Road test - Mazda 6 Estate
Author: Ian Strachan
The award-winning Mazda6 has always been a good looking car, and since its launch a few years back more and more can be seen on our roads.
The award-winning Mazda6 has always been a good looking car, and
since its launch a few years back more and more can be seen on our
roads.
Its latest re-styling gives this good looker more
distinction, better performance and better handling.
I test drove the estate version - there are also saloons and
hatchbacks - which is one of the best looking estates in the
sector, with the possible exception of offerings from Peugeot.
The Mazda estate has smooth lines, a chunky and accommodating
rear end, roof rails, nicely sculpted light clusters and some very
smart looking 17 inch alloys. All of these add to the car's
pleasing appearance.
Inside there's a streamlined layout, along with nice trim
materials and colours. I've always liked the Mazda's clear layout
and this is even better, with easily accessible controls and wealth
of storage space which includes central cup holders, deep cubby
box, and coin compartment.
Interior room is very good too. There's adequate leg and head
room and the seats are exceptionally comfortable and
supportive.
My test car, in TS2 trim level, is powered by Mazda's excellent
2.2 litre 163 bhp diesel engine which is taught, easy revving and
uncomplicated, delivering power when you need it, coupled to a
positive, short travel, six speed manual transmission. Despite the
Mazda6 estate being a big car you can get more than 52 mpg in mixed
driving.
Suspension is firm without being uncomfortable and handling is
crisp and sure-footed with confident cornering.
Load space is very impressive, and can be made even bigger with
split rear seats which fold down in a slick single movement.
There's also more room under the loadspace floor.
Specification is good, with climate control dual-zone air
conditioning, a seven-speaker radio and CD system, front fog
lights, automatic lights and wipers, parking sensor, cruise control
and all round electric windows and folding mirrors as standard.
The Mazda6 is a clever car with lots of appeal. The 2.2
TS2 estate comes at £21,595 on the road. Metallic paint is
£410 extra.
Road test by Ian Strachan Communications
Ltd
Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR
consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949
202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv