The latest Mazda6 is significantly larger than the previous model and may even appeal to those looking for a six-cylinder car but who are frightened off by uncertainty on fuel prices. 

Our recent week’s road testing confirmed our view that the new ‘6 has a feeling of refinement and quietness that’s comparable to a car a size larger. Indeed, compare a 2008 Mazda four-cylinder with a full-sized family car of only 10 years ago and you will find the Mazda6 is probably better. An impressive piece of engineering when you consider the inherent smoothness in a six-cylinder engine.

 Interior space is good, with ample headroom and shoulder width for this class. The front seats are of generous dimensions, though we would have appreciated a bit more lateral support during hard cornering. The back seat is relatively easy to get in and out of, though you do have to watch where your head is going as the clearance may prove marginal for some. It’s more than capable of taking three reasonably sized children. Even three average sized adults isn’t a huge squeeze but, as always, two will find it a lot more comfortable.  

There's a handy centre console stowage area, the door pockets are of good volume and there are several other smaller areas to accept mobile phones, drink containers and so on. 

Boot space is more than adequate and we found the hatchback we tested not only coped with bulky items, but also was easy to load through its tall, wide tailgate.

The ride of the Mazda6 has been nicely sorted out to provide good comfort, yet the Mazda6 has handling that’s safe and secure with a touch of sportiness that will appeal to previous owners of the car. 

The original Mazda6 of 2002 was exciting, almost radical, in its styling but the new one is, to our eyes at least, more conservative. Which probably makes sense as the Japanese company can cast a wider net towards prospective buyers by toning the body down a little. And that larger net makes a lot of sense in today’s car-buying climate.

 Power now comes from one of the biggest four-cylinder petrol engines on the car market, a 2.5-litre unit that manages 125 kW and 226 Nm. The car can cover the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 8.0 seconds when fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox. Again, the sort of time that would once have needed a big six-cylinder engine in a family car only a couple of automotive generations back.

 Fuel consumption measured to Australian Standard 81/01 has been reduced by almost five per cent compared with the outgoing Mazda6. A clever feat of engineering in a car that’s larger, quieter and faster than before.

 Typically a driver will use about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres when driving on relatively open country roads or when cruising at 110 to 120 km/h on motorways. Consumption is likely to rise to around nine to eleven litres per hundred in suburban running. Make full use of the sporty potential of the engine and ‘chassis’ and you could see petrol consumption on the high side of 12 litres per hundred kilometres, but that’s still pretty reasonable for a car of this size and overall refinement.

 Handling continues to be a strong feature of the Mazda6, indeed all models within the Mazda passenger car range. The steering is nicely weighted and the car responds promptly to input on the wheel. Turn-in is satisfyingly quick and the family Mazda is willing to change direction in corners with a minimum of protest.

 It can be bumped around by really harsh road surfaces. But doesn’t suffer from as much road roar on coarse-chip surfaces that can trouble quite a few other imported cars. Indeed, on smooth surfaces at normal cruising speeds the Mazda6 is impressive in the way it sounds and feels.

 All-in-all a car that’s enjoyable to drive yet which is provides high levels of safety in the real world.

 Mazda Australia continues its longtime push on the safety front, providing ESP (electronic stability program) to try and prevent a crash; and six airbags on all models should the collision become inevitable.  

Mazda's latest ‘6 is a car that will appeal both to those moving up to a larger four-cylinder car, and to owners of big sixes who are keen on saving on fuel-fill costs and who want to reduce the tailpipe emissions of their motoring. 

As we were about to go to press Mazda Australia announced price reductions on the Mazda6 range. The new  prices, with the old in brackets, are listed here: 
Limited sedan six-speed manual: $27,990 ($29,740)
Limited sedan five-speed automatic:
$29,990 ($31,800)
Classic sedan six-speed manual: $31,990 ($33,880)
Classic sedan five-speed automatic: $33,990 ($35,940)
Luxury sedan five-speed automatic: $40,990 ($43,610)
Classic hatch six-speed manual: $32,990 ($34,910)
Classic hatch five-speed automatic: $34,990 ($36,970)
Luxury hatch five-speed automatic: $41,990 ($44,640)
Luxury Sports hatch six-speed manual: $40,990 ($44,650)
Luxury Sports hatch five-speed automatic: $42,990 ($46,910)
Classic wagon five-speed automatic: $35,490 ($37,250) 

SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda6 2.5-litre five-door hatch) 

ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.488 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Bore/Stroke: 89.0 x 100.0 mm
Maximum Power: 125 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 226 Nm @ 4000 rpm

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4735 mm
Wheelbase: 2725 mm
Width: 1795 mm
Height: 1440 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 1451kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 64 litres
Towing Ability: 550kg (1000kg with braked trailer)

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coil springs
Rear Suspension: Independent multi-link
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc

PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 8.0 secs 

FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Petrol 95RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 8.6 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/unlimited km