Mazda Mazda6
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family saloon that combines style with substance? The Mazda Mazda6 might be exactly what you need. This refined mid-size saloon offers a compelling blend of elegant design, engaging driving dynamics, and impressive practicality. It’s the car for drivers who want something more sophisticated than the usual family transport, without the premium price tag of German alternatives.

From the first glance, the Mazda6 commands attention with its flowing lines and distinctive grille. The sleek profile gives it an executive presence that rivals like the Ford Mondeo or Honda Accord struggle to match. Step inside and you’ll discover a cabin that feels genuinely upmarket, with quality materials and intuitive controls throughout. The attention to detail is impressive, from the soft-touch surfaces to the well-positioned controls that make every journey more enjoyable.

Behind the wheel, the Mazda6 delivers a driving experience that sets it apart from typical family saloons. The engines are refined and responsive, while the chassis offers an engaging balance of comfort and control. It handles country roads with confidence yet remains composed on motorways. While it may not have the badge prestige of a BMW 3 Series, the Mazda6 offers genuine quality and driving satisfaction that makes it an intelligent alternative for discerning buyers.

What's the Mazda Mazda6 Like to Drive?

The Mazda 6 offers a focused range of efficient engines designed for real-world driving. The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 165 horsepower and delivers smooth, linear power that feels refined in daily use. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in around 8.8 seconds, which is perfectly adequate for family motoring. The 2.2-litre diesel engine offers stronger torque delivery and excellent fuel economy, making it ideal for high-mileage drivers who want effortless cruising performance.

What really impresses about the Mazda6 is its driving dynamics. The steering is well weighted and precise, giving you confidence through corners while remaining light enough for easy parking. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling composure. It soaks up motorway miles with refinement while still feeling engaging on winding roads. This makes it one of the more rewarding executive saloons to drive, offering genuine involvement that many competitors lack. The six-speed manual gearbox is slick and precise, though the automatic option suits the car’s relaxed character perfectly.

Inside the Mazda Mazda6: Comfort & Features

Open the door and the Mazda6 immediately feels more premium than its price suggests. The dashboard design is elegant and uncluttered, featuring high-quality materials throughout. The central infotainment screen integrates neatly into the design, while the instrument cluster is clear and easy to read. Soft-touch plastics are used generously, and the overall fit and finish rivals more expensive German alternatives. Every control operates with a satisfying precision that reinforces the quality feel.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, offering excellent adjustment range for drivers of all sizes. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, making the Mazda6 genuinely practical for family use. Road noise is well controlled, creating a serene cabin environment that enhances the premium feel. Standard equipment is comprehensive, including dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and smartphone integration. Higher specification models add luxuries like heated seats, a premium Bose audio system, and leather upholstery that further elevate the cabin experience.

The Mazda Mazda6 is an accomplished family saloon that deserves serious consideration. It successfully combines elegant styling with engaging driving dynamics and genuine practicality. The interior quality is genuinely impressive, offering a premium feel that rivals more expensive alternatives. On the road, it delivers one of the more rewarding driving experiences in its class, with precise handling and refined performance.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mazda Mazda6?

As a well-engineered family saloon, the Mazda6 offers reasonable running costs for its class. The petrol engines return real-world fuel economy around 40-45 mpg in mixed driving, while the diesel variants can achieve impressive figures of 55-60 mpg on longer journeys. Insurance groups are moderate, typically ranging from group 18-22, which keeps annual premiums reasonable. Road tax is competitive thanks to relatively low CO2 emissions across the range.

The main consideration is depreciation, which affects most non-premium saloons. However, Mazda’s reputation for reliability helps maintain residual values better than some competitors. Servicing costs are reasonable, with Mazda offering competitive service packages for peace of mind. When it comes to financing, car finance options make the Mazda6 accessible with manageable monthly payments. Overall, while not the cheapest car to buy, the Mazda6’s strong fuel economy and reliable reputation help keep total ownership costs sensible.

Is the Mazda Mazda6 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a stylish saloon, the Mazda6 proves surprisingly practical for family life. The 480-litre boot easily accommodates the weekly shopping or holiday luggage for four people. The rear seats split and fold to expand cargo capacity when needed, making it versatile for larger items like furniture or sports equipment. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage compartments for phones, drinks, and other everyday items that families accumulate.

The rear seats offer genuine space for adult passengers, with generous legroom that makes longer journeys comfortable. The wide opening doors make child seat installation straightforward, while the saloon boot keeps luggage separate from passengers. For families considering used Mazda cars, the Mazda6 represents an excellent balance of style and practicality. Its elegant proportions don’t compromise everyday usability, making it equally suited to the school run or a business meeting. The refined ride quality ensures all passengers arrive relaxed and comfortable.

The Mazda Mazda6 stands out in the competitive family saloon market by offering genuine premium quality at a sensible price. It combines Mazda’s renowned attention to detail with engaging driving dynamics and impressive practicality. While it may not have the badge prestige of German rivals, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily ownership, from build quality to driving satisfaction.

You choose the Mazda6 because you want a family car that doesn’t compromise on style or driving enjoyment. Its elegant design, refined performance, and spacious interior make every journey more pleasant. It’s perfectly suited for family life while offering enough sophistication for business use. If you’re seeking a saloon that offers genuine quality and driving satisfaction, the Mazda6 should be at the top of your shortlist, with excellent options available among cars under £15,000.