Car Test
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R0223 | |
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September 2002 |
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| First Drive | Mazda 6 Diesels | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: Hatchback and Estate | |
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The first thing to say about this new Mazda is that, if it’s true to form, it’s likely to oust most rivals in the reliability stakes.
The second consideration is that there’s Ford money (and management) in Mazda these days, and some of what you see today in this all-new Mazda 6, will be seen in the future, with a Mondeo badge attached. However, our second-chance to get acquainted – this time with the diesel-powered five-door and estate versions – confirms that the 6 doesn’t achieve Mondeo standards of road manners or interior space, though the latter is a match for most other upper-medium contenders. Our dimensions show that the estate car offers better rear headroom, although the rear seating and elegant folding arrangement are the same on all three body styles. Actually, our rear legroom measurement is improved, behind the driver on those cars that aren’t fitted with the Bose sound system – this has its amplifier fitted under the seat, impinging on foot space. Which brings us nicely to the ‘basic’ S version, with its straightforward radio-cassette, manual air-con control button and still-ample kit inside. This version, as a 121bhp diesel, represents superb value for money: it’s nicely trimmed, has no front centre armrest to impede the gearchange elbow and doesn’t stint on safety or security. Perhaps the absence of a driver’s lumbar adjuster is our only regret. On the road, one is conscious of the diesel activity, especially when overtaking and revving beyond 3500rpm. It’s a smooth, vibration-free operator below 1500rpm, however, and feels very effortless at any legal cruising speed. There’s little incentive to pay £1500 more for the 136bhp TS – indeed; this engine feels harsher, with a harder edged note both when accelerating and cruising. The hatchback’s ride is entirely acceptable on better-surfaced main roads, but a lot of road rumble feeds into the cabin and tyre thump is sharp over potholes. The undulating roads of North Yorkshire also revealed a turbulent jostled response at times and these deficiencies were even more apparent on the (unladen) estate car we sampled. The steering undermines the car's cornering abilities, which for grip, predictability and roll-free attitude, makes all the right responses. No, the electro-hydraulic steering is a shade too light and displays some stickiness and vagueness from straight-ahead. Generous adjustment is provided for both seat and steering wheel to ensure a good driving position. Over-the-shoulder vision is best on the estate. Rear passengers have ample space and this is a wagon that imposes no compromise to seating comfort, either. There are plenty of oddment spaces, as well as a truly generous load deck, nicely trimmed even on the S version; there’s even more oddments stowage below deck, too. Back seat folding couldn’t be simpler, but the arrangement does mean there’s no reassuring upright cushion to separate the load from the front seats. |
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