Mazda6 Road Test

Mazda Mazda6

Whether for business or family use, the driver of the Mazda6 has the best seat in the 'house'. At TS level the driver alone has mechanical height adjustment to his seat, along with lumbar support, which combined with the rake- and reach-adjustable steering column, makes finding a comfortable driving position very easy.

The front seats are quite sporty with side bolsters to the seat-backs and squab that hold you in place during enthusiastic driving. In the Mazda6 TS, the seats are cloth covered and it isn't until the top trim level, Sport, that half-leather upholstery is a standard fitting. Nonetheless, it is functional, which is a term that can also be applied to the rest of the interior and in particular, the centre console.

Flowing up from the high-level centre tunnel console, where the gear-shift sits within easy reach of the driver, the main console follows the deep curve of the dashboard, almost up to the windscreen. It is very uncluttered, housing comfort controls for the air-conditioning, while above, in a separate, metallic-surrounded, panel are the audio controls and central air vents. The audio system comprises a single CD/radio with MP3 compatibility and an AUX jack in the centre armrest but no secondary controls on the steering wheel.

A narrow information screen is set back within a nacelle on top of the fascia and to the right a larger pod houses the instrument cluster, with its four chrome-surrounded dials and the smallest information screen I've seen yet.

In the rear of the Mazda6, there is plenty of legroom for adults and the so-called Karakuri seats have a 60:40 split and fold function. A welcome difference is that the outer rear seatbelts emerge from the seatbacks, which means that they don't get tangled up when the seats are lowered. However, the small button that releases the seat backs is unlikely to be popular with the ladies as it is liable to break fingernails; the lever in the boot is a much better option. The seats, when folded form a flat floor with the cargo bay, increasing the capacity from a sizeable 510-litres to a maximum of 1,702-litres, to the roof.

All of the Mazda6 range benefits from front and rear electric windows, power steering, powered door mirrors, while the TS adds cruise control, leather-clad steering wheel and gear shift, a rear centre armrest and a sliding function for the front armrest for £17,680.

With prices for the Mazda6 hatch ranging from £15,685 for the 1.8 petrol-engined S to £21,410 for the 2.2D Sport, there is something for everyone who enjoys a safe pleasant ride with a burst of sportiness every now and again. In TS form, it is not going to set the world on fire but it is not that sort of car. Think functional-flair at a reasonable price.