Mazda6 GSX wagon; Review

 

Canterbury's foothills are a treasure trove of spectacular scenery, it's big country and I'm always finding new roads and new settlements nestled amidst some real beauty.

Recently I found myself at Whiterock, 30km inland from Rangiora, and although I didn't explore the non-sealed roads, the roads that link it with Loburn and other Ashley settlements must rate as the best driving roads you're ever likely to find. They are wide, offer plenty of vision and are a mixture of straights blending with a wide cross-section of corners, a performance car delight.

It's true that I did enjoy my North Canterbury drive, but I wasn't driving a performance car in the true sense of the word. The car I was in was the recently facelifted Mazda6, a wagon, but it was the right car for the roads, it tackled the conditions perfectly, providing a spirited drive.

The Mazda6 arrived here in 2002, and right on cue the facelift extends perfectly its life cycle. The 750 changes to the 11-variant range are way too comprehensive in detail but, the bottom line is, Mazda have made their well respected mainstream model just about perfect.

As mentioned, the test car was the GSX 2.3-litre wagon variant and at $42,395 lists with a whole host of standard features. Climate control, remote central locking with immobiliser, electric windows, tilt and reach-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, six-disc audio, trip computer and leather-wrapped steering wheel, hand brake lever and gearshift knob are all included.

For safety there are no fewer than six air bags, each occupant gets a full overshoulder seat belt, ABS works on four-wheel-disc brakes and a cargo security net stops objects leaving the wagon section. The latter, incidentally, can hold up to 505 litres of cargo with the rear seats upright.

Even with the changes, Mazda haven't altered the comfortable interior structure which makes the car one of this country's mid-size favourites, it is plush and quality finished with plenty of thought put into the trim details. The lower half of the interior is finished in black cloth trim, contrasting well to a grey upper. Subtle use of chrome and titanium-coloured garnish is used as highlights, while the digital readouts are mostly coloured red. While this seems unlikely colour co-ordination, it doesn't work too bad, and with form fitting seats and a good area to spread around in, it is a nice interior package to be part of.

Powering the wagon is Mazda's new-generation twin-camshaft, 16-valve four-cylinder engine. It is finding its way across most Mazda product, such is its versatility and high level of refinement. It produces peak power of 122kW (6500rpm), while maximum torque of 207Nm is reached at 4000rpm. That being the case, it is a revvy unit and sings away at the top end willingly, the red-line is marked at 6500rpm and is quite happy to go there when needed.

And to keep the engine honest, the test car was fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, and it is a collection of very low ratios which not only provide swift off-the-mark acceleration, but it keeps the engine busy at highway speed. Take, for example, the 2900rpm engine speed at 100kmh in sixth, that's around 500rpm quicker than its automatic stablemate, and at 3250rpm in fifth the suggestion is that it likes to work freely.

None of this appears to have a detrimental effect on fuel consumption, at 100kmh in sixth the fuel usage readout lists 7.2 litres usage per 100km while my test average just sneaks into single digits at 9.8l/100km. These equate to 39mpg and 29mpg which, by my reckoning, is pretty encouraging.

The low gearbox ratios have the Mazda6 scorching to 100kmh in 8sec, while a 80kmh-120kmh overtaking time of 5.2sec isn't hanging around.

Not only is the Mazda6 a swift mover, it has handling to match. Suspended on a double wishbone system up front and a multi-link rear, the spring and damper rates are biased towards soft so that occupant comfort is a first priority.

However, such is the sophistication within the system that the overall handling balance rates as exceptional. And that without any electronic stability control systems nor performance tyres, they are made for longevity and quiet highway performance.

However, the 205/55 x 16in Bridgestone Turanzas have a wide road footprint and a grippy tenure with the road, they don't allow an early onset of understeer. Steering feel is a little light at slow speeds, but the moment cornering pressure loads up the turning wheels, feedback to the driver is informative and conclusive.

I particularly like the way the Mazda6 enters a corner, the suspension can be felt dealing to undulations, and if off-camber or decreasing radius bends are presented, there is little indication of wayward motion, such is its directional control and accuracy. It delights with its nimble nature and easy breathing engine, and that combined in a car which weighs in at around 1400kg, it's no lightweight, but it handles perfectly.

While most Mazda6 buyers will opt for the automatic variant, I'd find it hard to choose between the transmission options such is the enjoyment which can be extracted from the manual six-speeder. It is an easy car to drive at inner-city speeds, and with the easy shifting action and light clutch, it is far from a hurdle amongst the five o'clock traffic.

And, as a practical all round model, Mazda know well they are on to a winner, especially in wagon form.

Specifications:

Price: Mazda6 GSX wagon, $42,395.

Dimensions: Length, 4690mm; width, 1780mm; height, 1480mm.

Configuration: Four-cylinder transverse, front-wheel-drive, 2261cc, 122kW/6500rpm, 207Nm/4000rpm, six-speed manual.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 8sec.