The new Mazda6 adds sporting looks to the family saloon market, writes Michael McAleer, Motoring Editor
It's only been five years since the launch of the current Mazda6, the car that revitalised the Japanese brand and gave it a look that could compete with more stylish European models.
Already well regarded for quality and reliability the brand suffered from years of bland design. The Mazda6 of 2002 changed many perceptions.
Since then the "zoom-zoom" philosophy has made its mark on the rest of the range, most recently with the Mazda2. For the Mazda6, however, it's time for "zoom-zoom" mark II.
Key styling features have been carried forward from the likes of the RX-8, such as the extended front wheel-arches and the sweeping light clusters, but there are also hints at the back that suggest Ford's Mondeo styling also played its part.
However, Mazda management is keen to differentiate the two models: although Ford is a partner of Mazda, the new Mazda6 shares only its petrol engines with the recently launched Mondeo, and the platform for the new Mazda6 is unique to the car.
Three formats are available: saloon, hatchback and estate, with the latter two arriving early next year.
Of the three, the estate is by far the most impressive and while only 2 per cent of Mazda6 sales in Ireland are estate, the new look should win favour with even saloon fans. It would certainly be our choice in the family estate market.
With the saloon and hatchback versions, the high-set rear and lower bonnet give the car a rather squat appearance, and Mazda is hoping the new 6 will win favour with owners looking for more sporting styling rather than the larger executive look that's all the rage in the current family car market.
The new Mazda6 is larger than its predecessor by some 65mm, though the brand's efforts at shedding weight have paid off here.
While the new car features several extra safety and comfort features, it is on average 37kg lighter than the outgoing model, thereby reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Interior styling is not on the same level as European rivals such as the VW Passat or Renault Laguna, but the sporting theme is carried forward with the deep-set instrument clusters.
A new steering wheel control system for air-conditioning/sat-nav and radio - entitled CF net - is a useful and intuitive control that reduces the distraction for the driver.
A system of horizontal and vertical buttons allow for changes of everything from temperature to navigation to be carried out without taking your hands off the wheel.
The engine range will feature a 1.8-litre, 2-litre and 2.5-litre petrol, along with a 2-litre diesel. A 2.2-litre diesel version may be added to the range in the next 18 months, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Specification has yet to be confirmed. However, Irish buyers can expect stability control systems as standard on all models.
We tested the petrol versions on a test track yesterday and while we will have to wait for a proper test on public roads, the 1.8-litre didn't feel as underpowered as we might have expected.
The car is clearly bigger than its predecessor, but its handling is quite impressive, although it is a little softer than the likes of the Ford Mondeo.
The importance of the new car to Mazda in Europe is evident from previous sales: the current model sold 1.3 million units, of which 450,000 went to European customers.
The new car is due in Ireland this November, with prices starting at under €30,000 for the 1.8-litre petrol version.