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Mazda has a busy year coming up with new launches and refreshes, and this latest facelift makes some changes to the 6, the brand's upper medium model, following customer feedback.
The manufacturer's fleet sales increased by 33% in 2014 and its best fleet seller has, since its launch in 2002, been the 6.The 2015 model year 6 brings with it some subtle exterior changes, the majority of which
are on the top-of-the-range Sport Nav model.
There have been some tweaks to the front grille, with some more chrome and distinctive lighting giving the car more presence on the road at night. The rear lights have had a small tweak too, but the majority of Mazda's focus has been on the inside.
The brand has come under criticism in the past for the quality of its interior, and the steps it has taken have moved things on. Updates include a new integrated seven-inch touchscreen, which looks similar to something you might find in a Mercedes.
The graphics on the touchscreen have been given a major overhaul also, and the way you interact with the infotainment system is via a dial, much like you would with a BMW. Mazda has clearly been taking some design cues from successful German rivals.
The introduction of DAB as standard at the request of customers brings the 6 in line with mainstream competitors, and an electronic handbrake makes for more space and less clutter in the cabin.
While there are changes on the inside, there's no change to what is under the bonnet, with the same line-up of capable petrol and diesel engines featuring Mazda's efficient Skyactiv technology. It says a lot that in a market where most brands are downsizing there engines, Mazda's 2.2-litre diesel unit is still competitive on efficiency and running costs, despite its larger displacement.
The 6's CO2 output of 106g/km puts the diesel saloon into the 17% benefit-in-kind band and means a 20% tax-paying corporate customer pays just £66 a month.
The improvements Mazda has made are expected to boost total 6 sales by 15% over the previous model to 9500 units in its first full year. The saloon will take 60% of sales and 80% of all sales will be diesel.
Despite the 6 having a really strong engine, as well as an interior that can now compete with rivals, the difficulty Mazda has in this sector is that corporate customers can choose any mainstream manufacturer that still offers an upper medium model and get something comfortable, well-specced and affordable to run.
On paper, this model can stand against the best in the sector, but there is literally just pennies between the Hyundai i40,
Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo on a cost-per-mile basis. It means the 6 doesn't stand out, although it is absolutely a capable upper medium vehicle worth considering.
Mazda 6 2.2d Skyactiv SE-L 150 |
| Model price range £19,796-£28,795 |
| Residual value 32.6% |
| Depreciation £15,665 |
| Fuel £4285 |
| Service, maintenance and repair £2310 |
| Vehicle Excise Duty £55 |
| National Insurance £1732 |
| Cost per mile 50.4p |
| Fuel consumption 72.4mpg |
| CO2 (BIK band) 106g/km (17%) |
| BIK 20/40% per month £66/£132 |
| Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls |
| Boot space (min/max) 981/1698 litres |
| Engine size/power 2191cc/150hp |
VerdictSome welcome tweaks should put the Mazda 6 on more choice lists |
8/10 |
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