FOLLOWING a few ups and downs in recent years Mazda has come out fighting on all fronts, with a new range of models designed to seriously challenge more well-established rivals.

The 6 is undoubtedly the flagship model of the range and in either saloon or estate guise it represents a tempting option for a variety of reasons.

First among them are looks that leave many competitors in the shade. The saloon has the flavour of a Jaguar about it and the Tourer also offers the kind of sleek and sporty looks one tends not to associate with a load-lugger ordinarily.

The only downside is that those good looks do compromise practicality to a degree and the 6 Tourer does lag a little behind  competitors when it comes to carrying capacity. But, if you want a car that looks the part first and foremost, it's probably worth compromising.

It's all relative of course and as an estate it still has plenty of boot space (506 litres) - just not as much as some others in its class. 

So, while you might struggle to get a wardrobe in there it is still family-friendly enough for the needs of most and has the edge over smaller hatchbacks and estates from the segment below it.

Boot space limitations are balanced by a roomy cabin, with passengers in the rear particularly well catered for.

In-car ergonomics might make a good subject for discussion in an exam. Mazdas are still characterised by a spartan feel that might not please the bells and whistles brigade but there's something about the understated simplicity that is appealing.

Detractors might say it lacks the premium feel of some rivals but to my mind it's an approach that works well.

The instrumentation is well laid out and I liked the entertainment and sat nav system and its i-Drive-style control mechanism, which is easy to use.

One of the key strengths of Mazda's current crop of cars is the SKYACTIV technology which made its debut on the CX-5 SUV.

This series of technologies brings much to the car and increases both fuel efficiency and performance.

It's a kind of holistic approach which includes new engines, transmissions, body, and chassis  - with an emphasis on saving weight.

In the 6 one of the manifestations of this is a super-light diesel engine that also uses the lowest compression ratio of any diesel currently available. It's available in two power variants - 148bhp and 172bhp - and this was the higher-powered version.

It's smooth and refined and in the 6 Tourer makes for a car that's surprisingly light and agile and one that combines performance and economy to good effect.

A light body structure and supple suspension set-up add to the mix to ensure the 6 Tourer delivers in the handling stakes.

Nimble, sure-footed and composed it goes round corners at speed with ease and offers plenty of driver feedback.

The ride strikes a good balance between a sporty firm-ish feel and overall comfort.