DONAL BYRNE
MAZDA MAY never have departed from its roots as a fine car maker as far as the MX5 is concerned but the same can't be said for all of its cars. Having a huge competitor like Ford buying a big slice of the company did not help the development of the kind of cars Mazda made best and cars like the 323 suffered as result. In the case of the Mazda 6, however, there was a fairly clear return to design distinction and driver appeal.
It is in both of these areas that the 6 has made an impression - not an easy thing in a segment dominated by cars like the Ford Mondeo, the Toyota Avensis and the VW Passat. Launched in 2002 the 6 has been improving with each makeover. The car produced between then and 2008 is a very smart entry, with plenty of sharp lines, a relatively sporty profile and an excellent interior. Add crisp ride and handling and you have a car that gives a deal more feedback than some of its competitors.
The looks don't sacrifice a lot either in terms of practicality. The 6 has a bigger boot and it will take five adults in comfort. There is also plenty of standard equipment. Multiple airbags, side impact protection, climate control and a multi-function steering wheel are all pretty much standard.
The 6 comes with a choice of engines, ranging from the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre petrol to a 2.0-litre diesel. The usual high mileage requirements attach to the diesel, which will return 50 to the gallon on a good day. However, the 1.8 petrol is more than adequate for those in the 25,000km a year bracket.
The 6 scored four out of five in the EuroNCAP crash test programme and lost out on the last star because the steering column was said to pose a threat to the driver's knees and chest protection was judged "poor".
A 2007 diesel with 52,000km and with air conditioning, climate control, cruise control and side-impact protection is on offer at one garage for €15,750. A 1.8 petrol of the same year with 65,000km is on offer for €14,795. A 2006 petrol with the same engine and 50,000km is on offer for €10,995. In a few weeks these cars will all be another year older, allowing for keen bargaining.
STAR RATING: 6/10