What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards - What Car? Used Car of the Year 2005

Mazda 6
Mazda 6 1.8 TS 5dr, ’04/04, 18k, £9495
Choosing the What Car? Used Car of the Year is usually quite a challenge. After all, the winners of each sector all make fantastic used buys in their own right. This year, however, it was relatively straightforward to pinpoint one car that clearly stood out above its peers.

The Mazda 6 beat off competition to claim the trophy from the ever-popular Ford Focus and the Mazda MX-5 – a car that our judges thought deserved a ‘lifetime achievement’ award for its 15 years’ sterling service to UK car buyers.

In the 6, however, Mazda has a superb family car that doesn’t sacrifice its personality in the pursuit of practicality. In fact, it delivers both in spades. Brand new models recently had a minor face-lift but, to our eyes, the original 6 still looks fresh, sporty and full of intent.

Owners agree, with the 6 being rated as the best-looking family car in the 2005 JD Power survey. That contributed to its excellent five-star score in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Index.

Previously, the 6 has been hard to find at a good price, but increasing popularity with fleet buyers means that you should no longer struggle to find second-hand examples.

Like most family cars – which now face stiff competition from MPVs and expanding small hatchbacks – the 6 struggles to hold on to its value. That may not bode well if you’ve bought it new, but for anyone considering a pre-owned 6, it’s very good news.

Shop around at car supermarkets and used car dealers and you can even find our chosen 1.8 TS hatchback on 54- or 05-plates for under £10,000 – that’s at least a £4420 saving on its list price, achieved in the space of a few months.

That’s not bad for a nearly new car that offers ample space for five alongside goodies such as climate control, cruise control, CD player and alloy wheels. Future depreciation should be gentle, with buyers still likely to appreciate its looks and reliability.

The 6 will keep you safe too. It scored a competent four stars for occupant protection in Euro NCAP’s 2003 crash test, and the TS features front, side and curtain airbags as standard.

It’s the entire package that makes the Mazda 6 stand out. As one of our judges summed up: ‘It’s well specified, reliable and handles well. It looks good and, on top of that, the Mazda badge is on the up.’