General Comments:

The Mazda 6 has to be the motor industries best kept secret! I was in the market for a roomy family car; something which was both practical and something I could be proud to own and enjoy driving.

This car, unlike any of its rivals, seems to have it all. When you buy a car you normally have to make some compromises - don't you? Well, this car gives you the impression that Mazda have considered everything people want in a family car, and built it.

The looks are eye-catching, both inside and out. It has a huge boot and clever rear seats which fold flat, so that you can fit in the kitchen sink, and the bath if you want to. There's class leading legroom in the back, airbags in every direction and a top rated security system.

Other standard features include climate and cruise control. I don't have the optional BOSE stereo system, but the sound quality is still excellent. If you want it to, the volume will automatically adjust as your speed changes, to compensate for road noise. There is a bit of that, but nothing too excessive.

The seats are very smart and comfortable, and unlike many other family cars, actually do seat 3 adults comfortably in the back.

The steering wheel is fully adjustable for that perfect driving position.

If you're not impressed yet, you will be when you take it for a spin. I've driven many cars in this class, but this is by far the best in terms of handling. Seriously, you'll be searching for the windiest roads, because this car straightens them out!

The 2 litre engine isn't the pokiest, but gives a respectable performance.

Other reasons to buy this car include a modest insurance group, cheap to buy new, build quality and reliability, (Mazda were recently voted the most reliable manufacturer), and very low depreciation.

On the downside... this car isn't quite as cheap to run as Mazda would have you believe. It has a 64 litre tank which, on average does about 450 miles. I'm told that servicing isn't cheap either, although I've only had mine for about six months and have had no need as yet to go anywhere near a dealer.

The climate control seems to have a mind of its own! But it can also be controlled manually.

This is a car I'm proud to own. It looks good, feels like quality, and eats up time and miles. Even after a long journey you'll want to just keep driving.

In my opinion, and I accept it is just my opinion, unless you're looking for a prestigious marque, I don't know why anyone in the market for a family car would consider buying anything else.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

We love this car! The fuel economy is great, even in the city.

The paintwork looks fabulous with the metallic option.

We would have liked to have had leather as an option.

Only difficulty we have had with it has been in getting seat covers that are made to work with the side airbags.

Faults:

No worries so far, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

General Comments:

I've really enjoyed this car so far. Handles great and looks sharp. Exceptional in terms of cargo room.

Got a ride of an SUV because of gas issues, haven't really found that the 6 is much of an improvement in the city, but definitely better on the highway. Traction control and ABS is great for Canadian winters...even without proper snow tires.

Faults:

Small piece of trim at end of kick plate had come adrift (although I think I might have done that)

General Comments:

Wanted something a bit different from the usual Vectra-Mondeo brigade so went for the sporty looking M6 1.8TS Hatch.

Now wish I went for the 2.0 as this is a bit on the sluggish side, but it would have cost so much more in company car tax.

Went for the metallic blue which I think everyone else has gone for, but I still reckon its the best colour and I still have customers commenting on how good it looks.

The paint does seem a bit on the thin side and marks very easy.

I have also found the panels are thin in places where you would push against them (on the bootlid for instance) which has caused a couple of unsightly dents.

Good service intervals at 12,500 miles and economy has settled down to about 36mpg, not bad seeing I carry 400 kgs of tools in the boot all the time (which by the way is deceptivly large).

The ride and handling are very good although the engine can get a little boomy at times, but its by no means obtrusive.

As a former Passat owner the material quality is not quite as good, but its certainly not bad either and I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to cover 100,000 miles in the 3 years I'm due to have it with no trouble at all.