Mazda 6 2009 review

There are those who screw their noses up at diesel medium passenger cars and passenger wagons. Throw a diesel donk into a family wagon and some people threaten to slip into a coma.

No longer is there a reason to do so, as a number of brands have put svelte, swift and — dare I say — sexy diesel wagons on the market.

Drivetrain

The five-door wagon is powered by a 2.2-litre common-rail direct-injection 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder has a variable geometry turbo but is only available as a six-speed manual, and the lack of an automatic will probably penalise the sales figures.

But despite its rather humdrum segment and the rundown of its family-centric features, it's a lively vehicle to drive.

The Mazda6 range was lauded for its great road manners and the diesel wagon is no exception.

The ride comfort is good but it doesn't preclude the 6 wagon from showing some talent for corners - it's not going to frighten an RX8 or an MX-5 for outright ability in the bends but the sportscar drivers wouldn't want to be dawdling if they don't want to be embarrassed by the family machine.

In-gear urge is good, particularly after the turbo lag just above idle disappears - in fact it's quickly forgotten as 400Nm of torque quickly makes its presence felt from 1800rpm.

The surge remains until 3000rpm and 136kW of peak power arrives 500rpm later, offering power delivery characteristics through the midrange and top-end that won't have you pining for a petrol model.

Even though the petrol wagon tips the scales 113kg less than the diesel, it offers just 125kW and 226Nm — 11 fewer kiloWatts, a massive 174 fewer Newton-metres — and uses almost three more litres for every 100km travelled.

It's still a little chuggy when cold and at idle but nothing that would deter a purchase — that's more likely to be an aversion to gunky diesel pumps.

Interior

The cabin is more than capable of taking the family and its trappings, with useful centre console storage, although four tall adults might find legroom a bit of a squeeze for the two in the back. Parents and a couple of rugrats are not going to have any issues with space or comfort.

The driver is generally well catered for, with the exception of the central display atop the dashboard, which is controlled by a series of wheel-mounted buttons, but the processes are counter-intuitive - the new Mazda3's system is far better and hopefully will be adopted by the Mazda6. Aside from that, the bulk of the Mazda6's controls are easy to use.

The rear loadspace is also useful, with a clever cargo blind and net system that offers protection from prying eyes and loose luggage without being difficult to access.

The net works in a conventional manner but the cargo screen is connected to the tailgate and lifts easily out of the way — a definite plus with this family load-lugger.

Verdict

Were it not for my need to drag occupied horse floats — which requires a LandCruiser — the Mazda6 is a frugal and effective family wagon.

Mazda6 diesel wagon
Price: from $37,940.
Engine: 2.2-litre 16-valve DOHC intercooled common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel four-cylinder.
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive.
Power: 136kW @ 3500rpm.
Torque: 400Nm between 1800 & 3000rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 8.5 seconds.
Fuel consumption: 6 litres/100km, on test 7.1 litres /100km, tank 64 litres.
Emissions: 159g/km.

Rivals
Alfa Romeo 159 JTD Sportwagon, from $55,990.
Citroen C5 Tourer, from $55,990.
Skoda Octavia TDI wagon, from $35,990.
Peugeot 407 ST HDi, from $49,190.
Volkswagen Passat 103TDI wagon, from $44,990.