Frugality is a key, no matter how you phrase it. At a time when diesel technology is being demonised (wrongly), it is immensely heartening to appreciate that a surprisingly large capacity petrol engine is capable of returning such impressive figures and they do not stop there. Developing a very reasonable 191bhp, allied to 190lbs ft of torque, the Mazda6 GT can sprint from 0-60mph in just 7.8s, before coursing on to a maximum speed of 138mph, while emitting 153g/km CO2, which places it in Band I for road tax and Group 29A for insurance purposes. I should also highlight that the test car was fitted with a 6-speed automatic gearbox (with paddle shifters).
To be fair, Mazda and I have a bit of history. I have won several class trophies for the firm in fuel economy competitions, even winning one event outright in a former Mazda3 MPS high performance model, for the greatest (and still unbeaten) improvement in the economy figure, over its stated Official Combined average. Therefore, the figures should not have come as a shock. Yet, even a perfectly normal drive across country in the test car, from Lincoln to Windermere in the Lake District, witnessed a cool 43.7mpg, against the stated figure of 42.2mpg.
Of course, the latest Mazda6 is not just about low running costs, although they do help immeasurably. At 4.8m long, the beautifully proportioned four-door saloon, finished in picture-perfect Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint (+£800), is among the larger models in its medium sector class. It is undeniably handsome, with a gorgeous organic flow to its curves that contain a spacious cabin for up to five large adults and a massive 480-litres boot.
Impeccably well-built, the car’s interior is a paragon of clarity, its analogue dashboard (well, the speedo is a digital screen display), centre stack row of buttons that includes a second row for the heating and ventilation and incorporates a (brilliant!) CD player for the stereo system, is topped by a fixed, 7.0-inch TFT interactive screen. The blend of Japanese Sen wood trim, with special leatherette stitched upholstery details and slush-moulded plastics is both practical and very neat. The front seats are both heated and chilled, while the outer rear pair are also individually heated. Nappa hide is used throughout for the seat coverings and comfort levels are superb.
Naturally, in a very complete car costing £31,595 (prior to discounting), apart from the bespoke paint finish, there are no extra cost items fitted to its comprehensive GT specification. Yet, it features the full spectrum of electronic driver aids and safety devices. Put into perspective, an equivalent Audi A4, or BMW 3-Series, looks very expensive alongside the Mazda6. Its ride and handling is also exemplary and the car simply devours cross-country mileage.
