Mazda's 6 heads to the top of the class

What is it?

The 6 is Mazda's Ford Mondeo rival, and despite Mazda being mostly owned by the American firm the 6 is all Mazda and proud of its Japanese roots. It's a handsome car too, its neat, classy lines looking smart in comparison to the rather fussy lines of its Ford and Vauxhall rivals. The front and rear lights are particularly smart, the rears being fitted with LEDs in place of conventional bulbs - allowing them to be smaller and giving Mazda's designers the opportunity to add some distinctive chrome highlights. The front lights are similarly detailed; the 6's face refreshingly distinctive without being fussily styled or brash.

That's important in the conservative sector where the 6 competes. Large numbers of 6s will be bought by company money for fleet use, so the Mazda not only has to look smart, but perform well against rivals' equipment levels, fuel consumption and emissions and residual values. The outgoing 6 was responsible for significantly boosting Mazda's sales in this highly competitive sector and the new car builds on its impressive foundation.

Is it any good?

Absolutely, the 6 is right up with the best of the latest cars in the class. Against its most obvious Mondeo competition it feels more wieldy, nimbler and more compact on the road, without losing out on interior space. It's bigger than the outgoing model, but Mazda has achieved its growth without adding weight, indeed the 6 is lighter than before, being one of the lightest cars in the class. It may be less weighty, but it's got all the equipment buyers demand. The UK gets five equipment levels, the entry-level S having alloy wheels, air conditioning an auxiliary jack socket, DSC (Directional Stability Control), traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and all the airbags you'll hopefully never need.

It's an enjoyable drive too, every version very refined - Mazda concentrating heavily on increasing refinement - the petrol engines smooth and willing. A diesel will follow and is likely to be the biggest seller in the UK, but the petrol choices offer decent pace, the 138bhp 2.0-litre offering the best all-round performance. It feels no less rapid than the 167bhp 2.5-litre unit, but usefully quicker than the 118bhp 1.8; for the record 0-62mph is covered in the 1.8-litre in 11.3 seconds, a benchmark the 2.0-litre does in 9.8 seconds and the 2.5-litre 8.0 seconds. The gearshift in all is slick, the steering nicely weighted and the chassis offers an excellent balance between sharpness in the bends and comfort when the roads are less than perfect. The boot is huge, and the build quality excellent inside and out - the hatchback and estate models getting Mazda's clever one-touch Karakuri 60/40 split/fold seats.

Should I call the bank manager?

Absolutely, particularly if you're going to run it as a company vehicle. Reduced CO₂ emissions across the range mean that the 6 falls into far lower tax categories than previously, so you'll be paying the Chancellor less every month. Fuel consumption has also improved, both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre units managing over 40mpg on the official combined cycle, and when you come to sell it the forecasted residuals are also higher - so you'll get more back for it. If that doesn't convince the bank manager, get them to sit in it at night where the welcoming lights turn on from the bottom up and the stereo controls are softly illuminated when you touch them. It's enough to have even the most hard-hearted of money lenders to give you the cash to buy one.

Summary

Mazda took the Mondeo sector by surprise with the previous 6, and the latest car impresses again. It's one of the most enjoyable cars among rivals to drive, with a very nimble chassis, nicely weighted controls, excellent refinement and well judged body control. Add plentiful standard equipment across the range, low emissions and good fuel consumption, its neat looks and ample space and the 6 is a real competitor for class honours. The old car was also phenomenally reliable, this new car certain to continue that pleasing trend. If you're looking for a car in this class, it'd be foolish to ignore the 6.