Mazda6
Price: From £15,100
For: Sharp looks, fine handling, comfortable and well-built
Against: Some models work out expensive; 2.5 lacks go
Always a little more unusual and upmarket than the Ford Mondeo with which it shares its engines, this brand-new Mazda6 is lighter and sharper-looking than the outgoing model. It’s built on a different platform/floorplan to the Mondeo, and is well-balanced and impressively capable.
Engines are 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 petrols, the latter 168bhp unit being smooth but slow – the 145bhp 2.0 is a better bet, or the 2.0 diesel. 
It’s not an extensive line-up to choose from, but Mazda has most bases covered: an estate joins the hatchbacks on sale this summer, and a high-performance MPS model may follow at a later date.
