What Car? Car of the Year 2005 - Estate car

Mazda 6 2.0D (119) S
List Price £16,000
Target Price £15,048

The Mazda 6 is our Estate Car of the Year for the third time in a row. Yet again, it has managed to shrug off stiff competition and some seriously good new rivals to take the title. It’s not difficult to see why.

Like other estates here, the Mazda offers comfortable seating and stacks of space, 505 litres to be precise. The square-sided boot is low and easy to use, and can be extended up to 1712 litres.

It’s the way in which the Mazda 6 stows the 60/40 split rear seats that really impresses. There’s no need to wrestle with headrests or cajole cushions into the right position to transform this estate into a flat load-lugging layout. Tug on a lever at the back of the boot and the 6 does all of the seat-tumbling work for you, lowering the cushions and folding the backs down on top.

Mazda sells the 6 at a competitive price. The cheaper of the two diesels is our favourite, offering plenty of pace and pleasing economy. Low emissions make it a top choice for the company driver, while private motorists are rewarded with good resale values.

The low-speed ride is a little firm, but sharp, well weighted steering and excellent body control make the Mazda 6 great fun, whether you’re loaded up or not.

Broadband users click here to see our video review of the Mazda 6 Estate

Dial-up users click here to see our video review of the Mazda 6 Estate

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