Mazda 6 Tourer review

The Mazda 6 Tourer is one of those big estate cars that until recently were very tough to beat for 'dad car kudos' – and it's not hard to see why.

It drives well, comes with generous equipment and has always been among the smarter, sportier-looking load-luggers. Trends have changed, though, and SUVs have become the default for family wheels.

That's left the 6 Tourer and its rivals lagging behind, with life getting harder still for it now that the popular diesel engine has been dropped from the range, leaving it with either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre petrol engine.

There’s no hybrid or plug-in hybrid option to tempt company car buyers, putting it at a disadvantage next to more eco-oriented plug-in hybrid alternatives such as the Skoda Superb iV and VW Passat GTE.

Even so, with a reputation for being one of the best-handling big estates, a fresh range of trims and updated equipment levels, there’s still a lot going for the 6 Tourer. If you can find a good finance deal and cash savings, it could still offer a lot of car for your money.

Will the Mazda 6 Tourer meet your family's needs, what's the interior quality like and how much will it cost to run? This review will answer all those questions and more, as well as guiding you through the engine and trim options that make the most sense.

We'll also tell you how it stacks up against its rivals, including the estate versions of the BMW 3 Series, Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb and VW Passat.

If you do decide to buy one – or any make and model of vehicle – make sure you check out the What Car? New Car Buying service, where we can help you secure a tempting saving off the brochure price without any haggling, and point you in the direction of some of the best Mazda 6 Tourer deals.