WE’RE all downsizing according to the number crunchers in the motoring industry.
Horribly expensive fuel, running costs and the sheer cost of buying a new car has forced us to go down a notch.
So the ‘D’ sector cars like a Volkswagen Passat, Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo are longer the staple family choice. They are too expensive so the British public is lowering its sights and buying Golf, Astra, Focus, and in many cases dropping even further into larger superminis like Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta.
Car companies aren’t stupid; they saw it coming and packed the family hatchback with the sort of kit normally reserved for luxury cars so no-one felt they were losing out.
But you have to admit that there is something satisfying about driving a larger car, especially if it seems damn good value for money.
Mazda6 has always been one of my favourites for two reasons. It looks good and is a great driver’s car. And the model I was driving the other week would have persuaded me to forget this downsizing lark and just go for it.
Mazda6 was the car that pulled the Japanese company back from the brink of disaster in 2002.
Sales were on the floor, the company’s UK reputation held together by a 13 year old two-seater sports car. Then Mazda literally hit the opposition for six with its new car which proved to be the catalyst for eight years of stunning growth.
The 6 is still going strong and with the latest tweaks is arguably the best looking in its class.
Take a look at the car of 2002, and the current model, and you will not see any dramatic changes, yet there have been plenty of nips and tucks along the way.
But if the bodily changes have been merely subtle there are two areas where the Maz6 has leapt forward – suspension tuning and trim quality.
Mazda built the car’s reputation on its driver appeal, clinging on to bends like nothing else in its class. The slight downside was a harsh ride but along the way the suspension boys have been chipping away, tuning the car to a near perfect blend of sharp handling and supple ride.
As for upgrades in the quality of cabin trim, well Mazda had no choice, they either pulled their fingers out or got left behind by competitors who always seemed one step ahead. Now that has been resolved as well.
If you crave a bit of performance with your Maz6 then I would be setting your sights a little higher than the 1.8 litre petrol.
That is the least engaging of the car’s engine line up. Forget how quickly it will accelerate to sixty, or its top end speed, the motor is lacking in torque so overtaking has to be judged a little more carefully.
Yet refinement is spot on and the engine is so quiet on tick over you could be forgiven for thinking it had stalled.
Bigger car means more room all round so no problems for tall people in the back and there is plenty of room in the boot for family luggage needs.
Another Mazda6 strength has been has been a generous basic spec but if £18k was within my range I would be tempted to go for the TS which has extras like heated electric door mirrors, dual zone climate control, cruise control (something I rarely use) steering wheel mounted radio controls and the must have auxiliary jack for connecting MP3 players.
For someone who downsized two years ago I seem to have talked myself back into wanting a bigger car and the Maz6 will do just fine.
Mazda6 TS
Engine: 1.8 litre; 117bhp
Performance: 0-62mph 11.7secs; top speed 121mph
Economy: 43.5mpg combined
Emissions: 155g/km. VED £155
Insurance: group 18
Price: £18,045