ROAD TEST: Mazda6 Limited

The Mazda6 is one damn fine looking automobile. That is a fact

It has always been a good-looking car, but just lately it had started to look a bit dated – not on the outside, mind you, but on the inside, where its interior didn’t quite stand up to the new generation of Mazda’s like the CX-3 and Mazda2.

But now the 6 has come in for a facelift that has – very sensibly, in our opinion – left the outside pretty much alone, but brought a fresh new interior and a whole load of new tech to make the 6 as smart as it is beautiful.

Outside

Likes: Easily one of the best-looking cars on sale today, the Mazda has only got better with age. Kodo styling is at its best on the low, long lines of the 6. Wheels look fantastic.

Dislikes: While it does look good in red, everybody seems to think so, making red a bit obvious…

Inside

Likes: New interior is fantastic, updating the 6 to the levels of the 2, 3 and CX-3. Massively good quality materials. Brilliantly comfortable and supportive seats. Bose audio is spectacular. Extremely sensible and ergonomic layout just works.

Dislikes: Except for the volume control, which takes some getting used to. The shift paddles on the steering wheels are a little plastic and flimsy. The weird slightly-brown two tone trim is, well, weird…

Under the bonnet

Likes: The 129kW/420Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine is magnificently strong through its rev range. Six-speed auto is slick and well matched to the engine’s big torque.

Dislikes: It does really sound like a diesel though.

On the road

Likes: Remarkably well-balanced and sharp, the 6 is both dynamic and comfortable on the road. The driver aids (lane-keep assist, auto headlights, etc) work brilliantly well and the 6 can either be a dynamic blast on a drive, or almost drive itself when you don’t feel like it.

Dislikes: The steering is a little remote and artificial. The radar cruise control won’t go right down to a complete stop, which is massively irritating as it does everything else so well…

Verdict

The Mazda6 Limited is, quite simply, one of the best cars available in its segment regardless of price. It has all the safety, technology and quality you would expect from a far more expensive car, then adds in those fantastic looks as well.

The downside to those great looks is that they are becoming a bit common now, as it has both sold relatively well and is very distinctive. But don’t let that put you off.

The best part of the 6 is its ability to shift seamlessly between comfortable and almost able to drive itself to sharp and extremely dynamic without breaking a sweat. The strong, torquey diesel engine is brilliantly suited to either attitude, with the big torque making effortless work of the cruising, as well as the corners.

While a lot of competitors feature similar technology as the Mazda, few do it quite as well and you really have to get up to the likes of BMW and Mercedes to get similarly slick lane assist and auto headlight dimming systems. The lane assist system features a gentle “steering” effect that guides the car back into the centre of the lane if you stray and this, mixed with the excellent radar cruise control makes for a car that truly is effortless on a long run.

But then point it at a winding road with enthusiasm and it is equally at home. While you would never mistake it for a small car, the 6 is simply fantastic at carving through the corners.

All up, the Mazda still very much has what it takes to top the segment. The updated interior makes it a far nicer place to be, while the safety electronics make it not only safe, but also remarkably easy to use. Add in the fact that it is also fun on a twisting road and you have the complete package. Very impressive indeed.

• PRICE (incl. GST/excl. on road costs): $58,245
• PRICE AS TESTED: $58,495
• ENGINE: 2.2-litre inline 4-cylinder diesel turbo
• TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
• PERFORMANCE: 129kW/420Nm
• FUEL ECONOMY: 5.4L/100km

Click here for full specifications and more information on the Mazda6 Limited diesel.