of that was limited to running it over the rumble strips trackside. The manual gearshift is quick and crisp, helping create a driving experience that seriously challenges Ford's Mondeo for class leadership. If the fine driving experience isn't lost in translation from this prototype to the eventual production cars then Mazda's driver-orientated proclamations will carry some serious weight.

What you get for your Money:

Skyactiv's holistic approach covers the entire vehicle and it's encouraging that even with economy savings of around 20 per cent Mazda can still provide an entertaining drive. Fully integrated Skyactiv vehicles will start to reach the range from 2012. As we've no actual production car to pin this to yet it's difficult to say what you'll get for your money, but typically Mazda offers a decent standard level of equipment.

Worth Noting

There were many grins from the engineers when we noted the fact Mazda has put the override control on the automatic transmission the right way around. Drive it manually and you pull back for the next gear and push forward for a downshift. It's a small, but significant factor in creating an enjoyable drive - and one we bleat on about constantly here. The automatic gearbox itself is quick and smooth, changing gear swiftly when you take control yourself.

Summary

Economy and enjoyment are becoming less and less mutually exclusive as manufacturers appreciate that even those who enjoy driving want to benefit from fuel and emissions savings. Mazda's clean-sheet approach via Skyactiv might not be revolutionary, but the results on this early drive prove impressive indeed.