Car Test
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R0247 | |
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June 2002 |
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| Brief Test | Mazda 6 | |
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APART from the hugely successful MX-5, there haven’t been too many memorable Mazdas over the last few years. But spearheaded by its new “Zoom, Zoom” advertising campaign, Mazda is pulling out all the stops to show us that its little roadster wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. It’s determined to rejuvenate its range and restore some sparkle to its image.
Over the next year or two, we can expect a wholesale renewal of much of its line-up, and the process has already started with the Mondeo-sized Mazda 6. This upper-medium contender is brand new from top to tyre-tread, as it seeks to exude more style, driver appeal and sophistication than its lacklustre 626 predecessor, from which it’s keen to distance itself. The full Mazda 6 line-up (once completed later this year) will comprise a saloon, a five-door hatch and an estate. Power comes from a trio of all-new 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3-litre petrol engines (offering 118, 139 and 164bhp respectively), with a pair of new common-rail, direct-injection two-litre diesel (119 and 134bhp) joining these around September. The 6 hopes to lure buyers out of their Mondeos and Vectras, as well as lower-end Passats, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4s; it certainly makes a good impression as soon as you climb aboard. The distinctive, stylish cabin offers a fine driving position, good all-round vision and well-placed minor controls, together with generous passenger space, front and rear. We sampled all three petrol engines on our introductory drive. The 1.8 is willing and subdued at a gentler pace, but thereafter feels a shade sluggish – it needs plenty of gearstick stirring to keep the sizeable 6 on the boil. Trading up to the two-litre brings easier, more agreeable performance (with a claimed sub-10sec 0-62mph sprint), but, like its smaller offering, it retains a healthy hankering for revs. The balancer shaft-equipped 2.3-litre (available in both saloon and five-door Sport) is the cream of the crop, delivering ample top-end urge, yet with plenty of smooth, eager mid-range pull, too. The rev-happy engines complement a subtly sporty chassis, yet despite its taut, agile handling, the 6 also treats it occupants to a compliant, well-cushioned ride. The spacious, well-appointed cabin sports ample storage spaces, and safety hasn’t been neglected, with side airbags plus front and rear curtain bags on all models. Rounding off the rear is a roomy, well-shaped boot, and both the saloon and hatch have a neat trick up their sleeve – the back seats self-fold at the tug of a boot-mounted lever. |
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