New estates from Japan and France

Why the comparison?

Two reasons, the first simply that both Renault and Mazda are the latest mainstream manufacturers to add family estates to their price lists. And the second? Renault has admitted that its old Laguna had some reliability issues, the Mazda the polar opposite - its previous generation 6 being one of the most reliable cars ever tested by various organisations worldwide. If Renault is serious in its ambitions to improve reliability then its engineers should take a look at the Japanese car. Both are also firmly in the mainstream heartland, which means they compete against the usual Vauxhall Vectra and Ford Mondeo competition, but the 6 and Laguna represent slightly more interesting choices than the norm, not least for their style.

How are they similar?

They each obviously feature estate boots, Renault trying to sex up what's traditionally been a bit of a pipe-and-slippers marketplace by naming its load-lugging Laguna 'Sport Tourer'. No such nonsense with the Mazda 6, which is simply called an estate - under Mazda's lamentable Zoom Zoom branding, of course. The estate market might traditionally be seen as rather conservative, but it seems the 'lifestyle' set has actually fallen for the marketing people's hard sell on estates in recent years, Renault claiming a younger demographic for its Laguna 'Sport Tourer' compared to the hatchback model. Part of that is unquestionably down to the styling, the Mazda 6 and Laguna both arguably more attractive when bought with extra boot capacity.

One-touch folding seats facilitate longer loads in either, the maximum load capacities comparing well; the Mazda just edging ahead for space provision. Build quality in both is impressive, the 6 coming with Mazda's flash welcoming lights that work up the dashboard, the Renault going for a more restrained style, but one that's not as intuitive to operate as the Japanese car. Interestingly, weight has been managed well on both cars, some 6 models being as much as 35kg lighter than their predecessors, the Laguna managing to cram in more equipment and safety without increasing in bulk, too. Priced similarly and aiming at the same audience the Mazda and Renault are gunning for exactly the same buyers.

How do they differ?

Being European, and French in particular, the Renault's engine line-up sways towards diesels, while the Mazda's is predominantly made up of petrol units. Laguna buyers are offered the choice of four different diesel outputs from a turbodiesel line-up including a 110bhp 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre unit with either 130, 150 or 175bhp. The Mazda can only be had in 2.0-litre turbodiesel guise with 138bhp. All that choice doesn't favour the French car when it comes to consumption though, the Mazda managing 50.4mpg on the official combined cycle compared to mid to high 40mpg for the 130 and 150bhp Laguna. If consumption is really a concern the 1.5-litre Sport Tourer can achieve an official combined consumption of 53.3mpg, but cannot match the Mazda on the road for pace.

Equipment in both is good, but in the Mazda you'll get climate control lower down the range, the same being true with Bluetooth telephony and all 6s come with an auxiliary socket for plugging in MP3 players as standard. Renault counters with its keycard entry, but given the problems many encountered with the old system that might prove to be a mixed blessing. On the road the Renault feels the more comfort orientated, the Mazda a sharper drive; its steering more precise, its dynamics adding some sporting ability over the Renault's impressive comfort. Both are refined, spacious and offer decent rearward visibility.

So which one would we have?

The Mazda comes from a background where reliability is a given, the old 6 doing tremendously well regarding avoiding breakdowns, the old Laguna not. So if you want a proven track record for reliability then the Mazda is the car to have. Equipment, of the sort that makes a real difference to many, is better in the Mazda, and if you enjoy driving then the Japanese car is also the one to have. The wider diesel choice in the Renault impresses, as does its comfort and smart interior, but if we were spending our own money we'd go for the Mazda.

Kyle Fortune