Overview of the Mazda Mazda6
The original Mazda 6 - which replaced the 626 - revitalised a dull medium-car segment with its great blend of style, features and entertaining driving manners. Now in its third generation, the Mazda 6 continues to be one of the go-to models for medium-car buyers who prioritise vehicle dynamics. There was even a performance-focused MPS model for the second-generation range, which featured a turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive. The Mazda 6 is currently offered in sedan and wagon body styles. Unusually, the wagon is smaller than the sedan - because the former is focused on the European market where styling is important while the latter is focused on the US market where vehicle size is important.
MAZDA 6 GENERATIONS
2002-2007
2007-2012
2013 onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.2L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 5.4 litres per 100km
2.5L 4-cylinder: 6.6 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $308 and $390. Mazda 6 parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MAZDA 6
Ford Mondeo
Honda Accord Euro
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen Passat
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MAZDA 6 (2012 to 2016)
Fundamentally a well built car, the Mazda 6 has a pretty good reputation for reliability.
The automatic transmission is one area we'd pay close attention to, though, as there have been reports of failures.
Diesel-particulate filters and their requirement to be cleaned out periodically have been a long-term bug-bear in Mazda (and other modern) diesels.
The computer's way to do this is to inject more fuel into the engine to regenerate the filter, but sometimes that extra fuel finds its way into the sump where it dilutes the engine's lubricant.
But Mazda did develop revised software to help prevent this happening, so it would be wise to check with a dealer to see if a particular vehicle is running the upgraded program.
Mazda is hardly alone with this problem and it's a common one in new-age diesels that only get driven around the suburbs.
