Mazda 6 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 CV test drive, aiming for excellence

Mazda has recently renewed one of its flagship models, the Mazda 6. The Japanese saloon improves in many areas, more than the discreet exterior changes would suggest at first glance, achieving a final result that even outshines many premium mid-size saloons. We got behind the wheel of the Mazda 6 with the well-known 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel engine producing 150 CV, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox. For those looking for a spacious, very smooth saloon that covers distance effortlessly, this Mazda 6 is the answer.

Exterior design: small changes to keep up to date

The most notable change is its new front end, redesigned in line with its range sibling, the CX-5, where the grille takes centre stage. The headlights now feature LED technology for all lighting functions, with particularly impressive illumination in any kind of night-time conditions.

From the side there are hardly any changes, the standout being the 19-inch alloy wheels sized 225/45 R19. At the rear, the new tail lights use LED technology. Elements such as the dual rear exhaust outlets add a sporty touch.

Interior design: excellent quality while retaining space

The tuning has benefited the interior most: quality has risen (even surpassing some premium saloons), which shows in a simpler, more elegant design with soft-touch materials and even leather in some areas of the cabin. The combination of dark colours with white leather upholstery stands out.

It also introduces a new instrument display with all kinds of on-board computer information. The driving position is comfortable, slightly low but with good visibility, and the seats hold the body well and are not afraid of long distances. In addition, the seats offer heating and ventilation.

The rear seats are simply huge, with more than enough space for feet and head. They have rear air vents, and the rear centre armrest hides a charging point for your smartphone. The boot offers a capacity of 480 litres, a good figure.

Engine: the familiar 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 CV that meets Euro-6D

Nowadays keeping a 2.2-litre diesel engine in a range is quite remarkable, as many brands have downsized to reduce consumption and, above all, emissions to meet strict European regulations. Mazda, however, has had no trouble with its flagship diesel engine (and one of the best on the market), since without reducing capacity (though with AdBlue) it manages to comply with the Euro-6D standard.

Focusing on the powertrain, this 2.2 is a marvel of smoothness. It offers outstanding response from very low revs, pulling from just over 1,100 rpm, and pushes strongly, always smoothly and linearly, up to beyond 4,000 rpm.

In terms of performance, it delivers adequately, with a sufficient 380 Nm of torque, although our unit had very few kilometres on it and still needed running in to squeeze out every one of its 150 CV. That said, pairing it with the manual gearbox is more than recommended, as the gearbox has a very precise feel and the two form a perfect partnership.

Handling: in pursuit of comfort

The Mazda 6’s handling is shaped by the pursuit of comfort, as is fitting for a good saloon. It has improved its interior insulation (to levels few brands reach), and covering long distances in it is no problem.

Dynamically it does its job, but its dimensions and soft-tuned suspension do not help it feel sporty on a mountain pass or a winding road. That said, it holds its own within what is expected from a saloon of this type. Its ideal habitat is the open road or motorway, where it isolates driver and occupants from external noise and the condition of the road, maintaining smoothness above all else.

Consumption: a very frugal 2.2 litre

This is an area where the Mazda 6 with this diesel engine shines: on the open road it hovers around 5.5 litres per 100 km, a figure we managed to bring down to 4.3 litres per 100 km on several occasions by being careful with the accelerator and driving efficiently.

On the motorway, on our usual route, consumption was 5.8 litres per 100 km, while in the city, on our usual route around Vigo, the figure was 6.6 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

We always begin the equipment review with the safety features standard on every Mazda 6, where the highlights are multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, stability control, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition, among other systems. With all of the above, it is no surprise that it earned five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, with 95% adult occupant protection and 91% child occupant protection.

It also comes as standard with LED lighting for all lighting functions, standing out for its excellent light beam, which automatically switches off part of the LEDs to achieve maximum brightness without dazzling other vehicles.

Within the trim of our unit, Zenith, it also includes a BOSE sound system with 11 speakers which, combined with the multimedia system with navigation, lets you get the most out of the audio. In the extras section are the electric leather seats with heating and ventilation, as well as the head-up display.

Mazda 6 price

The new 2018 Mazda 6 is available from 24,979 euros (with brand campaign, financing and maintenance included) for the 145 CV petrol version in Evolution trim. For our unit with the most complete trim, the final price rises to 37,295 euros (without applying any discounts or current campaigns), a good figure for a saloon fitted with everything.

Personal opinion

For years Mazda has been an alternative to the traditional premium brands, especially the German ones, and this Mazda 6 is no exception. It has no sporty edge, but in terms of comfort it even outperforms many European rivals, while offering an engine-gearbox feel that is hard to beat. For those who drive many kilometres and want a comfortable car, this is a smart choice. That said, the manual is preferable to the automatic, and if you do not cover many kilometres a year, the 145 CV petrol engine offers smoothness and contained consumption.

This 2018 version surprises with the huge leap in quality, both inside and in the way it drives, to the point that it improves on aspects that some premium-brand models still need to fix. Mazda even improves when other brands cut corners to sell more volume, but in this and in engines it has always swum against the current, and the results speak for themselves.

Photos | Test team