Mazda 6 2.2 Skyactiv-D 175 Sport Nav review: Yet another facelift for this range-topper 6 saloon

A fine saloon, that’s good to drive, well equipped, and sensibly priced

Mazda 6: Some changes easier to spot than others (Mazda)

It’s only a year since Mazda had a minor refresh of its 6, yet here we are already with yet another update. Saloons face some fierce competition within their own sector, with cars like the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb leading the field, but they also face competition from the ever-expanding SUV sector, so perhaps keeping things as up to date as possible makes sense for Mazda.

The updates tend to focus on refinement, both of the handling and of the power delivery. One of the improvements is actually very hard to notice or to quantify. Mazda is continuing to roll out its G-Vectoring Control software, which makes subtle – very subtle – changes to engine output to keep the torque perfect for each driving wheel.

The effect, Mazda claims, is to minimise the number of tiny steering changes we make often unconsciously, improving the ride for all occupants. It really is hard to say if it works or not without serious back-to-back testing, but the ride and cornering do seem pretty smooth. Handling is actually really rather good, certainly putting the 6 up there with its competitors in the saloon class.

As part of this the diesel engine has been given a better throttle response with the result that power comes in smoothly and quietly, a bit better than before. This isn’t just noticeable on the motorway, where it is very smooth and quiet, but also on B-roads where you can push along quite hard. It does get a touch more noticeable if you push it hard but it’s never less than quiet and refined.

It’s helped further by a very smooth and slick six-speed manual gearbox, so progress is maintained without any fatigue or upset. This is the most powerful engine in the model and it shows, meaning you can maintain good progress without any need to thrash things along.

As well as the most powerful engine, this 6 is also in the highest trim level. Sport Nav includes a head-up display, electric memory seats, heated steering wheel and traffic sign recognition, as well as an infotainment system which is slick and easy to use. You’d need to be in a BMW to find better.

It may not be quite as spacious inside as a Skoka Superb but there’s ample room for four and their luggage. The quality of components and materials is high and really there’s nothing that doesn’t blend in or work well.

This is a fine saloon, that’s good to drive, well equipped, and sensibly priced. You could argue that it’s not quite as spacious or exciting to drive as the odd competitor, but, for the money, this is a pretty comprehensive package that ought to tick the boxes for a wide audience. It would be wise to consider if you could manage with the cheaper SE trim, but otherwise, assuming you’re after a diesel saloon, then you’ll like this updated update.

2016 Mazda 6 Saloon 2.2 Skyactiv-D 175 Saloon

Price: £26,795

Engine: 4 cyls, 2191cc, diesel

Power: 174bhp at 4500rpm

Torque: 310lb ft at 2000rpm

Gearbox: 6-spd manual

Kerb weight: 1590kg

0-62mph: 7.9sec

Top speed: 139mph

Economy: 62.8mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 119g/km, 18%

AUTOCAR