Faults:

Nothing went wrong.

General Comments:

This car is great, it is such a pleasure to drive. It is a sports car in a business suit. The steering is accurate, and you feel everything that's under your front wheels.

The throttle is different, but it's easy to get used to the first bit that doesn't accelerate the car that much, but if you keep on pushing, you will feel a great kick. Full throttle spins the front wheels, making the DSC work to keep the grip. The suspension is very comfy, softer than the older 6 I owned, but still sporty.

That was some overall things. Here comes the performance:

The 168 HP and 380NM of torque pushes you back in the seat. I like it when a boy tuner Seat pulls up next to me at a set of lights... goodbye! It crushes the more expensive Mercs and Audis.

If you need a car under 30.000 euros and you ask me, I will always say Mazda 6; you get so much luxury, performance, comfort and space for that money. If you buy an Audi, you will have to deal with an option-less piece of c**k mobile, and when a Mazda pulls up to you at a set of lights, you will bite the dust.

Overall I give this car a 9, because it can always be better. But for now, I roll with this car with pleasure. Every time it makes me smile. Those 6's will do 200.000km without giving you expensive repair jobs or break downs. The only things replaced on my old one (175.000km) were the distribution belts every 60.000km, and the tires.

Faults:

None, returned the car for a new SAAB as it arrived.

General Comments:

Expected the car to be quick enough, but actually it's quite slow. Previous owner never complained until he drove my old car ;). I can't get used to the automatic gearbox. It shifts down a lot when flooring the peddle, but even than it's slow.

Steering is okay, but the car leans over a lot when cornering.

Lot's of plastic inside, but rather comfy and everything you want is there: climate control, navigation system etc. etc.

Seats are soft, almost French, but provide enough support (if you're not long-legged I guess). Backseats are okay, not very much head-room, but enough space to put your legs.

The boot is great. It's large and shaped so that everything will fit in there.

Dealer is an absolute PITA. Paperwork for every little detail. Testdriving required half an hour of filling out insurance papers and stuff, whereas other dealers simply hand over the keys and trust you bring the car back in one piece.

Faults:

Xenon headlights (bulbs, wiring, control module, switch) were replaced after intermittent problems at 12 months.

Front brake rotor replaced after 12 months.

General Comments:

Car handles well and is very comfortable.

Good value for money with leather, DVD nav.

Certainly the best looking Japanese sedan currently and maybe the looks are its strongest point. While handling is good and performance is OK there are some hints of having been built down to a price. For instance, sound insulation could be better (road noise is higher than average) and the interior plastics don't look like they will stand up to serious wear.