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Mazda 6 1.8 TS wins the 2005 Whatcar? Used Car Of The Year Award

Publish Date: 10.12.2005
Vehicle Reviewed: Mazda 6 1.8 TS 5dr
Model Year: 2004 04

On the Road Price: £15,150

EU Combined MPG: 36.7 mpg
Emissions: 184 g/km
VED Band: E
Insurance Group: 7
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 mile warranty

Kerb Weight: 1330 kg
Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

Acceleration (0-60mph): 11.0 secs
Max Power: 120 ps @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque: 165 Nm @ 4300 rpm

Mazda 6 1.8 Sakata 5dr Limited Edition Large Image

(Images are for illustration purposes and may differ from actual vehicles)

In the 6, Mazda has a superb family car that doesn't sacrifice its personality in the pursuit of practicality. In fact, it delivers both in spades.

Mazda 6 Facts

The Mazda 6 range was Introduced in the UK in March 2002 in Hatchback, Saloon and eventually Estate body styles. Taking over from the highly popular 626, the Mazda 6 was all new from the ground up and changed the way in which everyday family cars were perceived. Introducing the ingenious Karakuri ultra-easy folding split rear seat on the Hatchback and Estate models was a key focus of the Mazda 6's initial success. The system allows users to simply pull a lever that folds the rear seatback flat in one single motion, without having to remove the head restraints.

Since then, Mazda have upgraded the current model lineup to a 25-strong model range with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines – all Euro 4 compliant, New 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions and Exterior and Interior changes with even higher levels of comfort, quality feel and lower noise levels.

The review

"For WhatCar?, selecting a vehicle for their Used Car of the Year awards is always a challenge. After all, the winners of each sector all make fantastic used buys in their own right. This year however, it was relatively straightforward to pinpoint one car that clearly stood out above its peers.

The Mazda 6 beat off competition to claim the trophy from the ever-popular Ford Focus and the Mazda MX5 - a car that our judges thought deserved a 'lifetime achievement' award for its 15 years sterling service to UK car buyers.

In the Mazda 6 however, Mazda has a superb family car that doesn't sacrifice its personality in the pursuit of practicality. In fact, it delivers both in spades. Brand new models recently had a minor face-lift but, to our eyes, the original Mazda 6 still looks fresh, sporty and full of intent.

Owners agree, with the Mazda 6 being rated as the best-looking family car in the 2005 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Index. Previously, the Mazda 6 has been hard to find at a good price, but increasing popularity with fleet buyers means that you should no longer struggle to find second-hand examples.

Our top pick is the 1.8TS hatchback - which offers space for five alongside goodies such as climate control, cruise control, CD player and alloy wheels. Future depreciation should be gentle, with buyers still likely to appreciate its looks and reliability.

The Mazda 6 will keep you safe too. It scored a competent four stars for occupant protection in Euro NCAP's 2003 crash test, and the TS features front, side and curtain airbags as standard.

It's the entire package that makes the Mazda 6 stand out. As one of our judges summed up: 'It's well speeced, reliable and handles well. It looks good and, on top of that, the mazda badge is in the up."

Source Name: WhatCar
Source Link: http://www.whatcar.com
Source Category: WhatCar Awards
Source Sub Category: Used Car Of The Year 2005