2005 Mazda 6 Elegance review from Finland

Car was bought on 31st August 05 and generally very pleased with it, but the dealer leaves a lot to be desired, shoddy frankly. Cars in Finland must have an engine warmer fitted due to the Arctic winter, the dealer had left out over a litre of coolant when I inspected it a few days later, potential disaster. Oil level oddly low too, a general nonchalance and reluctance to do much about these things.

The above comments should be offset by the car's character and many vitues. It is an 05 face-lifted model and it looks very appealing, the 17" alloys look purposeful and do not degrade ride comfort. The interior is well made and laid out, the seats being very good (not as good as my previous Volvo S40, see my review, but NOTHING is). Impressive too is gearbox action with 6 speeds, clutch and the steering are both very reassuring. The first time I drove a Mazda 6 a couple of years back, I was put off by the noise levels. The new one is very much quieter and a little more powerful, yet the fuel consumption is extremely good for a large roomy car. 7.0 litres/100 is not difficult on a run. The interior space and one fold seats are excellent, why can't all hatchbacks use this simple flat floor system? Trees have been taken to my summer house in it, well, small ones, but anyway. Headlights are well up to the job, brakes powerful, ride good and chassis action superb. I do miss the auto dip rear mirror, a stupid omission on a new car (can one be fitted does anyone know?) and the light in the boot is not auto switch on off nor has the central locking got 1 door open anti hijack another false economy. Very pleasant to own, drive and use.