Mazda - 6

2002-07

Mazda6 has turned around the company's reputation and fortunes in the UK. Great to drive, stylish and distinctive, it has gone straight to the top of many company car lists.

	Competitively priced for its size and abilities
	Handling is almost sporty with excellent roadholding
	Stylish, spacious, well built and well equipped
	Ride is firmer than many rivals, especially around town
	Noise levels rise noticeably at speed
	Service costs are quite high on 2.3

Mazda6 looks sharp, and its handling lives up to that promise. A properly sporting saloon, hatchback or estate, it's aimed mainly at the company car buyer. But it suits private family motorists just as well.
Offered with 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3-litre petrol engines, or the noisy but powerful 2.0 turbodiesel with two different outputs, Mazda6 is well-equipped and well-finished, with a fine cabin to that helps to take the edge off monotonous motorway miles. Seats are supportive and the driving position comfortable.
Priced to undercut the likes of Passat and A4, the 6 makes an interesting and entertaining alternative to a Mondeo or Vectra without taking too many risks. Residual values are strong for a fleet carr, and its reliability and quality make it a good investment. The only model that's unconvincing is the expensive four-wheel drive 2.3 Sport estate, which comes only with a power-sapping auto gearbox and the thirstiest petrol engine.