We Review The New Mazda 6: Can It Finally Beat The VW Passat?
Mazda gives its brilliant family saloon a facelift and finds itself in touching distance of competitors.
Overall Impression
At a glance, the small cosmetic changes have brightened up the fantastic Mazda 6. The ride is more refined and comfortable, helping Mazda stake its claim in the family market. It excels out on the motorway and keeps its tradition of providing class-leading fuel efficiency. Although a little space has been sacrificed for its sleek looks, it still has everything you need. We’re not quite convinced it’s the VW Passat killer Mazda is hoping for. But, it sure is a fine competitor.
The family saloon market is a tricky area at the moment. The huge rise of family SUVs and compact crossovers have left the typical family saloon at a loss. Large families are now opting for safety in size when it comes to new models. They’re looking to the new Land Rover instead of the new estate cars. What was once the family classic, is no longer so assured. The saloon will, however, always have a place in the executive market. They will forever be the go-to choice for company cars and executive
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Within this market, Mazda have set themselves up as a serious competitor with the Mazda 6. The last few iterations have consistently received rave reviews from critics. It has been a solid, reliable, affordable model in its range. The Japanese company has a reputation when it comes to precision and reliable cars. The 6 is no different.
The 2015 upgrade certainly isn’t a drastic overhaul, but Mazda have addressed a few key areas. They’ve smoothened the ride, shaved some weight and made some aesthetic alterations. We took it out to see how it really performed.
Competitors
First, let’s take a look at what the Mazda 6 is up against. With its price range and specification, the Mazda 6 falls into the mid-range saloon category. The likes of the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 are a step ahead. However, within its range it comes across serious competition. The consistently brilliant Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat are its main rivals. The Passat, in particularly, is in the best shape of its life. VW have pushed it further than ever before to refine its luxury and power. It’s a tough rival for Mazda and they’ll be hoping to shrink the gap with the new Mazda 6.
Upgrades
Let’s dive into the crux of Mazda’s changes. At first glance, you won’t notice too much difference. The 6 has had a facelift, but the execution is subtle. The nose is a little sharper and the grill is just the tiniest bit more aggressive. The lights have been upgraded to LED bulbs and it is finished with some chrome touches.
Under the bonnet, there are no big engine changes. Instead, Mazda have worked to smoothen and refine the ride. They have dampened the engine to a cosy purr and lightened the steering. They have their sights firmly set on winning back the family market with these alterations. The trouble is that while Mazda held back on engine upgrades, its rivals went to town. The new Passat and Mondeo come come firing out of the gates with a sharp new look and engine upgrades.
Running Costs
The Mazda has always been the leader in its class for fuel economy. The upgrade is no difference, boasting up to 63mpg. This is sure to entice families and businesses alike. The new Mazda 6 is the perfect candidate for company car purchase. Its low mileage and low running costs making it eligible for huge tax exemptions.
Reliability
If there’s one thing you want from an executive and family car, it’s reliability. In all probability, the Mazda 6’s drivers will be heavy motorway users. It will clock up the miles and it needs to be prepared for that. Luckily, Mazda has a strong reputation for reliability. The Japanese eye for detail and precision leaves nothing to chance in the Mazda 6. Having said that, if there are problems, you are well covered. There are 150 Mazda dealers in the country on hand to help. Failing that, you can take advantage of GK Servicing who specialise in Mazda maintenance.
Technology
The new model sees a small upgrade in technology. The fiddly dashboard has been simplified somewhat. Presumably Mazda took this decision after a string of reviews mentioned this on the last iteration. They’ve also included a new heads up display and electric handbrake. It all brings it in line with modern practices, but falls just short of the VW Passat in this department. The new Passat punches above its weight here. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were sat behind the wheel of more expensive car.
Safety
Another big concern for families is safety. The Mazda 6 has always been a class leader when it comes to safety. The new 6 keeps the tradition alive by securing a full 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests. It has a host of sophisticated safety measures that will give you peace of mind on the road.
Ride
The all important question for any saloon is how well it drives. When it comes to the new Mazda 6, the answer is ‘better than ever’. Mazda have ironed out any crinkle of difficulty or friction. It is smooth and silky to drive and steer. It is quiet as a mouse thanks to its upgraded dampener too. Interestingly, the Mazda 6 feels much more responsive in the higher gears. Thanks to a torque upgrade, you’ll find plenty of acceleration in the 5th and 6th gears. Great for motorway driving.
Practicality
Finally, how much space is there inside? Well, the back seats are comfortable enough with plenty of leg room. The boot falls short of the Passat, but that’s the trade-off for the Mazda’s sleek design.
Verdict
Quite simply, it’s still one of the very best in its class. It is the most stylish and you’ll find the best fuel economy here. Is it good enough to topple the Passat? We’re not sure it’s quite there yet, but it certainly holds its own.
