2017 Mazda6 range review

What is it?

It's Mazda's long-serving flagship sedan (and wagon), a mid-sizer that mixes stylish looks with a dose of sporting flavour and the right amount of value, luxury and safety to suit most modern families.

While the latest shape was first launched in 2012, it came in for a mid-life upgrade just last year with some mild visual and mechanical tweaks.

How many models can I choose from?

Available in either sedan or wagon body styles and with the choice of a 2.5-litre petrol four cylinder or 2.2-litre turbo diesel engines, there are 16 different variants of the Mazda6 on offer.

The sedan is offered in four model grades - Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza - while the wagon is only available in Touring, GT and Atenza.

Every variant comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, automated emergency braking, a reverse camera, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and a colour multimedia display with sat nav, digital radio and embedded music streaming apps such as Pandora and Stitcher.

The Touring specification adds leather trim, a premium Bose audio system, front parking sensors and LED headlights. The GT brings larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a glass sunroof, heated front and rear seats, keyless entry and apaptive headlights. And the top-spec Atenza adds higher-grade Nappa leather trim and additional safety functions such as radar cruise control, lane departure and forward collision warnings and lane-keeping assistance.

What do they cost?

The range starts at $32,490 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level Sport sedan with the petrol engine and tops out at $47,540 (plus on-roads) for the full-of-fruit Atenza wagon with the turbo diesel.

The Touring sedan costs $37,290, the GT costs $42,690 and the Atenza costs $45,390.

The diesel engine is a $2900 premium over the petrol engine in Touring, GT and Atenza specifications while the wagon body style is $1300 more than the equivalent sedans.

Any options that I need to know about?

With so many variants on offer, Mazda keeps it pretty simple in regards to optional extras with only its premium Soul Red and Machine Grey metallic paints commanding an additional $250.

Is it expensive to own?

All Mazdas are covered by a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty while the Japanese car maker offers a base servicing price for the first five visits, which should occur every 12 months of 10,000km – whichever comes first. The petrol models cost between $304 and $333 for the basic maintenance while the diesel is a little more expensive, costing between $316 and $386.

Off-setting the slightly higher running costs, the Mazda6 holds its value better than most mid-size rivals.

Which is the most economical model?

Mazda claims consistent fuel consumption figures across the range for either the petrol or diesel engines, with the latter option producing the lowest average of 5.4L/100km. However, the petrol engine isn't that far behind with a respectable figure of 6.6L/100km.

Which is the safest model?

Mazda is unique among the mainstream car makers to offer automated emergency braking as a standard feature on all of its regular passenger cars and SUVs (the MX-5 roadster and BT-50 ute being the only exceptions) which contributes to five-star independent crash ratings.

However, as mentioned previously, it does reserve its full suite of active technologies, such as radar cruise, forward collision and lane departure warnings, for the range-topping Atenza.

Which is the best model to drive?

All Mazda6 variants possess excellent dynamics with great steering and a nicely balanced combination of comfort and road holding. But, if you want to enjoy the occasional back-road blast, the GT is probably the best pick as its larger wheels have a bit more purchase and the diesel is the gruntier engine with 420Nm coming on tap from just 2000rpm. It's also better harnessed than before with the addition of Mazda's G-Vectoring torque control system improving its cornering.

Should I buy one now?

Considering the Mazda6 was recently upgraded, there's not a lot of activity coming up for the mid-sizer, which means that dealers will be open for negotiations to keep stock moving.

If you're in the market right now though, Mazda - like most brands - is offering deals across the entire range in-line with the end of financial year. And while it only lists that there's a 'Bonus' on offer for the 6, that is likely to be couple of thousand dollars in savings.

Where's the sweet spot?

The sweet spot is in the Touring specification, as it offers good value, drives just as nicely and has a sub-$40k starting price for the petrol variants yet still feels suitably premium with leather trim, a good stereo and all the mod cons and safety systems you need.