Mazda6 2005 review

With sales of Mazda6 going off the boil, the company decided it was time to help things along by adding a tricked up wagon to its press fleet.

When we say "tricked up" that is something of an exaggeration because it did not take much, apart from the aforementioned tint.

The Mazda6 wagon looks pretty damn good to start with, with a rear spoiler, roof rails and groovy alloys as standard equipment.

Considering the small monetary outlay, the results are outstanding, with the dark tint a perfect partner for the dark blue Strato paint job of our test vehicle, giving it a much sportier look.

Mechanically, however, the car remains exactly the same.

So, in reality, we were duped but willingly so, because two years down the track, the Mazda6 continues to impress with its smart styling, superior drive dynamics and excellent fuel economy.

Someone once suggested that one of the major reasons for the model's success is that the company has managed to build a car that looks more expensive than it actually is.

It's certainly a more exciting and appealing car than the model it replaces and manages to look stylish, sophisticated and elegant even in more fancied company.

It has been almost two years to the day since we last drove the Mazda6 wagon and it is just as good as we remember.

The wagon comes in only the one model, equivalent to the mid range Classic sedan and is available only with automatic transmission.

The 2.3-litre DOHC four cylinder engine delivers a perfect mix of power and economy, with power rated at 122kW and torque 207Nm.

You could argue that a larger more powerful engine would be nice, but the 2.3-litre power plant is expertly matched to the transmission, to deliver almost the perfect balance of power and economy.

The auto in what is rapidly become a five-speed world is stuck with four cogs, and again you could argue that another ratio would be welcome, but really it is fine just the way it is, with a tipshift function for more enthusiastic driving.

The tipshift by the way is one of the sweetest, easy to use changes that we have had the pleasure to operate.

It's a gated shift, with a quick flick to the left for manual changing – forward to change down and back to change up.

On the road the wagon feels light and agile, a smooth performer and very easy to drive.

Point it at a corner and it remains composed, even when pressing the point.

We had some fun in the recent rain powering out of corners sooner than we should have and spinning the front wheels unnecessarily, but the car always managed to straighten itself out, unfazed by the exercise.

It loses some points to the all-wheel drive Liberty wagon in the handling department (perhaps its nearest competitor) but not many.

Mazda6 sips premium unleaded but does so sparingly, returning a claimed 10.0L/100km city cycle and 7.6L/100km highway from the 64-litre tank. We averaged about 9.7L/100km during testing.

Inside, the wagon is quiet and comfortable, with a stylish and easy to use dash layout.

Leg and headroom is adequate considering it is a medium sized wagon, with rear seats that pack flat for carrying larger loads.

The three spoke leather clad steering wheel features buttons for cruise control and the sound system.

Standard equipment includes six airbags, cruise control, ABS brakes, and climate controlled air conditioning,

There's also a six-stack CD sound system.

The Mazda6 wagon is priced from $34,830.