2004 Mazda 6 TS review from UK and Ireland

The Mazda 6 has to be the motor industries best kept secret! I was in the market for a roomy family car; something which was both practical and something I could be proud to own and enjoy driving.

This car, unlike any of its rivals, seems to have it all. When you buy a car you normally have to make some compromises - don't you? Well, this car gives you the impression that Mazda have considered everything people want in a family car, and built it.

The looks are eye-catching, both inside and out. It has a huge boot and clever rear seats which fold flat, so that you can fit in the kitchen sink, and the bath if you want to. There's class leading legroom in the back, airbags in every direction and a top rated security system.

Other standard features include climate and cruise control. I don't have the optional BOSE stereo system, but the sound quality is still excellent. If you want it to, the volume will automatically adjust as your speed changes, to compensate for road noise. There is a bit of that, but nothing too excessive.

The seats are very smart and comfortable, and unlike many other family cars, actually do seat 3 adults comfortably in the back.

The steering wheel is fully adjustable for that perfect driving position.

If you're not impressed yet, you will be when you take it for a spin. I've driven many cars in this class, but this is by far the best in terms of handling. Seriously, you'll be searching for the windiest roads, because this car straightens them out!

The 2 litre engine isn't the pokiest, but gives a respectable performance.

Other reasons to buy this car include a modest insurance group, cheap to buy new, build quality and reliability, (Mazda were recently voted the most reliable manufacturer), and very low depreciation.

On the downside... this car isn't quite as cheap to run as Mazda would have you believe. It has a 64 litre tank which, on average does about 450 miles. I'm told that servicing isn't cheap either, although I've only had mine for about six months and have had no need as yet to go anywhere near a dealer.

The climate control seems to have a mind of its own! But it can also be controlled manually.

This is a car I'm proud to own. It looks good, feels like quality, and eats up time and miles. Even after a long journey you'll want to just keep driving.

In my opinion, and I accept it is just my opinion, unless you're looking for a prestigious marque, I don't know why anyone in the market for a family car would consider buying anything else.