Mazda 6 2.0 TS2 Estate - The Verdict

As new-looks go, if the French pioneering face transplant is at one end of the scale, then the Mazda 6 is at the other - subtle, small, almost unidentifiable. David Wilkins takes a closer look

Subtle changes for Mazda's new model

Price: £18,100
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Performance: 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds; 35.3 mpg
CO2: 191g/km
Worth considering: Ford Mondeo estate, Honda Accord Tourer, VW Passat

The 6 has been around for a few years, and as is the custom in the motor industry for models approaching middle age, Mazda has given it a facelift. At least that's what all of the publicity material says anyway. But try as I might, I couldn't really identify any noticeable changes in the 6's appearance. There are probably a couple of reasons for this. One is that the changes are undoubtedly small. Another is that, if I'm honest, I haven't taken a lot of notice of Mazda's mainstream models, so I can't remember what the pre-facelift version looked like.

All enthusiasts have a soft spot for the Japanese manufacturer's sporty rear-wheel drive models, the MX-5 Roadster, and the technology-packed RX-8 with its rotary engine and clever rear-hinged back doors, but we don't necessarily see much of a connection between these and the more everyday Mazda saloons, hatchbacks and estates. But there's something else, too: you can't really carry out a facelift on a car that doesn't have a face. What I mean is that, while the 6 is handsome in a slightly bland sort of way, its features don't constitute a "face" in the manner that the appealing little half-moon eyes - sorry headlights - and low, mouth-like grille of the Renault Twingo do, for example.

Now, if you can't rely on distinctive looks to win people over, the alternative is to develop a winning personality, and this is what Mazda has done for the 6. So while it doesn't share its exterior styling with the sportier Mazdas, there is a certain family resemblance in terms of interior design themes and "feel". Our test car had a mainly black interior, with just a few bright bits of chrome trim to brighten things up, while all of the switchgear felt nice and solid. All very tasteful.

On the road, the 6 doesn't feel sporty exactly, so much as wieldy, especially for something that's designed to carry a lot of stuff. It doesn't feel as bulky as, or in particular as wide as, some rivals, and it's, therefore, easier to thread through gaps with confidence. The six-speed gearbox is extremely precise, a description that applies to most of the other controls as well. The two-litre petrol engine fitted to our test car was smooth and free-revving, encouraging enthusiastic use, although in a civilised, slightly uninvolving sort of way that leaves the hairs on the back of your neck untingled.

This week's lesson? Not so much that the Mazda 6 is worth a look - which it certainly is - but a broader one: there's more to Mazda than the MX-5 and RX-8.

Martin Skeet, 39, Kent fire and rescue service, Canterbury
Usual car: VW Passat Estate Tdi

"The car looks OK, if a little Mondeo-ish from the front. The saloon is much nicer, but a lot of cars lose a little something in style when they're moulded into estates. Internally, it is very comfortable with a good driving position and well-thought-out controls. I am used to driving diesels, and I felt that it lacked power lower down in the rev range, but once I got used to revving the engine it was quite quick. It was smooth for motorway driving, although not as quiet as I expected. Still, I would be happy to set off on a long journey in it. I would certainly consider taking another one for a test drive when we come to replace our existing car. The price is comparable with the competition in its class."

Ray Nolan, 40, sales manager from Sutton Coldfield
Usual car: Mercedes C-Class

"This car struck me straight away as being aimed at the rep market. Hide the badge and you'd struggle to differentiate it from a Vectra, Avensis or Mondeo. It is well specced and the dash is laid out well, but I struggled with the electric seat-controls. The drive is comfortable and smooth, although the advantage of the sixth gear is slightly lost due to the gears' closeness. It is very easy to drive both in town and on the motorway, with responsive brakes and an excellent driving position. There's excellent boot space, as you'd expect, but the legroom for rear passengers is limited; my two 6ft lads would struggle on a long journey. As a company car it's fine, but I don't think I'd spend my own money on one."

Charles Rogers, 50, product strategist from Birmingham
Usual car: Ford Mondeo

"The first thing that strikes you about the car - and indeed most modern executive saloons - is just how far the "point of entry" has moved on. Today's executive saloons easily match the comfort and quietness of luxury saloons 10 to 15 years ago. The other change is just how good estate cars have become. In the past, they were much noisier than their saloon counterparts, but not these days. The Mazda is very "fit for purpose"; in fact, in many ways it exceeds our expectations. Among today's crop of saloons/estates, it combines the Japanese virtue of reliability with a stylish European look and a build quality that used to be unique to the German industry. Some plasticky trim is a relatively minor letdown."

If you would like to take part, e-mail motoring@ independent.co.uk or write to: The Verdict, Features Department, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, giving your address, phone number and details of the car, if any, you drive. For most cars, participants must be over 26 and have a clean licence.