Mazda 6 2008 Review

For it's a triumph: a quicker, more efficient, bigger, more refined and better-value incarnation of the car that, in its original 2002 form, acted like a dose of uber-strength Viagra on the then-flaccid medium-car class.

The newbie's quality is such that it doesn't so much lead its class as transcend it. Alfas, Audis and other front-wheel-drive Euros are deeply embarrassed, in both dollar and dynamic terms.

And the 6's essentials permeate the range. Drivetrains and safety measures — including Dynamic Stability Control and curtain airbags — are as standard on the humblest $29,740 manual Limited sedan as on the $46,910, all-leather-and-big-rims Luxury Sports Hatch automatic.

So, although most punters are opting for the mid-spec Classic and 30 per cent of early buyers for the exxier variants, there's no compelling reason not to go for the Limited editions.

Although the five-speed auto is a sound unit, it's when teamed with a six-speed manual and riding on 16-inch steel wheels that the least expensive Mazda6 becomes the best drive of the range. It's even more agile and adjustable when pressing on, and its ride is slightly less terse in daily running.

Cosmetic upgrades account for the near-$20K price differential between entry and upper levels. Although the Limited misses out on alloys, nice upholstery, power seats and (quite annoyingly, actually) a trip computer, it represents better value than the first-gen model.

All variants feature the smooth, refined MZR 2.5-litre, four-cylinder S-VT petrol engine, good for 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4000rpm.

Fuel consumption for the Limited manual is 8.4 litres per 100km, and the zero-to-100km/h run takes around eight seconds in the manual.

That slick six-speeder is available on the Limited sedan, the Classic sedan and hatch and the Luxury Sports hatch. The five-speed auto is available on Limited sedans, Classic sedans, hatches and wagons, Luxury sedans and hatches and the Luxury Sports hatch. Upper-spec autos feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

All this is very nice, to the extent that Luxury iterations almost live up to the name (though even such embellishments as they have don't quite elevate the cabin to prestige level). Still, viewed in isolation, the top models are brilliant buys.

Except if you should happen to drive one back to back with the Limited manual, which costs some $12K less (the auto comes in at $31,800).

The electronic steering is a touch vague just off centre, but fully informative and capable when the almost alarmingly sharp turn-in is being enjoyed.

Only a want of low-down torque prevents the 6' impersonation of a sports sedan being completely convincing.

Although the graceful hatch is the most popular 6 body shape, the Limited comes only in sedan form (but with the bonus of superior rear vision).

If you're not scared shiftless of manual transmissions or besotted by fripperies, the entry-level Limited is not only the best car in its class but — even more impressively — the best Mazda6.

Snapshot

Mazda6 Limited

Price: $29,740 manual, $31,800 auto

Engine: 2.5L/4-cylinder petrol; 125kW/226Nm

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed auto

Economy: 8.4L/100km manual, 8.7L auto