Faults:

Bought in October 2011, and so far nothing at all.

General Comments:

This is now my third Mazda 6 in a row (getting boring, what? No!), and each one gets better; a rare feat.

Reliability has been stellar with all of them. I've read a lot of complaints about diesel engined versions, but the petrol is faultless. Fuel economy is impressive for a large, elegant & practical car. Has gone as low as 6.6l/100km on trips, and 7.2 is easy with fast driving.

The new model certainly has more pliant suspension. Would not go higher than 17" wheels though on any car. It is quiet and very agile to drive; exciting even. The steering wheel functions have been improved, and this is welcome for the driver.

Been on a long trip to Britain and back, and the car was very comfortable; it's an immense load carrier with the seats down flat, so was simple to do.

Criticisms? Really only one, the fuel computer has no time elapsed function.

This car really pleases the driver and passengers.

Faults:

This is a quick initial review, but I had to write it due to enthusiasm! Nothing has gone wrong, but with only 500 on the clock it's not surprising...

General Comments:

Had the previous model, 3 years of faultless performance, nothing went wrong in 60 k kilometres, so I replaced it with the new model.

The difference is very apparent and pleasing. This car is much quieter and feels far more agile despite being larger. The new steering is fantastic, cabin materials are much improved and the seats are better too (the others were fine already)

The steering wheel controls are a bit over complex, which I think is an odd move by Mazda. You get used to them but it does take time. Otherwise, ergonomics are excellent.

The auto dim rear mirror is a welcome new addition, as are the auto folding mirrors in a tight situation!

Headlights not as powerful as the old model though.

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.