Mazda6 2012 review

New car buyers only fear buying a lemon and missing out on a discount. It can be a traumatic experience so Carsguide is giving you a leg-up: The Mazda6 is being replaced in December by a new model but the current car is being discounted. Not a lot, but it's still a saving.

The new model is bigger - 130mm in length, for example - and comes with hi-tech engines and a more rigid body. But, unlike the test car here, there won't be a hatch version. So, knowing what's ahead, it could be bargain time for people who care little for the next fad. As a proposition, the Mazda6 is a top car.

It's conservative but durable, has a good record for reliability and has reasonable fuel consumption, is roomy, well built and looks neat, and though performance is more than adequate, rivals may claim they have more power. I like the fact this model of the car has been around for four years so I assume the bugs have been ironed out. But its value to you will depend on the discount you strike with your Mazda dealer.

Value

A week ago, the Mazda6 Hatch Touring was $34,750 plus on road costs (estimated at about $5000). Today, Mazda dealers are selling the same car for $34,990 drive away to save about $4750. Is it enough to stop you hanging out for the new model?

Perhaps, though it's tempting to wait and get a car that will be cheaper to run as the next Mazda6 get s frugal Skyactiv technology. It will also have a six-speed automatic and I expect the new car's price won't be a lot different to the current one. But for those that care little for new fangled things, the outgoing Mazda6 has built up a strong reputation for reliability - something the new model has yet to achieve.

Design

Funny how this car gets mistaken for the Mazda3 and vice versa. Strong family resemblance outside ends, however, on the inside where the Mazda6 has lots more rear-seat room a nd thanks to the liftback design, a much bigger boot with fold-flat rear seats. You can sleep back there. There's even a full-size spare wheel. It's a pretty car but because it's so common, it has invisible styling.

The cabin treatment is excellent - perhaps a bit too much black though helped by gloss inserts - with leather seats and simple controls. There's no sat-nav or a screen for the car's functions and this immediately dates the car. The A-pillars are huge and impair side vision but parking is easy thanks to standard front and rear sensors. 

Technology

This is the beauty of the Mazda6. There's no surprises with the technology - four-cylinder petrol engine without a turbocharger, five-speed automatic and simple suspension. The 2.5-litre engine appears rather docile at 125kW/226Nm but is actually quite sprightly while the auto is smooth and can be used manually, though there's no steering-wheel paddles. The audio system includes iPod and USB connectivity and Bluetooth is included.

Safety

This is a five-star crash-rated car with six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, front and rear park sensors, auto headlights and wipers and a full-size spare wheel.

Driving

Balance - the one word that defines the Mazda6. It doesn't excel at one particular thing, but is very good at satisfying a broad range of criteria. It is comfortable, roomy, peppy and very easy to operate. The next Mazda6 gets a Skyactiv engine which, in comparison, has a reputation of being a bit slug gish in order to maximise fuel economy.

The current model's engine power is adequate but lean heavily on the right pedal and it responds quickly and will run hard to the tachometer's red line. But it's not particularly fuel efficient. Mazda claims 8.8 litres/100km but city-suburban driving is closer to 10 litres/100km. The car is generally quiet but coarse bitumen makes it noisy - especially in the back seat - when touring. But handling and stability are excellent.