Archive for the '6' Category
May 11th, 2012 by admin
WHEN you drive one of the latest saloon cars it certainly makes you think how cosseted the modern driver is.
For instance, advanced electronics mean that the finicky old fashioned ignition points that could stop a car at their whim are a thing of the past.
Temperamental carburettors are overtaken by advanced electronic injection systems. Modern chassis technology gives an everyday motor the sort of handling you used to expect from a sports car and the latest safety engineering gives maximum protection in a crash.
But the problem is that the ultra-reliable, ultra-safe car of today can be much of a muchness and be taken for granted.
But there are cars with the latest features that still give you a buzz in the under £20,000 class. One such is the Mazda6, a saloon in the Mondeo mould which has been a pivotal model in the revival of the Mazda marque in recent years.
The Mazda advertising jingle ‘Zoom Zoom’ is very appropriate for this particular 6 model, the 2.0 diesel, because this car has tremendous low end performance.
It is easy to see why the 6, seen as a refreshing change from the norm is gaining new friends every day.
It has scooped armfuls of awards since launch in 2002 and there is a programe of new variations.
The turbo-charged two-litre 143bhp diesel features a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds, combined with average fuel consumption of 47.1mpg. But this is one of those cars that feels so positive that paper figures just do not put over what a fabulous drive it is.
Since its launch, the 6 has been treated to additional stiffening of the bodyshell which adds to its dynamic capabilities.
The interior is all high quality efficiency rather than gimmickry but the TS model as tested is very well equipped with aircon, six airbags, ABS with EBD, remote central locking, alarm, alloys and much more as standard. The TS specification gives more with items such as cruise control.
The Mazda6 2.0 TS diesel tips the price scale at just over £16,000, which is excellent value for a car that is on a popularity roll and is performing well on resididual values.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS Diesel 4dr
Price: £16,750
Mechanical: 143bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9.5 secs
Combined mpg: 47.1
CO2 emissions: 165g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust
February 16th, 2012 by admin
SOME cars excite the senses in a way which makes them very special and for the man who could fathom what made them so, there would be a lifetime of very well paid work.
I’m not a car designer, but of a pair of cars, I can tell you which one excites and which does not within the first quarter mile down a straight road.
It’s not necessarily anything specific, just a feeling in the seat of the pants which many drivers would not get, because they are not attuned to it.
And so it is – yet again – with my large family ‘Car of the Year’ last year, the superb Mazda 6 two-litre hatch.
But the revised Nissan Primera I have also been driving, although very good in most ways, does not leave me wanting more every time I get out.
Mazda almost achieved a miracle with the “6″ when it first came out. So good was it that it immediately went to the top of the class.
And as far as I am concerned it is still there, despite new models coming out from other manufacturers.
The 6 drives virtually as well as a BMW 3-series, even though it is front wheel drive and the BeeEmm is rear wheel drive.
Both have the same intuitive feel for someone who enjoys driving, who enjoys handling a good car. Both instil confidence in the driver, and because of their excellent chassis, always feel tremendously safe even when pressed right to the limits.
The Mazda seems to blend with the road surface, hugging its contours and flowing over every dip and ripple.
It handles superbly, with excellent power steering feeding surface and grip information back to the hands, and wonderful balance aiding brilliant roadholding.
The seats hold in all the right places, and comfort is up with the very best in class, matching that available in the BMW – as long as it does not have sports suspension!
I drove the two-litre TS2, which has a marvellously smooth and tuneful engine that loves to be revved, and is always willing and punchy.
Performance is brilliant at all times, and although main power is higher up the rev range, there is enough for good acceleration lower down.
This Mazda is a beautiful car too, with great style both front and rear, and lovely lines from the side.
The Primera is also a good car, but it doesn’t shine in the same way as the Mazda. It offers as much power from the same size of engine, with good acceleration and plenty of verve.
But the chassis and steering are stodgy and uninvolving by comparison, even with the front suspension revisions which were carried out at the end of last year.
The steering is over light at times, and although the suspension allows fast, flat cornering, it seems too soft in a straight line, allowing slightly unexpected body movements.
Part of the reason why the Mazda feels more nippy is that it is over 40kg lighter than the Nissan – that’s 40 bags of sugar – and its economy is also better, averaging 35 to the Nissan’s 31.
But the Nissan does have a lot going for it. Acceleration is on a par with the Mazda’s, and it has more toys than you can shake a stick at, including in this SVE form, satellite navigation – £2,500 extra on the Mazda – and a rearview TV camera which is not available on any of the competition.
The single control centre for navigation, stereo, trip computer and climate control works well once one is used to it, but is a little daunting at first sight.
And the high quality interior and exterior matches that in the Mazda.
Equipment is on a par except for the Nissan’s sat nav, built-in ‘phone and leather upholstery, but if the Mazda has those items added from the extras list, it is £2,650 more expensive.
That said, the “6″ is so much more fun to drive, and to my eyes, better looking, that I would have it without those extras for a little less than the Primera.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 5dr
Price: £16,900
Mechanical: 141bhp, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
CAR STARS
How does it compare with the rest?
****** = Best * = Worst.
Comfort *****
Performance ******
Thirst *****
Handling ******
Safety ******
Equipment ****
Value *****
Fun Factor ******
Overall Rating: *****
FAST FACTS
Nissan Primera 2.0 SVE 5dr
Price: £17,750
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.8 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 208g/km
BiK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust
CAR STARS
How does it compare with the rest?
****** = Best * = Worst.
Comfort ***
Performance ******
Thirst ***
Handling ***
Safety ******
Equipment ******
Value ******
Fun Factor **
Overall Rating: ****
January 19th, 2012 by admin
Mazda has introduced a special edition of its Mazda6 model, called the Sakata, which is £500 cheaper than the model upon which it is based, and also adds £500 worth of extra equipment.
It is modelled on the entry-level 1.8-litre Mazda6 S, but costs £12,995 instead of £13,500.
The additional equipment includes a six-disc CD player, rear spoiler and two new colours of Strato Blue and Velocity Red.
The five door 1.8-litre model achieves 0-60mph acceleration in 11 seconds, has a top speed of 121mph and 37mpg economy. The insurance group at 7E is the same as that of the standard Mazda6 S model. Just 500 Sakatas will be on offer from March.
New Mazda Discounts
Mazda Approved Used
December 27th, 2011 by admin
IT’S easy to understand why the Mazda6 Estate has piled up the awards.
The car achieves that rare trick of blending great practicality with style, as well as having good handling credentials.
More than 20 honours have come its way and are still arriving, a diesel version having been named Towcar of the Year 2005 by The Caravan Club.
For us non-vanners, there’s still plenty to admire. For a start, here is a estate that actually looks quite sleek, with lines and a sloping back-end that mean the Mazda6 avoids the boxiness that plagues so many of this breed.
Broad, eyecatching, wrap-around light clusters front and rear add to the smart look.
Not that design is allowed to interfere with the car’s main function of being a load carrier. Basic capacity is excellent at 505 litres and that soars to nearly 1,700 litres if you fold the rear seats by using the nifty one-pull lever.
The load area is broad, flat and virtually unobstructed, with a good entrance shape, and further stowage areas are available under the floor and in the flanks. Very impressive.
You might expect this cavernous behind to have an adverse effect on the car’s performance, but not so. In fact, in handling terms it is possible to forget the bulk is there.
The car’s stiff build has been teamed with a quite firm, sportyish suspension, which might not be to everyone’s taste but which gives authority to the drive. Steering feel is pretty good and, all round, handling is better than you would expect from this type of car. An 11.5m turning circle for a sizeable estate is another plus.
Performance in the test car was reasonably brisk, even with a fair load aboard, thanks to the willing 2.0-litre 16-valve 140bhp engine.
Standstill to 62mph is attained in less than 10 seconds – there’s a slick five-speed manual gearbox – and the car can go on to 126mph.
There’s some payback in economy but, although there is some road noise, distance cruising is relaxed. Comfortable, too, through the supportive seats. The upholstery and decor of the cabin echoes the smartness of the exterior.
The Titanium-look central controls console is a little cluttered but, above the basic S trim, steering wheel audio controls (cruise control is also sited here) compensate. I liked the big, clear dials, too.
Passenger space is good with fair legroom at the back and fine height throughout.
The test car was in TS trim and well equipped, with standard features including climate control, leather grips, front and rear electric windows, height and reach variation of the steering wheel, height adjustment and lumbar support for the driver’s seat, front, side and curtain airbags, armrests at the front (with double box) and rear, radio/CD player and remote central locking with deadlocks.
Externally, you get body-coloured everything, alloys, heated door mirrors and roof rails.
Mazda quality and reliability is always good and pricing is competitive for such a spacious and well-equipped car. Well worth checking out by estate-hunters.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 Estate
Price: £16,400
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,996cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
Used Mazdas
New Mazda Discounts
Mazda Approved Used
December 26th, 2011 by admin
THE Mazda6 was the car that introduced the ‘zoom, zoom’ TV advertising jingle in 2002.
And it lived up to the tag by leading the way for the transformation of the marque from a brand which, with the exception of the legendary MX-5 sports job, had produced capable but perhaps far from inspirational motors, to a range which would genuinely excite the avid car-buyer.
From 2003, a number of facelifts contributed to further enhance Mazda’s mainstream family car as it continued its efforts to make progress against the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra and VW Passat.
At the start of this year, an all-new Mazda6 arrived in UK showrooms tasked with making further strides in the highly competitive volume upper medium private and business sector by adding a premium feel to complement its styling.
Available in saloon, hatchback and estate car form, the latest model offers a quartet of engine choices, three petrol of 1.8, two and 2.5-litre plus a two-litre 138bhp oil burner.
Trim levels are progressively generous with even the entry level models getting air con, electric windows all round, MP3 player, ABS braking with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control Systems as standard.
The latest 6 comes with unmistakeable Mazda DNA – sharp styling via taut, neatly crafted lines cutting across rolling surfaces punctuated with eye-catching exterior chrome detailing which helps create a fine balance between sophisticated premium styling and raw, sporty athleticism.
Driven here is the Mazda6 five-door hatchback in TS2 trim guise which adds dual-zone climate control, trip computer, cruise control, welcome home lighting, electric folding door mirrors, six-speaker sound system with six CD changer, integrated Bluetooth system, auto dimming rear mirror and front fogs to the entry level standard fixtures and fittings manifest.
It’s larger than the old model with an extra 20 millimetres of legroom for rear seat occupants while the well shaped boot now offers a generous 510-litres of stowage space in the hatch model with all seats taken. This increases to a massive 1702-litres in two-seater mode with the 60:40 split rear seats folded via a clever one-pull quick-release-and-fold-flat operation.
In addition to the cargo hold there are a number of places on board in which to store your bits and bobs including a lockable, illuminated glovebox, front centre armrest with storage box, seatback and front door pockets.
The driving environment is user friendly boasting plenty of leg and shoulder room for driver and passenger and there is stacks of manoeuvrability on both driver’s seat and steering wheel to help reach the optimum driving position with ease.
Overall visibility is fine but the sloping roofline in the back does limit headroom a little and may not suit everyone, while the high window line in the rear may perhaps prove a little claustrophobic to some.
Despite the odd hard bit of plastic remaining there’s a feelgood, premium quality to the dashboard. The dash has been neatly laid out resulting in a clean and clear look while centre console and steering wheel controls are easily navigable.
Powered by the two-litre diesel engine paired with a very slick-slotting six-speed manual gearbox, the new Mazda6 proves a very capable roadway companion.
With 140bhp, this is a highly responsive power source, capable of covering the 0-62mph dash in well under 11 seconds while developing stacks of smooth yet powerful mid range punch to help drivers in and out of the overtaking lanes with ease.
Depending upon individual driving style there is also the promise of 50.4mpg over combined driving routes while an impressively low 147g/km CO2 emissions level contributes to low ownership costs.
Although the ride may prove a little on the firm side for some drivers, the latest Mazda6 is certainly not unforgiving and performance through corners is neat and agile with body roll well under control.
There is also plenty of fun to be had via precise electronic assisted power steering as the car positively invites driver involvement.
Progress is refined over the long haul with noise at a pretty low level in this competitively priced, neatly put together, well kitted out and quietly relaxed Mazda cruiser.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 Diesel 5dr
Price:£18,430
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 10.7 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust
Used Mazdas
New Mazda Discounts
December 20th, 2011 by admin
A BRAND new more refined, more sophisticated, high quality Mazda 6 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
I do hope they’ve kept it as much fun to drive. The present one is a superb car in every way and already the pick of the larger family car market.
The new 6 is reminiscent of the current Mazda3 at first glance, with very smooth flowing lines, but I wonder if it’s as distinctive as the car it’s replacing.
As well as revised versions of the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines already available, there will be a new 2.5 petrol with 170bhp. The 2.0-litre diesel remains much the same.
It will be available as hatchback, saloon and estate and will be one of the most aerodynamic large cars on the market, which should help make it very economical.
The company claims the new car has top driving enjoyment with steering, handling and brakes which give the driver real response.
Interior
Inside, the designers have tried to create snug, cockpit-like driving environment with a relaxed driving position, clear instruments and intuitive controls.
Curved surfaces, sophisticated materials and a high-quality feel add to the air of craftsmanship.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0
Price: £N/A
Mechanical: 145bhp, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol diesel driving front wheels via 6 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 9secs
Combined mpg: 37
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: Less than 190g/km
BIK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3 years/ 60,00 miles, 3 years paint, 12 years anti-rust, 3 years breakdown
Marks: looks like 9/10 (until I drive it)
Main Rival: Ford Mondeo
Used Mazdas
New Mazda Discounts
Mazda Approved Used
December 2nd, 2011 by admin
WHILE most car manufacturers are making life more complicated, Mazda is keeping it simple.
And that’s the nice thing about the Japanese company’s Mondeo-sized saloon, the Mazda6. With this car what you see is what you get.
Driving so many different cars I get tired of some so called innovations which just mean that as well as driving a car you have to almost become a computer operator to use the equipment.
The dashboard on the Mazda6 is neat, uncluttered and best of all the switches do exactly what they say they will. That means you can operate them quickly and simply – leaving all your concentration for the road.
The 6 is a stylish, spacious family car at sensible money.
Driving the Sport version meant my test car had a sleek but unobtrusive boot spoiler as well as 17 inch alloys wheels. Inside it comes with full leather seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob and – unlike the present trend – had both climate control air conditioning and a glass, sliding sunroof as standard.
Other standard features included cruise control, electric windows all round – with a one touch up and down feature on the driver’s side – and for music lovers you get a premium quality Bose system with six-disc CD autochanger, seven speakers and a separate amplifier.
Legroom and headroom in the rear is exceptionally good, but then this is a big car.
And when it comes to luggage the designers obviously had families or golf in mind because the boot is enormous and will easily swallow most family’s requirements for two weeks in the sun or a couple of sets of golf clubs.
The Sport’s four cylinder, 2.3-litre engine is responsive, offers good performance and is very refined.
As a high speed motorway cruiser the Mazda6 eats up the miles with ease and fifth gear is very flexible when it comes to the extreme speed-ups and slow-downs of today’s motorway journeys.
Mazda has been making quite a name for itself recently with rocketing sales, innovative designs and outstanding success in reliability surveys.
And while the Mazda6 is not as extreme visually as its smaller brothers – like the Mazda 3 – when it comes to reliability it is hard to beat.
It offers superb value for money and is a very good alternative to similar sized vehicles from more mainstream manufacturers.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.3 Sport 4dr
Price: £20,400
Mechanical: 166bhp, 2,261cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9 secs
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 212g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint