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Lost in translation

The new Mazda6 has apparently been designed with ‘seichi, rin and yugen’ which gives it lots of ‘kizuna.’ Confused? Don’t be, it’s just more zoom zoom.

It was the picture of a misty Japanese forest that did it for me. That was the moment that I forgot I was at a press conference for a new car and was instead transported to some arts course at my local college. All the talk about ‘kizuna’ (emotional connection or ’oneness’) didn’t help either.

I’m afraid that I’m still struggling to see what slides of geishas or samurai swords have got to do with the new Mazda6. But clearly (or perhaps not if you don’t speak Japanese), Mazda are very keen for potential buyers to view the new 6 as a defiantly Japanese product, something different for user-choosers to select as their next company car. Given our voracious appetite for all things Japanese (think hi-tech gadgets, stylish martial arts films and sushi) perhaps this emphasis is no bad thing. And, it’s those fleet buyers who Mazda expect to make up the vast majority of takers for their new family car.

Whatever the marketing spiel, there’s no denying that Mazda has produced a very attractive car, whichever bodystyle you choose (take your pick between 4dr saloon, 5dr hatch or capacious estate). In saloon guise as tested, it has a pleasingly sleek, athletic shape that combines a coupe-like roofline with smooth forms and well-judged proportions. Not only does it look great, but it’s also very aerodynamic; cleaving the air with a class leading drag figure of Cd 0.27. To put that into context, the equally sleek new Ford Mondeo only manages Cd 0.30.

Even more impressive is the attention to detail, especially around the bold front end. The prominent front wheel arches (echoing the RX-8 and new Mazda2), neat bonnet shutlines, delicate chrome highlights and intricate, jewel-like headlamps give the 6 plenty of rear-view mirror menace without looking brash. And yes, it does look appropriately oriental.
Delve beneath the skin and the good news continues. There’s an all-new body shell that’s stiffer and, thanks to paring down the calorie count of components and some high-strength steel, it’s 35kg per model lighter than the previous generation. The extra weight never hampered the old cars oft praised driving characteristics, so Mazda makes no bones about the new car sharing it underpinnings with its predecessor. That means suspension, gearboxes and engines (1.8, 2.0 petrol and diesel) are carried over largely intact, but with the obligatory enhancements.

Most noteworthy is a reworking of the old 2.3. It’s been enlarged to a 2.5, quite a size for a four cylinder engine. Power is up only 5bhp to 170bhp, but torque increases by 14 lb ft and emissions and fuel consumption decrease. Indeed, the CO2 figures are down across the range, meaning that the 1.8 model is five company car bands lower than its forebear, another big hook to snare fleet buyers.

The combined result of these changes is an agile, alert drive. Punting along the sinuous mountain roads of the test route revealed little roll, lots of grip and well-weighted steering that even managed to be reasonably communicative. Turn-in to corners is impressively sharp and given its size, it feels surprisingly playful, thanks in no small part to shedding that metaphorical spare tyre. The only slight question mark concerns the ride. Over smooth, manicured French asphalt, it felt great, sporting yet plaint. In the real world of the UK’s broken streets, it may prove a little too firm for comfort which would be a shame as general refinement is excellent.

The main gripe for the outgoing 6 was also the ride quality as well as wind and road noise. The latter is near abolished and true to its Japanese reputation, mechanical refinement is high. At idle, the large four pot engine is virtually silent and on more than one occasion I had to refer to the rev counter to confirm it was still turning over. Press on and you’re rewarded with a throaty exhaust note, smooth manners and reasonable progress. Just don’t expect to humble any hot hatches; the sprint to sixty is covered in a shade over eight seconds and it tops out at 136mph.
But if you want performance, go out and buy an RX-8. This is a family car after all and it lives up to its role. The interior is comfortable, bright and spacious, although from the drivers’ seat it all feels quite intimate and sporting. The dash is far from original, but it’s logically presented and well constructed. There are a few design flourishes that lift the cabin, notably some cool lighting effects on ignition and highly detailed, bezel-like dials, but nothing to cause Audi any sleepless nights.

The saloon and hatch go on sale at the end of the year with the estate following in February 08, in the familiar range format of S, TS, TS2 and Sport. Topping the range is a new SL model, equipped with full leather, Bi-xenon headlamps and a powerful BOSE Surround Sound stereo. Also new are higher prices, but Mazda claim the rise is more than off-set by the tax savings afforded to their target market.

The old Mazda6 was a bit of hidden gem (or perhaps a rough diamond), but the new car deserves better. The new Mondeo and Renault Laguna epitomise the mainstream manufacturers drive towards the hallowed turf of offering a ‘premium’ experience. The new Mazda 6 is now at that level, but with a less ubiquitous badge on its shapely nose, it offers a compelling alternative. Just don’t forget your kimono.

Verdict

FOR: Agility, style, decent spec levels and enhanced eco-friendliness
AGAINST: Not the most inspiring interior
CONCLUSION: The best Japanese family car on sale. And proud of it.

Spec

ENGINE: MZR 2.5-litre In-line 4 cylinder, DOHC 16V
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 192g/km
POWER: 170PS @ 6,000 rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 226Nm @ 4,000 rpm
0-62mph (sec): 8.0
TOP SPEED: 136mph
MPG: /-/-/34.9mpg (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: 6 speed manual
SUSPENSION: Front: Double wishbone Rear: Multilink
WEIGHT: 1,355 kg
PRICE: £20680
RIVALS: Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Volkswagen Passat