Used Mazda 6 2013-2023 review

The Mazda 6 is a Ford Mondeo rival with rakish styling and lightweight, low-emissions tech Think ‘executive saloon’ and your mind’s eye probably sees a BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz.But the Germans haven’t always had this market segment to themselves, so if you’re on the lookout for something a little left-field but which still majors on economy, practicality and engagement (plus a touch of style), then consider the third-generation Mazda 6. All versions of Hiroshima’s high-miler were handsome and well received, but the Mk3 of 2013 brought generational changes in the form of clever powertrain tech and bucketloads of kerb appeal that today make it a particularly canny used buy – not least because it avoids the same sort of badge tax as its German contemporaries.Mazda’s Skyactiv tech centred on maximising the efficiency of its four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines without unduly denting performance.By giving both engines the same basic structure and an identical 14:1 compression ratio, the 6 could extract more energy from less fuel, with a claimed 15% increase in fuel economy and correspondingly lower CO2 emissions.That makes for some pretty agreeable running cost figures, most closely associated with the 2.2-litre diesel four-pots, with either 148bhp or 173bhp. Both do around 45mpg day to day, but expect even greater efficiency on the motorway, with 55mpg in sight. Opt for the manual ’box (which offers more driver engagement) over the six-speed auto and you will pay a maximum of £35 road tax, too.The oil-burners are refined, too: there’s no clatter from under the bonnet, and while 8.0sec to 62mph doesn’t sound impressive on paper, you won’t find it wanting on slip-roads, and its throttle response is surprisingly good for a diesel.You can also have the 6 with a 2.0-litre petrol four making either 143bhp or 163bhp. The entry-level petrol lacks pace, and while the more powerful lump provides more pep, it can get vocal at higher revs. Regardless of powertrain, the 6 rides comfortably and settles into a cruise with ease. It can come undone at lower speeds, where it struggles to iron out potholes and sharp edges.That said, it delivers on the agility front and is far more rewarding to punt down a B-road run than a Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat. It feels nimble and has accurate steering, and the body is kept well in check. The saloon has a 480-litre boot, which is more than good enough for a few suitcases or golf clubs, but if you’re hauling pushchairs and the other clobber that comes with having a family, the estate is more practical, giving up to 1648 litres with the seats folded.You can grab a 6 for less than £2000, but this will tie you to well-used examples with well over 100,000 miles on the clock; with a budget of around £6000, you will easily find a tidy saloon or estate. Material quality is a mixed bag in early models, so we would at least aim for a facelifted 2015 example, which has decent kit across the range, plusher materials and a neater 7.0in infotainment screen. The 6 was facelifted again in 2018 and received a new 2.5-litre 191bhp petrol engine, but they’re a rare find and don’t really offer much more performance. You will pay around £9000 for one, too.Whatever your budget, though, the 6 is a brilliant all-rounder that still looks as suave and sophisticated as it did when launched more than 10 years ago.

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