Mazda 6 saloon 2.2D Sport Nav pictures

On the road is where the Mazda 6 really excels. It's agile and responsive thanks to a stiff, lightweight chassis, which also contributes to high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. 

Punchy 173bhp 2.2-litre diesel delivers rapid performance - better than that of the slower Passat in this test. 

Much of the Mazda's facelift has focused on the interior. It's less bulky than its predecessor, plus a slim, seven-inch colour touchscreen adds a touch of class. This can also be controlled via a knurled metal rotary dial like the kind

There's less space in the back of the Mazda than the VW, but the seats are easy to lower to increase the size of the boot for larger loads. 

At 483 litres, the boot of the Mazda 6 trails the Passat by 103 litres, but with the seats folded flat, it's actually larger - offering up to 1,632 litres. 

All the controls for the 6 are weighty, with meaty, precise steering and slick manual gearbox. The ride is firm yet supple, so combined with the smooth, refined diesel engine, enjoyment on twisty back roads is guaranteed.