Mazda 6 vs Volkswagen Passat - pictures

The Mazda 6 previously missed out on claiming top spot against the Passat and Ford Mondeo, can the facelifted model change things? 

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. 

The styling might be reserved, but it's still great to drive with a willing engine and a fun chassis. It feels advanced and sharp on the road thanks to the MQB underpinnings shares with the smaller VW Golf. 

Ride comfort is excellent in the Passat, due to the optional Dynamic Chassis Control. It shrugs off imperfections, absorbing hefty bumps with a compliant edge. Drivers can switch between Normal, Sport and Comfort modes. 

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

The Passat's interior feels a cut above that of the Mazda, thanks to full-width vents dominating the dash, plus the familiar touch-screen and heater controls. SE Business trim adds sat nav, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parki

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. 

There's more room in the back of the Passat, plus the seats fold with just the tug of a lever in the boot. 

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. 

The boot in the Passat is over 100 litres bigger than the Mazda 6, plus access is more practical thanks to a wider boot opening. You can also specify an electric tailgate with keyless opening for £510 - just wave your foot under the bu

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. 

The Passat's party piece is its ability to combine an agile streak with superb refinement. The car turns in with precision, holding a line with plenty of grip to lean on thanks to the optional XDS differential lock. On a motorway cruis

"LED lamps on our top-spec Sport Nav verison of the 6 give a distinctive light signature in the dark. The 19-inch, grey-finish alloys complete the understated yet sporty look." - Dean Gibson, deputy road test editor. 

There's a low, wide grille on the Passat, while the simple, swept-back headlight units are pure VW. 

LED tail-lights help contribute to the Mazda's fresh design, but the changes to the exterior are minimal. 

The Passat emits just 106g/km of CO2, while we achieved 46.4mpg on test from the 148bhp turbodiesel unit. 

Thanks to Mazda's Skyactiv tech, the 6 achieved 51.0mpg on test, ahead of that of the VW. CO2 emissions of 119g/km aren't as impressive, though. 

All the controls are weighty in the 6, plus the six-speed manual gearbox has a lovely mechanical feel. Weighting is perfect and adds an extra level of involvement. 

Mazda 6

Volkswagen's touchscreen infotainment system is lifted straight from other models in the VW range. You can upgrade to a larger 8-inch unit if you want. 

Small design changes have worked wonders for the fresh-faced Mazda, tidying up the fussy design for a smarter and more cohesive front-end. Neat touches inside also add up to make the 6 look and feel like a premium saloon. 

"VW didn't fare too well in our Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey, but the Passat's build quality is excellent." - James Disdale, road test editor