Mazda6 2.5 Sport

Jan 2 2009 Jonathan Smith

IT'S a catchy bit of car-speak and one that has stood Mazda in good stead. But the 'Zoom-Zoom' cliché that the firm has adopted could well be replaced by the buzz words 'Room-Room' in their latest range of 6 saloons, hatches and estates.

The 6 Sport hatchback I've been driving packs no less than 510 litres of luggage into its huge tail - and that's without going above the 'belt' line. That's a lot of suitcase, not to mention golf clubs. And with the rear seats folded flat, and cargo loaded to the roof this expands to no less than 1,700 litres, which is pretty respectable even in estate car terms let alone a stylish hatch.

The Sport comes with a 2.5-litre four cylinder engine knocking out a useful 168bhp, so the 'Zoom-Zoom' aspect has not been forgotten. Translated into everyday language this means a 137mph top speed and an 8.3 second sprint to 62mph putting it into the business express class rather than the hot hatch category. And it is as a swift, spacious but refined companymobile that the 6 must succeed.

Pitched against models like the Renault Laguna, Ford Mondeo, Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord, the competition is tough. But with a high equipment level, a modern image and keen pricing - the 2.5 Sport costs £19,640 - the Mazda is well-placed for sales.

Though the majority of 6 sales are likely to be diesel, the 2.5-litre has the edge when it comes to smoothness and performance. With an emissions level of under 200g/km, fuel consumption is far from wallet-buckling. I managed an average of 33mpg which is pretty close to the official combined figure of 34.9mpg.

The cabin welcomes its occupants with part-leather seating trim, lots of soft-touch materials and deep set dials that glow orange when the lights are on. The visual display unit is set close to the windscreen so the driver doesn't have to avert his attention from the road - a good safety touch. Designers have managed to increase legroom both front and rear over the previous version making the new 6 a comfortable five-seater.

The Sport includes in its package 18-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, side skirts and a six speed gearbox, which is a joy to use. You also get very dark rear privacy glass and a trendy starter button - both of which I could manage without. Full marks though for the Bose audio system with its eight speakers. The test car's only extra was crystal white metallic paintwork which costs £375.

Mazda have always managed to integrate driver enjoyment into its range, and the 6 fortunately continues the tradition. With a generally light-feel and plenty of feedback from the steering, it is fun to scoot along country lanes and yet pleasantly refined for long motorway trips.

The suspension could stand being a little firmer but the wide seven-and-half-inch wheels stay firmly planted on the Tarmac when pressing on.

The 6, with its ease of driving and appealing styling, is a difficult car not to like. The sharp pricing is an extra bonus.

FAST FACTS

Mazda6 2.5 Sport 5dr

Price : £19,326

Mechanical : 168bhp, 2,488cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 137mph

0-62mph : 8.3 secs

Combined mpg : 34.9

Insurance group : 12

CO2 emissions : 192g/km

BiK rating : 25%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust