Given the pace of the motor industry, an endless flow of new cars and technology, it’s worth a look to see how current cars might still stand up a couple of years on from their introduction.
Tom Scanlan drives Mazda’s sporty saloon the Mazda6 SKYACTIV-G 165PS
Take the Mazda6. Two years ago, Mazda proudly told us that the oldest car in their range was just thirteen months old. That was when they introduced the somewhat zapped up new Mazda6.
So how is this two-year-old toddler performing in a market that has seen so many new versions from pretty well every manufacturer?
The answer is OK.
My test car was a 2-litre Petrol 165PS SportNav saloon. With just two extras: metallic paint at £550 and the £800 Safety Package, the car totalled £26,145. This places it in a highly-competitive market and I reckon it can stand up quite proudly alongside any competitor.
In performance and efficiency terms, zero to 62 mph, through a pleasant six-speed gearbox, takes 9.1 seconds; my overall consumption, the trip computer told me, was 44.8 mpg, giving a useful potential range of around 630 miles. The emissions figure is a competitive 135g/km.
So far, so good. And it carries on.
Any driver should enjoy being behind the wheel. Sporty, sharp steering is always an important feature and this Mazda has just that. The eight-way adjustable leather driver’s seat is heated, as is the steering wheel for frosty mornings. It’s very easy to drive, with good visibility. The suspension has some thump to it at times but, on the whole (as opposed to the ‘hole’, sorry!), it drives very well and supports the handling nicely.
Passengers will find the car quite roomy, the person in the front also having a heated seat and six-way adjustment.
The optional safety package is well worth the extra expense. You get Adaptive LED headlights that recognise and dip to oncoming traffic, blind-spot detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Rear Smart City Brake Support.
Connectivity is part of the deal, enabling you to stay in touch with business or family.
So what will get someone to buy the Mazda6? It will be down to the looks, the package, the local dealer and what you can get off the retail price…the usual story, therefore.
Car reviewed: Mazda6 SKYACTIV-G Petrol 165PS Manual Saloon – Base Price On the road £24,795 with options on car tested £26,145 0-60mph 9.1 secs Top speed 134mph Fuel Economy combined 47.9mpg CO2 emissions 135g/km Engine 1998cc 4-cylinder petrol Max Power 165PS@6000 rpm Torque 210Nm@4000rpm Transmission 6-Speed manual
Very well specced
Overall pretty good value
Mazda's excellent reliability
Slightly sombre inside
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