By Patrick James on 2012-03-18 - The author has been a motoring writer for more than 16 years. Formerly motoring editor at the Coventry Telegraph, he now produces motoring copy, on new car launches and road tests on a freelance basis.
Mazda6 2.2 TS2
Estate
BUSINESS or pleasure? Whatever you need, the Mazda6 is a stylish alternative to the likes of the Mondeo, Insignia and Passat.
It is more stylish than some and is practical and economical, with a choice of engines and trim and, crucially, backed up the Japanese firm's bullet-proof reliability record.
The car burst onto the scene in 2002 to critical acclaim and the latest version has built on the initial success and offers an enticing list of options for both private and fleet buyers.
Until then Mazdas, apart from the excellent MX-5, the iconic RX-7 and then RX-8, had a reputation for building reliable, but fairly bland saloons.
There are now 21 Mazda6 models starting at £17,805 with three petrol and three diesel engines and four equipment levels on both the saloon and the estate.
Trim levels include the S, TS, TS2 and Sport and all are well equipped.
Even the base model offers good levels of standard equipment with electric windows and door mirrors, ‘smart' turn indicators and emergency stop signalling system for all models.
Additional items moving up the range include rear spoiler and dual-zone climate control air-conditioning on the TS upwards with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and hill hold assit on the TS2 upwards.
This model also features, fog lights, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dusk sensing headlights and rain sensing wipers, plus Bluetooth system.
It is a good looking car with sleek, but aggressive lines even in estate form dominated by the arrow-shaped grille and alloy wheels.
The interior is also of the highest quality, trimmed in black and brushed aluminium, the instrumentation is neatly laid out in a logical order and all the controls feel robust and long lasting.
The seating for five is comfortable and supportive and easily adjustable to give the optimum driving position, while the whole interior is light and airy.
As you would expect with an estate, the boot space is good with 519 litres with the rear seats in place. Fold them down and a massive 1,751 litres becomes available, ideal for big families or the business user lugging samples around the country or even taking the piles of garden rubbish to the tip.
The 2.2-litre engine on the tested model is a powerful and refined piece of engineering.
It pumps out a 163ps and acceleration is extremely brisk at under 10 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint, yet diesel clatter is virtually absent.
It also delivers a claimed 53mpg, while carbon dioxide emissions are 141g/km, which puts the car in the 21 per cent benefit in kind taxation bracket for business users.
Not only does the car go well, it also handles excellently, even in estate form while the ride is comfortable. It feels agile and grippy on corners while giving excellent feedback throught the nicely weighted steering.
The ride is firm, but comfortable enough and a full load of passengers on a lengthy motorway never felt anything other than comfortable.
Big Mazda models are no longer an afterthought, but a serious players in a tought marketplace.
Mazda6 2.2 TS2 Estate
Price: £22,480
Mechanical: 163ps, 2,184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Combined MPG: 52.3
Insurance Group: 24
C02 emissions: 141g/km
Bik rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
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