We're fans of the Mazda6, but when we reviewed the Tourer last year, we did raise a couple
of issues, notably some clunkiness in the multimedia system and a bit more tyre noise
than we'd like.
It seems Mazda may have been listening, because for 2015 they've given their flagship model
a bit of a tweak.
Externally, you might be hard pressed tell the old model from the new, and if you don't
opt for the range-topping Sport Nav model, visually they are almost identical.
The Sport Nav now gets a revised grille and a funky set of LED headlights that include
not just a cool set of running lights, but also the ability to alter their pattern so
you can drive with main beam engaged without dazzling other drivers.
To complement these changes the company has also moved to using LED fog lights, and Sport
Nav models also get a new style of 19-inch alloy wheel, too.
At the back, it's largely business as usual, although the new model does get LED tail-lights
that look pretty impressive at night.
The changes to the interior, however, are more obvious, and they apply across the Mazda
6 range.
It's just as spacious and comfortable as before, but now Sport Nav models get stone leather
upholstery as standard, while all models get a redesigned dashboard with a more inviting
set of lines and an improvement in material quality.
The instruments have been subtly redesigned, although you'd need to compare the two side
by side to spot any difference, and you now get a head-up display on Sport Nav models
that displays your speed plus info from the cruise control and navigation system.
The climate controls have been simplified; they're now less confusing to look at, easier
to reach and the vents are mounted higher up, but they still operate with the same well-oiled
feel that we've come to expect.
Between the seats there's a new sliding cover over a pair of cup-holders, and there's a
new electronic parking brake that frees up a lot of space here.
There's also a new version of the company's Multimedia Commander that now includes a dedicated
volume control and a bunch of shortcut buttons that allow direct access to the various functions
of Mazda's MZD Connect system.
It replaces the smaller screen of the slightly clunky TomTom-based system from last year's
car, and I have to say the new system is one of the best out there, and completely answers
our criticisms of the old one, and on Nav models it includes full European mapping with
three years' of free updates.
All models get DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, access to a couple of internet-based
music services, and a whole bunch more.
There's also a series of apps that give maintenance advice and show how economical you're being,
plus a mind-boggling array of settings that allow you to configure your car just the way
you like it, from various display settings, to navigation settings, safety systems, sound
set-up, and so on.
Nothing's really changed for rear seat passengers, which is fine because there's nothing wrong
back here, although there is a new seat filling material both front and back which is said
to help absorb vibrations.
Saloon models get a decent 483-litre boot, but if that's not big enough for you, you
can drop the rear seats to increase that to 1,632 litres, plus of course there's a Tourer
model with even more space.
The engine range is largely unchanged from last year, and that's no bad thing because
they're all excellent, starting with a pair of 2.0-litre petrol units with 145 or 165PS,
plus a pair of twin-turbo 2.2-litre diesels with either 150 or 175PS.
That last one is our favourite for a whole bunch of reasons, not least of which is its
420Nm of torque, its ability to sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds, and the fact
it emits only 119 g/km of CO2 all while returning up to 62.8 mpg.
It's still a peach on the road - there's tons of torque so it's quick off the mark and through
the gears, the six-speed manual has a fabulous shift-action to it, and it all settles down
into a very agreeable hum once you're up to speed.
Our main criticism of last year's model was a touch too much tyre noise.
And this new one?
Mazda say they've reduced noise levels by 25% over the old model, thanks to the use
improved door seals and additional sound insulation, and we think they've cracked it.
At speed, tyre noise is much reduced over the old model, making it a supremely comfortable
cruiser, and we were particularly impressed at how suspension noises have been isolated
from the cabin.
Mazda have revised front and rear damper ratings as well as various suspension bushes, with
the changes primarily designed to offer more engaging road manners, and although the Mazda6
is still a big car, it's not difficult to hustle it through a tight series of bends.
We wouldn't object to a little more feedback through the steering wheel if Mazda want something
to aim for with the next car, but the Six still turns in keenly with well controlled
body roll.
Prices for the new Mazda6 start at £19,795, with our top-of-the range test car weighing
in at £27,655.
Compared to something like the new Mondeo, that's about on the money, but the Mazda is
a much more enthusiastic performer than the Ford, makes better use of technology and,
to our mind, is a much nicer place to sit.
Last year, the Mazda6 was our segment favourite, and despite the launch of new competitors
like the Ford, as far as we're concerned, everyone else it still playing catch-up.