If there's one brand with short lifecycles of its models, it's Mazda. This is the third 6 within 11 years.
SkyActiv is the magic word. It gives this 150 hp diesel tax benefit.
And that makes this Mazda an interesting proposal for people who are also looking for a BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition. With a powerful diesel and the same tax benefits.
As every Mazda this new 6 feels light.
Maybe you feel to much of what's going on beneath the car. But that's because this version has 19 inch wheels.
This BMW has smaller wheels, but modern models of this manufacturer are comfy. Comfier than ever before.
Nevertheless this 3-series is not less dynamic than its predecessor. And this 3-series is more refined than the Mazda 6. Less bumpy, if you push it, understeer comes much later than with the Mazda 6.
This SkyActiv 2.2 liter engine offers 150 hp. An excellent machine.
Let it do its thing from 1.000 rpm. No problem. Put in the sixth gear and let it accelerate smoothly.
But when you let it rev, something remarkable happens. It go's on until 5.500 rpm. I never drove a diesel which makes so much reversions per minute.
This diesel is mated to a six speed manual transmission which tells you exactly what's going. I love transmissions like this one.
An eight-speed automatic transmission in the BMW. No complaints about it.
But the engine is a different story. Maybe the only weakness of this car.
It offers more bite than the Mazda-engine but it is noisy and that does not what you expect from a car like the 3-series.
Look at the interior. Than you see where the money went. Nice materials, no black plastics and better ergonomics.
The multimedia system of the Mazda cannnot compete with BMW's iDrive. That's where the Mazda is beaten by the BMW.
This kind of computerlike mouse button has no function because you can also use buttons nearby. Mazda wants to put a device like that into the car to copy the premium brands. There is no need for that.
You don't have to try this in the BMW.
I would say Mondeo. Yes indeed. Not as roomy as a Superb but impressive for a D-segment car.
In the back the BMW is less spacious. Even though it offers more space than the former 3-series.
But furthermore...the BMW is the better car. It drives better, it offers more performance, you can feel where the money went.
The new Mazda 6 still is an attractive car in this segment. And fully loaded it costs as much as a basic 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition.