Mazda 6 Estate full 9 point review
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Performance
The 145bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is smooth and brisk, but most company drivers will choose the slick, powerful 161bhp 2.2-litre diesel for its lower running costs. There's a faster version of the diesel with 182bhp and, if you've got money to burn on fuel, there's also a 168bhp 2.5-litre petrol unit.
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Ride & Handling
The Mazda 6 is a big car, but doesn't feel so because it's agile and grippy, with steering that's light, yet precise at speed. The trade-off for this agility is a firm-ish ride, but it falls short of being uncomfortable. We'd describe it as informative rather than annoying.
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Refinement
The 6 is generally a relaxed and quiet cruiser, but refinement isn't class-leading. You notice a bit of wind noise from around the door mirrors, and there's some road noise over rough surfaces. You need to be precise with the gearshift, too, but the engines – petrol and diesel – are all smooth and quiet.
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Buying & Owning
All Mazda 6s are exceptionally good when it comes to CO2 output, which means company car tax will be equally low. Your fleet manager will also be keen, because leasing rates are attractive. Competitive pricing, good fuel economy and strong resale values make it an appealing private buy.
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Quality & Reliability
The interior is something of a mixed bag. It all looks stylish and hardwearing, but some of the materials feel cheap to the touch – the passenger gets dense, cushioned plastics, while the driver makes do with harder stuff. That said, Mazdas don't tend to go wrong and consistently score well in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
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Safety & Security
Every 6 comes with six airbags, including full-length curtain 'bags. There are also daytime-running lights, anti-lock brakes with electronic assistance and a combination of stability and traction control. Deadlocks and a top-notch alarm make life difficult for thieves.
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Behind The Wheel
The Mazda's cabin has a sporty feel thanks to circular air vents, cowled dials and splashes of metallic trim. The dashboard is, for the most part, user-friendly, although it's a pity that the stereo and heater controls are separated from the panel that displays their settings. Forward vision is good and there's a wide range of adjustment on both the driver's seat and steering wheel.
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Space & Practicality
The boot isn't quite as cavernous as those in some family estates, but it's still large and cleverly designed. The rear seats can be dropped from the cabin or by tugging handles in the boot, plus the bases automatically lower when you fold down the backrests to maximise cargo space and leave a flat floor. There's also plenty of room for passengers in the cabin and three people will be reasonably comfortable in the back.
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Equipment
Even the cheapest TS models have climate and cruise control, a CD player, a multifunction steering wheel, four electric windows and alloy wheels, while TS2 adds automatic lights, Bluetooth connectivity and a CD changer. Next up is Sport, which features big wheels and a bodykit. Then at the very top there's the Sports Luxury, with full leather trim and front and rear parking sensors.
6 used car reviews
Mazda 6 Estate 2.2D 163 TS 5dr
This is our favourite diesel engine in the range and company users in particular will love this model. Overall, it's our 2010 Estate Car of the Year.
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