It wouldn't quite be true to say that the new Mazda 626 didn't attract any attention when we took it on a test last week. There were two inquiries but they weren't about the car itself, rather about the new Mazda logo that the 626 is now sporting. Mazda said the old logo didn't bring identification to the marque. The new one does have simplicity and clarity and clearly is capable of getting looks, albeit limited.
The fact that the looks weren't for the car is neither here nor there. Mazda's conservative revamping of the 626 is very much in line with what other manufacturers do in the medium and upper medium sectors, which is simply to keep a strong resemblance to the old model. It is a tactic that keeps in mind fleet customers or more importantly fleet managers: too much changing isn't good for residual values.
Biggest change between old and new 626 is actually that the new one is smaller. That's not strictly true either, for in spite of being five inches shorter, Mazda has somehow performed a miracle of creating more interior space. The boot on our top-of-the-range 626GLX hatchback with 136 bhp was also cavernous, probably the biggest in the class.
There are two 1991cc engines with differing outputs, 113 and 136 bhp. The latter unit provides strong and assertive performance although we didn't get around to testing Mazda's claim of a 130 mph top speed and a 0 to 62mph (100kph) time of 9.6 seconds. The engine revs smoothly all the way up the rev counter to the red line and there's no discernible reduction in refinement. It's easy and flexible in most driving modes, the sort of car that's obedient to driver wishes whatever the manner of the driver.
Although the basic suspension layout remains unchanged, revised spring and damper rates have greatly changed the way the 626 behaves on the road. It now has a more taut chassis, making it all the better for body control at speed. The 626 is something of a wolf in sheep's clothing: you can driver it harder and more satisfyingly than what might be suggested by the inoffensive appearance. Agile driving is also aided by a slick gear-change and a compliant clutch.
The 626's interior doesn't break any new moulds but it's none the worse for that. We found a pleasantly comfortable driving position with a supportive seat. Fold down armrests, flip-up cup holders, and oodles of storage space add to the 626GLX's opulence. There are fold-flat split rear seats while the front passenger seat also folds flat to make a picnic table. Safety is taken a step further with the incorporation of side airbags on both the driver and passenger front seats.
The most appreciated interior appointment was not any of these things, it was air conditioning. This Irish summer has been characterised by hot and muggy weather, and air conditioning seems the perfect antidote. Only top-of-the-range GLX versions feature it as standard here, whereas in the neighbouring UK market, it goes into all cars.
Fuel consumption worked out overall at 31 mpg in a cocktail of driving that included motorways, open roads, boreens and city streets. With a Cd or aerodynamic drag figure of 0.29, the 626 is more aerodynamic than most of the opposition. There's a 64-litre or 14.1 gallon tank giving a touring range of well over 400 miles.
The new 626, particularly in its upmarket GLX manifestation, is quick, comfortable, refined and economical, a package of virtues that should make it appealing to most buyers, existing and new. At £20,560 ex-works, it challenges competitors like the Honda Accord 2.0LS (£21,495), the five-door Ford Mondeo Ghia 2.0i (£21,855) and the Mitsubishi Galant 2.0GLS with air con (£21,695). The bulk of 626 sales will come in the 1.8 litre area where prices begin at £15,750.
Factfile: Mazda 626GKX 2.0I Hatchback with 136bhp
Price: £20,650 ex-works
Engine: 16 valve four cylinder in-line 1991cc unit developing 136 bhp at 5800 rpm
Performance: top speed 130 mph with 0 to 62 mph time of 9.6 seconds (manufacturer's figures). Fuel consumption as tested, 31mpg overall.
Specification: standard features include air conditioning, driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes.