Mazda6 Review (2007-2012)

What is the Mazda6?

Mazda is a brand that prides itself on adding some spice to its cars, no matter what it’s making. It has the little MX-5 sports car, which is known for being brilliant to drive, and that ethos has been injected into everything else it makes, from MPVs to SUVs and, in this case, mid-size family cars.

The Mazda6 is a Ford Mondeo rival and a car that, in the mid-2000s, was aimed squarely at company car drivers who would spend countless hours on motorways and use their vehicle as a family wagon at the weekends. This is the second-generation Mazda6, launched at the end of 2007 and replaced in 2012, and it continued its predecessor’s approach, with a zippy driving experience mixed with comfort and plenty of space.

You can find a used Mazda6 in saloon, hatchback, or estate guise, although the saloon didn’t sell particularly well and was taken off the market in 2010, when the range was also given a facelift. The hatchback was the biggest seller of the three so it’s also the most common second-hand.

How practical is it?

Boot space in the hatchback is impressive – there’s nearly as much as there is in the estate. If you need to transport larger items, the estate will hold up to 1,751 litres of luggage with the rear seats folded down. That’s a lot. There’s a decent among of room in the cabin, but while legroom is fine, taller adults might find headroom is a bit tight in the rear seats.

Practicality and comfort aside, the interior can’t quite match some of the Mazda6’s rivals in terms of build quality and design. In contrast to the smart exterior and sharp driving experience, the cabin is rather conservative and doesn’t feel particularly upmarket. It got little bit better in cars from 2010 onwards, it’s just lacking in any kind of pizazz.

What's it like to drive?

The main thing to be aware of is that the firm suspension, designed to keep the car stable through corners, makes for what some might consider an uncomfortable ride. It’s not harsh, but you’re aware of the road surface beneath you, especially in the top-spec Sport model, which has even stiffer and lower suspension.

The payoff, though, is a composure and agility that few cars of this type can match, and very communicative steering. It’s a car that rewards you for getting off the motorway and taking the twisty route home, but it’s still absolutely fine for a long-distance cruise.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine is the best of the bunch by far, particularly if you can find one with a higher power output of 161- or 177bhp. Both are really punchy but will also cruise along effortlessly at low revs on the motorway.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

The entry-level model is the S, which includes 16-inch alloys, a CD player, and air-con but not much more, and it wasn’t available with the estate. TS models add electric door mirrors, cruise control, and a trip computer as well as dual-zone climate control, and a couple of extra speakers for the sound system.

TS2 adds 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic lights and wipers, as well as Bluetooth, which could make it particularly desirable for modern drivers. Sport gives you keyless entry and start, a sporty body kit and 18-inch alloys, while SL, which stands for Sport Luxury, includes 18-inch alloy wheels, full leather seats (heated in the front), a Bose sound system, and rear parking sensors.

Mazda6 running costs

The diesels are a much better bet when it comes to fuel economy, and the later 2.2-litre models are more efficient than the early 2.0. Even the most powerful 2.2 has an official fuel consumption figure of 51mpg. That’s not bad, although some Mazda6 rivals are even more efficient.

Of the petrols, the 1.8 has an official mpg figure of 42, and the 2.0 is pretty close with 39mpg. The 2.5 falls to 34mpg. All of these figures were based on the old NEDC fuel test, which was known for being optimistic, so expect less in the real world.

You’ll need to service your Mazda6 every year or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. As the cars are no longer under warranty, you may be better off with a good independent mechanic, who will be considerably cheaper than franchised Mazda dealers, which tend towards newer cars anyway.

Insurance groups are between 16 and 28 out of 50, with the newer and more powerful models costing more. Generally, that’s more expensive than equivalent Ford Mondeos.

Mazda6 reliability

Mazda has a strong reputation for reliability going back many years, so customers can be fairly confident that a Mazda6 won’t throw up too many issues. That said, high mileage is very common, because many saw service as company cars. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, providing the car has been well looked after, so make sure that’s the case.

Things to check include stretched timing chains on 2.2-litre diesel models, which can require a replacement at a cost of more than £1,000. Watch out for a flashing DPF light on the dashboard or check the vehicle’s service history to see if it’s been affected and/or remedied. Diesel cars can suffer from stiff manual gearboxes, and the aircon system can leak coolant.

At the time of writing there had only been one recall for this generation of Mazda6, which covered the airbag inflators on early cars and required the replacement of the airbag assembly. This work should have been carried out by now, but if you’re looking at a car made before 2010, it’s worth checking the government’s online recall tool and asking a Mazda dealer.