AutoCar

Local Launch
Victorian and NSW Alps

What we liked
>> confident, neutral handling
>> quiet, serene and spacious cabin
>> sharp styling

Not so much
>> plenty of car for a 2.5-litre four
>> auto's second-third gear gap exacerbates above
>> diesel hiatus

Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality:4.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
Almost the default choice in the medium market it kickstarted, the new 6 is the first of the second-generation Japanese-sourced 'modern' D-segment cars to hit Australian roads.

We've already driven the 6 at its international launch (more here). Held in the south of France -- to help reinforce Europe's importance to Mazda, and the role the car has played in resurrecting the marque on the Continent -- we came away impressed.

Now after a day-long drive from Albury across the 'top' of Australia through the Alps to Canberra on a spectrum of roads including fast but rough dirt, we can safely say that our first impressions were the right ones. This is a cracking car.

It's quieter, more relaxed and somehow more 'grown up', yet at the same time it's handling and steering have a sporty edge that make the car fun to drive. The very same traits we liked in Europe have translated directly Down Under. Were that the case with every car, it would save us a lot of re-testing...