MAZDA 6 TS Diesel

Having seen the impressive TV ad in which a frustrated parker at the airport finds a display stand inside the terminal I was keen to experience a 6 at closer quarters. You can immediately see why it could be mistaken for a stylish and classy model, because it is a stylish and classy model. Ok, you have the standard choice of hatch or saloon but this has a distinctive sporty look and some good looking features. Both front and rear light clusters are visually stunning, with defined circles within an elongated tear. With a series of air grilles on the bonnet giving it an arrowhead approach your first impression is very postive. From the rear is a smart profile that seems free flowing, with a dash of spoiler, whilst the side view is very smooth with some nice five spoke alloy wheels.

Inside you will find a nicely proportioned cabin that is crisp and yet comfortable in a welcoming way. There are a nice series of controls on the steering wheel and a well designed instrument layout. There is also cruise control. This also boasts the best heating system I had come across in a long time, and the front windscreen demisted in seconds, something whuich gets me quite exited. The climate control is realy efortless. The TS version that I drove had a good centre console with a centre armrest, and a nice leather gearstick. A dash mounted pocket is a good place for glasses or even a sat nav. Space is particularly good and this model featyres Karakuri seats which can be lowered forward for a nice flat load area without even removing the headrests.

This version has a six speed gearbox and this was complimented by a 2 litre diesel engine which is a four cylinder, sixteen valve unitt. This develops a punchy 121ps at 6500 rpm. Roadholding is great, and that's down to design as well as ABS, EBD and DSC as well as EBA and traction control. now that's a lot of letters, but all these systems combine to give a smooth ride and one that is as safe as possible. Top speed is a creditable 119 and the 0-62mph acceleration figure is 10.6 seconds. Economy is very good too and you get 37.7, 55.4 and 47.1 from the urban, extra urban and combined cycles. CO2 emmissions are 165.

That Diesel engine was so so quiet!

With a cost of £16,250 (insurance group 8E, this is a very nice offering from Mazda that combines sporty and classy styles and was a car that I looked forward to taking out on the road, where its performance matched its good looks. With a comfortable and spacious cabin all round, and good comments from drivers and passengers, you can't go wrong with this model.