Mazda6 2.2D Saloon 150PS SE-L NAV

What is it?

Mazda’s third generation Mazda6, an all-new car that takes the fight right to the Passats, Mondeos, Insignias and 3-Series of this world.

Offered in two body styles (saloon and tourer), this new Mazda6 launches with a range of highly competitive 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines. For the company car driver, however, it’s this 2.2D 150 ps version with mid-range SE-L trim level that’s likely to be the headliner.

Leading the way is Mazda’s suave new SKYACTIV 2191 cc turbodiesel with its exceptional mix of power, economy and low CO2 emissions for its class.

With 150PS output, the Mazda has 67.3mpg combined economy while CO2 emissions are just 108g/km. That’s with the standard 6-speed manual box. The auto (also 6-speed) is slightly behind with 127g/km and 58.9mpg, but even so, Mazda is instantly up with the industry’s brightest and best with this engine.

This breakthrough TDI (all Mazda’s own work) is already Euro 6 compliant without the need for expensive after treatment.

But it’s the whole car – body, chassis, engine, transmission, suspension etc – that’s been developed under Mazda’s lightweight, fuel saving SKYACTIV banner, just like the acclaimed CX-5 crossover that sits alongside. As such, it’s a big step up on the old 6.

With the company car market in mind, Mazda UK has also specced the new Mazda6 to be highly competitive against Mondeo, Insignia, Passat, A4 and 3-Series in terms of equipment.

Company car tax at £57 per month (for a 20% tax payer), or £115/month (40%)  is also right on the mark for this appealing Mazda SME company car special which kicks off in three grades – SE, SE-L and Sport. And it’s keenly priced.

What’s hot?

• Exceptional economy from this latest spec Mazda 2.2-litre SKYACTIV diesel: 55.4mpg (urban); 78.5mpg (extra urban) 67.3mpg (combined).
• CO2 emissions of just 108g/km, thus putting it very much on a par with the likes of BMW’s 3-Series 2.0-litre Efficient Dynamics
• Style. The new Mazda6 shape, conceived using Mazda’s Kodo Design philosophy, is sharp and keen to the eye, and more dynamic than old model. Some Jaguar-like cues will likely not harm the Mazda’s chances of winning over some premium buyers, either….
• Smooth power delivery of the 2.2 diesel, matched to strong torque in the key 1500-3000rpm band, means the car is quick and easy to drive
• Light, precise 6-speed manual shift

  

• Sharp handling, fine balance and grip makes the Mazda6 fun and sure-footed over twisting roads, yet it’s also unfussed on the motorway
• Excellent space in both front back. Huge boot.
• First Mazda model to get Mazda’s i-ELOOP brake regeneration system, which is claimed to boost economy by up to 10 per cent.
• Decent spec: Sat nav, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth, power fold mirrors, rain sensing front wipers, front fog lights, F/R parking sensors, dusk-sensing lights…and more…all standard with this SE-L Nav Package
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Mazda’s radar-based system designed to prevent low-speed collisions, especially in city traffic, is standard issue
• Thanks to stronger body and technologies such as SCBS, the new Mazda6 is safer and cheaper to repair than the outgoing model. Insurance group rating has also dropped to 21E.
• Tax band B, meaning an appealing £0 VED in the first year, then £20 per year thereafter.

What’s not?

• Quality of some cabin plastics, especially around the doors, not quite up to premium level
• Opening/closing of the doors and boot lack that final degree of solidity that you’d get from a Passat, for instance
• Plain design of the dashboard, and in particular, the mounting of the sat/nav screen, is maybe a bit too functional, and a long way from Audi
• No hatchback body style, as per first and second gen Mazda6s

Business Car Manager Verdict

Mazda is off and running with this new generation Mazda6, a car brimming with looks and talent, but which also makes a pretty convincing pitch to the  business car driver with its low running costs, space, practicality and all-round “rightness.”

Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology in itself is not revolutionary, rather the high level development of existing technology, so that should also bring peace of mind – the technology is tried and tested, no electric motors or hybrid batteries to go wrong.

It’s a car that can tough it out with the likes of Mondeo and Insignia on one level but which also has what it takes to sway a few would-be premium buyers, too, we’d wager. It has driver appeal, style and some of the best eco numbers in the business. What’s not to like?

So for Mazda, which is targeting 65% company car and small fleet sales, this new age 6 counts as a genuine breakthrough and timing might also seem to be on its side, with Ford delaying the launch of the new Mondeo until 2014.

Mazda6 2.2D Saloon 150PS SE-L NAV

The low down…

…and what it costs