Mazda 6 2.0 D TS2 (2008) Estate CAR review

The last Mazda 6 launch held in Rome back in 2002 wasn’t just so much the launch of a new car but the relaunch of a brand. Did a pretty good job too, and left a bunch of bemused motoring journos wandering around muttering how good it was when actually they were secretly expecting something rather naff.

Then, the emphasis had been on styling the car with a European look, no doubt to give it more credibility in the repmobile marketplace. It worked, and a few flourishes such as distinctly Alfa-esque air vents in the interior plus an exterior that while stylish, managed to avoid the Japanese tendency to overdo everything resulted in what was actually a rather classy piece of work. Combined with sharp handling and a strong engine range the result was a fitting beginning to Mazda’s renaissance.

So how d’you follow that?

Er, good question. Since then there’s been a facelift but this time Mazda are giving it the full-on makeover which in keeping with the rest of the range, means shedding weight (around 50kg) and like everyone else, madly waving a sheaf of paper around containing a long list of green credentials. Top of the list is weight saving, of course, because less weight means burning less fuel which is the only way (yes, really) to cut CO2.

But what’s slightly surprising is the approach to the design which this time ditches the European thing and is based on ‘Japanese Aesthetics.’ Apparently, this is a way to clearly distinguish the 6 from other Japanese and European cars and is based on three principles. The first is ‘YUGEN’ (ethereality) which is reminiscent of the gracefulness of nature. The second is ‘RIN’ (dignity of form) that communicates calm determination and strength and the third is SEICHI (exquisiteness). Get it? Thought not.

Perhaps a more British approach to describing the Mazda’s visual evolution (and why not, figures show the UK is the second biggest European market for the 6) is to say that it is has grown into a well balanced and elegant looking piece of kit inside and out. And yes, that curvaceous body is a bit sassy looking too. And fair enough, it does have it’s own distinctive look, ethereal or otherwise.