Model tested: Mazda 6 2-litre diesel Sport
Price: £20,670
Date tested: July 2008
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Overall rating: 81%

The European saloon car market is one of the most hotly fought in the world, with big hitters including the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord all fighting for buyers.

Can the all-new Mazda 6 cut it? We drove one for a week to find out.

1. Looks
The Mazda 6 has sharp lines and advanced headlights which lend it a sporty and modern demeanour. Its wide wheelarches and aggressive front grille also give it strong visual links with the RX-8 sports car.
8/10

2. Looks inside
The spacious cabin is well laid out and feels fresh and modern. The dials glow an attractive blue and red at night and it's reasonably sporty too, thanks to round air vents and flashes of metal which adorn the dashboard.
8/10

3. Practicality
The 6 has a big boot (510 litres) and 1702 litres with the rear seats folded. The 6 estate has up to 1751 litres available; with a tow bar fitted, trailers weighing up to 1,700kg can be pulled.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The steering is responsive and crisp, there's little slack in the handling, body roll is almost non-existent and there's lots of grip, yet the ride is still comfortable.
9/10

5. Performance
The 2-litre diesel is a punchy engine with a smooth delivery. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 127mph.
7/10

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6. Running Costs
The 2-litre diesel is the most economical 6 engine available (50mpg average consumption), it has the lowest emissions (149g/km) and will cost the least to tax, in band D.
8/10

7. Reliability
Mazda has an impressive reputation for building thoroughly engineered and reliable cars. The previous generation Mazda 6 proved very reliable, and there's no reason the new model shouldn't be even better.
9/10

8. Safety
Electronic brake force distribution and ESP are fitted, plus active front head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners as well as front, side and curtain airbags.
8/10

9. Equipment
The range-topping Sport has automatic lights, 6-CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels and body coloured bumpers. plus cruise control, climate control, multi-function leather steering wheel and a trip computer. There's also half leather trim, tyre pressure monitors and bi-xenon headlights.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The Mazda 6 is one of the best looking saloon cars on sale, with good build quality, reliability and a 'premium feel' to give saloon car buyers an interesting alternative to the rest of the pack.
8/10