01 Aug 05
At its launch in 2002, the Mazda 6 helped redefine the Mazda brand image. Previously seen as a company which made one desirable sports car (the MX-5 roadster) and a load of dull, anonymous mainstream models selling on the grounds of dependability and little else, Mazda was put back on the map in the family car sector. Good-looking, well-equipped and fun to drive, the 6 has made a smart, cost-effective alternative to a Mondeo or Vectra, guaranteed not to scare company car managers and fleet bosses.
With over 280,000 6s sold in Europe since launch, the model accounts for over 35 percent of all Mazda sales worldwide, and is the company's best-seller. MX-5s and RX-8s are great image-builders, but the family/fleet car "D"-sector Mazda 6 is the company's bread and butter. No-one ever dreamed of owning its predecessor, the 626, and even the most dedicated car-spotter would have problems picking one out in a group of volume-brand 1990s company cars, but even a short stint on the M25 demonstrates how the 6 has made significant in-roads into Mondeo and Vectra territory. And it's distinctive-looking, too, especially in the bright yellow popular for a while.
The updates for 2006 are subtle, at least from the outside. There's a new grille, a larger Mazda badge and very slightly-tweaked headlights and taillights, which have gained dark grey bezels and chrome surrounds. Bumpers front and rear have been very slightly re-shaped, there are new alloy wheel designs on offer, and that's about it. The upgrade to the cabin is a little more marked, though, with improved materials and fabrics, a smart shiny black finish for the centre console and switchgear and softer upholstery.
Mazda's engineers have been busier under the surface; programme manager Seiichi Ohmoto claims that there have been changes in over 30 areas, and there are no less than 785 new components (and we don't doubt that he's counted them individually). The rigidity of the bodyshell has been increased, sound insulation has been enhanced, and these factors, along with new wheel and tyre combinations, improve refinement within the cabin.
