Name: Mazda 6 Review
Item: Mazda 6
Author: Gumtree.com

First launched in 2002, the 6 has been one of Mazda’s biggest selling cars. It’s currently on its third-generation, and saw a major facelift back in 2018. The Mazda6 is a large saloon car equally suited to everyday city driving and longer journeys, and is also available as a roomy estate (Tourer). It’s reliable and safe, comfortable to drive, and offers a great balance of practicality and style. The feature set and impressive design make it well worth its price point, which sits between a standard mid-market saloon and a big-name luxury alternative.

Visit the Mazda6 model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Mazda6

The Mazda6 is a sleek, stylish car with an elevated level of refinement and comfort

Pros

Great to look at

Interior cabin is also stylish and well-equipped

Smooth, comfortable handling

Efficient range of engines

Excellent safety rating

Cons

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No hybrid engine available

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Some rivals offer more power and excitement

The Mazda6 is a mid-size saloon or estate car with five seats. As of 2021, its entry-level engine is a 2.0-litre petrol unit, offering up to 42 mpg. Since 2018, the trim line-up is the SE-L Nav+, SE-L Lux Nav+, Sport Nav+ and GT Sport Nav+.

Driving performance of the Mazda 6

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

It’s not the most exciting car on the market, but for everyday city driving the Mazda6 offers one of the smoothest rides in its class. It’s extremely nimble for its size, with agile, responsive electrically-assisted steering that provides a decent amount of feedback. If you do choose to take the Mazda6 out on winding country roads, it will still perform capably. Plus, the well-balanced suspension and minimal body lean provide a comfy cocoon to insulate against some of the harsher turns and bumps.

Safety and reliability of the Mazda 6

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

The Mazda6 was last put through its paces by the Euro NCAP safety board in 2018. It scored an impressive 95% for the protection of adult passengers, and 91% for keeping children safe. A rating of 73% was awarded for its safety equipment. The only area where it underperformed was the protection of pedestrians, with a still adequate 66%. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are all available as standard with the Mazda6.

Under the bonnet of the Mazda 6

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The basic 2.0-litre petrol engine on the Mazda6 is available in 143 bhp and 163 bhp versions. They’ll get you from standing to 62 mph in just under ten seconds. If you want more bang for your buck, it’s probably worth upgrading to the 2.5-litre petrol unit, which has a 0-62 time of just over eight seconds. There’s also a 2.5-litre diesel, which is only a little slower off the mark. Most engines are available with a six-speed gearbox, in both manual and automatic. Whichever option you go for, you can expect a pleasing balance of performance and a comfortable ride.

What you'll find in the Mazda 6

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Mazda6 is one of the most eye-catching saloon cars on the market, balancing elegance with streamlined agility in a way that rivals some of the more expensive luxury vehicles. The body looks smoothly sculpted and sporty, despite its larger size, and it also has a bulky, solid presence on the road. The front end is particularly impressive, with a large honeycomb mesh grille and sleek headlights, all surrounded by a stylish chrome trim.

Comfort and interiors in the Mazda 6

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The interior of the Mazda6’s cabin is every bit as impressive as the exterior. Its materials are all of the highest quality, and parts are built well for practicality and style. It’s a particularly nice interior for the driver, as the steering wheel and dashboard both borrow design elements from Mazda’s top-end MX-5 roadster. The layout is ergonomic and clean, making the most of its large size. Plus, it’s roomy enough to fit four adults comfortably, particularly in the estate Tourer.

What features you'll find in the Mazda 6

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Satnav is standard on all Mazda6 models, and you access the infotainment system via an eight-inch touchscreen. You can also upgrade to get a seven-inch digital driver’s display, which is just one of the many advanced features that allow the Mazda6 to rival its luxury competitors. The basic stereo is of a good quality, but an 11-speaker Bose sound system is available in the Sport trim, which is worth looking at if you need the best audio possible. With this second-highest trim, you’ll also get LED headlights, keyless entry, electrically adjustable leather-trimmed seats and a heated steering wheel.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mazda 6

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

If you’re looking to get a lot of miles to the gallon, the Mazda6’s range of engines can definitely compete, although there are no electric units available just yet. The best you can get is an impressive 53 mpg from the D184 diesel. You’ll get around 42 mpg for the entry-level petrol engines, with CO2 emissions of over 150 g/km. For the fastest 2.5-litre petrol engine, you can expect a return of 38 mpg, and emissions of 167 g/km.

Running costs of the Mazda 6

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Though the Mazda6 is slightly pricier than other mid-market saloons or estate cars, its decent fuel economy means that it should save you a fair amount of money in the long term. It’s also cheaper to insure than many comparable vehicles, with a solid selection of safety equipment bringing your premiums down a little. It comes with Mazda’s three-year/36,000 warranty (whichever comes first), which is standard for the market.

Our verdict of the Mazda 6

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you need a spacious estate or saloon car with smooth handling, great fuel efficiency and a little more style and comfort than the norm, check out the Mazda6.

Mazda6 Review