Car review: Mazda6 SKYACTIV-G 165PS Sport Nav +

The overall impression the Mazda6 makes is of a good blend of style, quality and practicality, says Mike Stone.
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Mike Stone11 September 2018

Mazda’s medium executive-sized 6 model has been inching upmarket ever since it first appeared in 2002. The latest, seventh-generation version takes it even further, with a vastly improved interior and a host of extra safety equipment.

Diesel engines, including the SKYACTIV 2.2 litre, are on their way but at the car’s launch only petrol versions were available. The first I tried was a 2.0 Sport Nav + with a six-speed manual gearbox. I immediately felt at home in this car, all the controls falling readily to hand.

The 165hp four-cylinder engine is smooth until it is pushed and lacks a little grunt on gradients. Visually the changes are just tweaks – a deeper radiator grille, new lights and lighting signature, but a much improved cabin with soft-touch contrasting leather and much more equipment. The flagship GT Sport Nav + also has Japanese Sen Wood trim, which adds a subtle touch of luxury.

All models get an impressively clear head-up display and smart keyless entry and the £800 Safety Pack includes 360-degree camera view, adaptive LED headlamps and Isofix seats. The dials are admirably clear and there is a generous button count on the heated and leather-clad steering wheel which is standard equipment on all models.

We then swapped to a 2.5-litre 194hp GT Sport Nav + Tourer with a six-speed auto box. This is a very smooth engine but the difference in power didn’t feel as great as I expected, which could just be down to newness. This version has cylinder deactivation, which shifts between two and four cylinders for better economy.

The range, priced from £23,195 to £33,585, features 25 models in four trim levels, and the popular Soul Red colour has been modified to give it a deeper lustre. The front is roomy, the boot is huge but rear legroom is only adequate.

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The overall impression the Mazda6 makes is of a good blend of style, quality and practicality. If it was my money I would go for the less powerful petrol engine and pocket the £5,000 difference. Its performance is certainly up to scratch and it is an excellent match with the manual six-speed gearbox.

Details: Mazda6 SKYACTIV-G 165PS Sport Nav +

Top speed: 134mph

Combined mpg: 44.4

0-60mph: 9.1 secs

CO2: 146g/km

Price: £25,995

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