Roy Lewis road tests the Mazda 6 2.2-litre 150PS diesel saloon six-speed manual SE-L.

Mazda 6 2.2-litre 150PS diesel saloon six-speed manual SE-L.

Price: £22,595.

Top speed: 132mph.

0-60mph: Nine seconds.

Fuel: 67.3mpg.

CO2 emissions: 108.

Verdict: Excellent driving dynamics, award-winning Skyactiv technology, advanced safety features, impressive economy, spacious, well built, stylish, firm ride.

MAZDA’S advanced technology is setting new standards in the family car sector for fuel economy and CO2 emissions without any dilution of performance.

New systems and clever Skyactiv technology have made the Mazda 6 saloon an appealing car for family and fleet buyers, being very good to drive and live with together with low running costs.

It certainly is a strong rival to the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and VW Passat, to name but a few. And for those seeking spacious family transport the model is well worth putting on their shortlist.

There is no hatch anymore but the four-door saloon is more practical than before with a large cabin and a spacious shallow boot that can be expanded considerably with the rear seats folded.

There is also a Tourer estate model for those who require more cargo space.

The new Mazda has a distinctive low-slung appearance which helps give the car handsome looks as well as a drag coefficient of only 0.26.

There is a choice of two petrol units, with 145PS and 165PS, and a couple of 2.2-litre diesels, pushing out 150PS and 175PS. The diesels are favourites among many fleet and private buyers who are especially attracted to the everyday fuel consumption which approaches 70mpg for the 150PS version, coupled with low tax benefits as a result of the C02 (g/km) emissions figure of 108.

Prices go from £19,595 for the 2.0- litre petrol 145 SE to £26,095 for the 2.2-litre diesel 175 Sport Nav.

The diesels are silky smooth and quiet with hardly any clatter on start up. They use a two-stage turbocharger and a large intercooler to help produce excellent torque figures even at fairly low revs.

And under fast acceleration there is no sign of turbo lag which used to blight some motors.

On the road the ride is best described as sporty and fairly firm but comfortable.

The 6 does handle impressively with tight body control and with light and accurate steering so that the driver quickly gains an affinity with the car.

There is a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions.

The accommodation in the new vehicle is also much improved.

The seats are lightweight with more rigidity and lateral support.

And there is now more space for rear-seat occupants with ample leg and headroom.

The smooth lines of the exterior are matched by the classy inside with the dash comprising a compact hooded binnacle containing three circular dials. The general layout is one of clarity, despite the leather steering wheel arrangement carrying a number of controls.

The Mazda comes heavily loaded with technology designed to improve fuel economy and safety.

The Skyactiv technology covers the motors, transmissions, stopstart and alternator systems and the lightweight construction of the body which uses highstrength steels.

Interestingly, Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system uses a capacitor as an energy-storing device while safety features include class-leading impact protection thanks to rigid impactabsorbing structures. There are also several active safety options, including a lane protection warning system, radar-based rear vehicle monitoring and a smart city brake support.

LED lighting is standard and there is adaptive front lighting to help drivers see around corners at night.

The SE-L model has a wealth of kit, including alloy wheels, climate control, a stability programme, traction control, Bluetooth, parking sensors. The car comes with a three-year/ 60,000 mile warranty.