Mazda 6 Estate full 9 point review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The 153bhp 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 177bhp and, if you've got money to burn on fuel, there's also a 168bhp 2.5-litre petrol unit.

  • Ride & Handling

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad 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 ride isn't as well-sorted as that of a Ford Mondeo, but it isn't at all uncomfortable.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad 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.

  • Buying & Owning

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership 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.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The interior is something of a mixed bag. It all looks stylish and hardwearing, but some of the materials feel cheap to the touch. That said, in the 2011 JD Power survey, owners praised the quality of the previous-generation car's build and rated the reliabilty as above average.

  • Safety & Security

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership 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.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin 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.

  • Space & Practicality

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The boot is cavernous 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.

  • Equipment

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Without the hatchback's basic S trim, the 6 estate starts with TS. So, on top of air-con, a CD player with MP3 connection and electric windows, every 6 estate gets alloys, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, electric heated mirrors and dual-zone climate control, while the TS2 adds automatic lights and wipers, front foglights and Bluetooth. Next up is Sport, which has bigger wheels, a CD changer, xenon headlights and an uprated stereo.

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