THE latest generation of Mazda's large family saloon offers the joy of ‘six'.
Fancy technology, first seen in its CX-5 crossover model and to be rolled out across the fleet over the next 18 months, once more sees the Japanese company ploughing its own furrow - this time in pursuit of the environmentally-friendly car that's still fun to drive.
Impossible, I hear you cry, and yet with SKYACTIV technology the Mazda6 looks to have squared this particular circle.
A host of recent awards back up Mazda's assertion that you don't have to go electric, turn to a hybrid or downsize to own a greener machine that can still go from 0-60mph in under ten seconds.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet of the SE-L Nav Saloon I drove offers remarkably low carbon dioxide emissions for one so powerful and a tank of fuel that a natty dashboard display tells you will get the car 600-plus miles down the road.
Those are pretty impressive statistics - mirrored by a similarly frugal 2.0-litre petrol power unit - that has given Mazda real eco-credibility.
The system relies on clever electronics such as a brake energy regeneration system called i-ELOOP.
This rather mad sounding group of letters is short for Intelligent Energy Loop and can boost fuel economy by up to ten per cent.
It basically recovers kinetic energy normally lost while braking to power things like the air conditioning and audio systems - so relieving the engine of the burden.
With rain forests everywhere breathing easier the Mazda6 moves on to the business of delivering a decent drive.
The suspension ensures the car feels under control at all times and especially in corners where good levels of grip inspire confidence. The handling is precise thanks to well-weighted steering while the ride is firm - but not uncomfortably so.
The responsive engine is linked to a slick six-speed manual gearbox which, combined with a comfortable driving seat and stylish dashboard, means this is one car you will want to spend time behind the wheel of.
The dashboard is well laid out with controls for the air conditioning below those for the CD/radio system which are close to eye level. The touch-screen display looks snazzy and is relatively simple to use.
The smart cabin benefits from an excellent fit and finish and offers plenty of head and leg room front and back.
The saloon model is a practical family motor thanks to its large boot and rear seats that flip down to open up a long load space.
There are, predictably, six trim levels - SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav - priced from £19,595 to £28,045.
All models come well kitted out with the likes of hill hold assist, 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, daytime running lights, electric door mirrors, keyless start, air conditioning, plus Mazda's multimedia system with integrated Bluetooth as standard.
Step up to SE-L and climate control as well as front and rear parking sensors are added while SE-L Nav brings sat nav into the equation.
Move up from there and goodies like 19-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights, a reversing camera and leather trim are thrown into the mix.