| First Drive | Paris, France | Mazda6 |
Key Facts
Model tested: Mazda6 saloon 2.2-litre 150hp diesel
Pricing: expected to begin at £19,595
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: BMW 3 Series, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat
CO2 emissions: 108g/km (Band B, £20 per annum)
Combined economy: 68.9mpg
Top speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9.1 seconds
Power: 150hp at 4,500rpm
Torque: 420Nm at 2,000rpm
In the Metal:
Rarely does a mainstream car make it from concept to production with so few changes. The Mazda6 is clearly derived from the Takeri concept that was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2011 and the 6 is now the second car (after the CX-5) to incorporate Mazda's new 'Kodo: Soul of Motion' design language. A lot was made of the car's animalistic styling, said (by chief designer Akira Tamatani) to have been inspired by a crouching tiger, with the result being a look that really sets it apart from the conservatively styled competition. By moving the A-pillar backwards Mazda has not only increased driver visibility but also given the 6 a cab-rear stance that is more in line with BMW's styling than that of mainstream competitors.
The look, feel and space inside are a big step up from that of the current car, and Mazda says the rear legroom is best in class. Everything is logically laid out and the components you interact with the most have a quality feel to them, but the quality and design is still behind that offered by Volkswagen, BMW and Audi.
Driving it:
At our briefing a lot was made of what the new SKYACTIV technologies (an umbrella term to describe Mazda's new chassis and powertrain) bring to this car, but the real test is on the road, where the 6 excels. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is the same twin-turbo unit previously tested in the CX-5 and it impresses with its smoothness and power. The 2.2-litre unit produces 150hp and 420Nm of torque, but unlike conventional diesels it loves to be revved with peak power not kicking in until 4,500rpm. Despite this, fuel economy and emissions are impressive with 68.9mpg and 108g/km CO
2. Apparently there's an even more efficient version on the way.
The suspension setup is an evolution of that fitted to the CX-5 (the first car to feature SKYACTIV) and has been tuned for added comfort. Even on 19-inch alloys the ride remained compliant over rough roads yet handling was akin to that normally associated with the Ford Mondeo - long the benchmark car in handling terms. There is a good level of feedback through the steering wheel other than at the straight-ahead where it is strangely numb.
Mazda's engineers used the six-speed manual gearbox from the MX-5 as the target for the new SKYACTIV transmission and the result is a gearbox that is short in throw and a delight to use. The automatic option was even more of a revelation however with its smoothness between shifts making twin-clutch units seem jerky in comparison. It does have an effect on economy though with fuel consumption and emissions rising to 58.9mpg and 127g/km respectively.
What you get for your Money:
Prices will start at £19,595 for the entry-level Mazda6, powered by a 145hp 2.0-litre petrol engine. A 165hp version of that unit will also be offered. The best-selling engine is expected to be the 150hp diesel tested here, which will start at £21,795. Buyers have the option of a 175hp version too. Expect simply SE-L and Sport trims for now and a decent level of equipment. The pricing may be on the expensive side of the class, but the running costs should offset that considerably.
Worth Noting
The Mazda6 is the first car to be fitted with new i-eloop technology. The capacitor based regenerative braking system allows the 6's electrical components to operate at times without draining engine power - therefore improving economy. Mazda moved to a capacitor system due to its ability to charge and discharge quicker than a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery.
Summary
As more and more buyers move to crossovers the large saloon class is beginning to diminish, meaning manufacturers are fighting over a smaller market. To break the monopoly of the BMW 3 Series, Merc C-Class, Passat, Mondeo new entrants have to bring something else to the party. With striking good looks, great driving dynamics, and what looks to be a generous specification the Mazda6 has a lot going for it.