SECTOR Upper medium  PRICE €23,150-€31,540 (approx)  RANGE 3.5-4.9l/100km  CO2 108-136g/km

Car companies supplying the fleet market are fond of boasting that they have squeezed the CO2 figures of their latest model to the max, but the all-new Mazda6 will go one better; or to be more precise, four better.

The business car-targeted 2.2-litre 150hp diesel with 6-speed manual transmission, has just been launched, claiming a best-in-class 108g/km, says Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda Motors UK: 'But we will see continuous improvement through the early lifecycle of the model to reduce the figure by another 4.0g/km by late summer, further lengthening our lead over the opposition that until now has been headed by the BMW 320d.'

This and a combined fuel consumption of 4.2l/100km means Mazda is playing an impressive game of catch-up. The outgoing 6 had become 'a bit less competitive', admits Mr Thomson: 'Taxation is now hard-wired into people’s choice in terms of CO2 – and that’s why we are now best-in-class.'

But is the 6 a little late for the party? Thomson says: 'Better to arrive fresh and beautifully dressed.'

That may sound a touch glib but he has a point: the new Mazda6, with its SKYACTIV Technology, impressive frugality potential and "KODO – Soul of Motion" styling, is smarter in every sense. It is not a premium car but in airline terms it sits confidently in premium economy.

Engine choice is 2.0-litre petrol (145hp and 165hp) or 2.2-litre diesel (150hp and 175hp). Rather than downsizing, Mazda is focusing on making larger engines more efficient – and avoiding turbocharging the petrol units.

Driving the Mazda6 in Portugal proved it to be a competent, exceptionally well-equipped (particularly in SE-L trim), roomy and good-looking alternative to arch rivals, which include the Volkswagen Passat.

Extensive motorway travel demonstrated that the 150hp diesel version (from €25,750 approx) cruises well, although road noise is too obvious on some surfaces. Aerodynamic efficiency is an impressive 0.26CD.

Cockpit ergonomics are excellent. In town, the car is easy to drive (forward visibility is claimed as class-leading) and park. On the few winding, poorly surfaced roads on Mazda’s test route, the car proved competent enough with good ride quality. Handling is safe and sure but suspension settings are on the soft side and steering feel is nothing to write home about.

In manual form, the torquey (380Nm at 1,800rpm) 150hp diesel saloon reaches 96km/h in 9.0 seconds (auto 9.8 seconds) with 211km/h top speed potential (auto 204km/h). Urban consumption is 5.10l/100km. Six-speed automatic transmission suits the car well.

The new Mazda comes in saloon and Tourer forms, the latter with a 102mm longer wheelbase for fine rear seat legroom. The Tourer also offers added luggage space: 522 litres versus 489 litres. Both have "kerb appeal". Mr Thomson says: 'For many fleet users the new Mazda6 will be a mix of essential and "perk" car.'

Depending on the market, standard equipment includes autonomous Smart City Brake Support, which helps towards lower insurance grouping compared with the outgoing model. A brake energy regeneration system can provide a 10% economy improvement. At present there is no spare wheel – and no sunroof/panoramic roof option, which is a pity.

With a €23,150 UK entry price, Mr Thomson is confident of high residuals for the Mazda6: 'It will be top quartile within its sector.'

Verdict

Good looks and low fuel consumption could prove to be a winning fleet formula for new Mazda6, whilst exceptional equipment levels will appeal to drivers.

SECTOR Upper medium  PRICE €24,990 – €34,000  FUEL 3.9 – 5.9l/100km  CO2 104 – 136g/km

For a relatively small manufacturer, Mazda’s disproportionately large back-catalogue of innovation is impressive and, if anything, rather under-marketed. But there’s

a lot of excitement in Yokohama at the moment, and it seems Mazda is about to grab some of the limelight it’s always deserved.

The subject of that excitement is SKYACTIV Technology, a comprehensive package of engine, transmission, chassis and body upgrades which will make all of its future models lighter, safer, more economical and better to drive. Mazda wants to offer enjoyable efficiency, without resorting to hybrid or electric technology for the near future.

SKYACTIV Technology debuted in the CX-5 crossover, and has helped contribute to sales which are exceeding expectations worldwide. Mazda6 is next in line, and this all-new model arrives in showrooms by the end of 2012 as a well-rounded saloon and estate range that’s going to be very hard to ignore.

Looks are very much on its side, which is a good start. The previous generation

wasn’t an ugly car, but if anything it was slightly too understated against the more familiar mainstream. Mazda has delivered on the promise of the Takeri concept, and the new Mazda6 has become one of the best looking in its class. Whether it’s an estate or a saloon, this looks great from every angle.

What also bodes well is a marked improvement in interior fit and finish. There’s been a real effort to make commonly-touched parts of the dashboard and door cards softer and nicer to the fingertips. The seats are supportive, especially the semi-bucket versions in the Sport, and the controls are robust and logically laid out. This is an easy car to get familiar with, and comfortable and solid too.

Among the useful features for fleets is Bluetooth connectivity and the option to add the latest version of TomTom’s familiar, accurate and regularly updated satellite navigation built into the infotainment system. Audio controls are operated via the steering wheel or a rotary commander next to the mechanical handbrake – the latter being a rapidly disappearing feature in modern cars.

Rational appeal hasn’t been neglected. In Europe, Mazda6 features the same 2.0-litre petrol and both 2.2-litre diesel engines offered in the CX-5, each with a choice of slick automatic or short-throw manual gearboxes. There’s a marked difference in straight line urgency between the 175PS and 150PS diesels, but while the 104g/km lower-powered version is the real cost-cutter it’s no longer a punishment to size up. Even in its most powerful form, and with an automatic gearbox, the Mazda6 saloon returns 4.8l/100km with 127g/km CO2 emissions.

Driver involvement has been engineered into every part. It’s as sure-footed as its predecessor, but feels noticeably more mechanical. Each touch of the pedals or turn of the wheel results in an entirely predictable response, which makes it a real pleasure to drive. Details such as the layout of the automatic gearbox and the two different engine notes for aggressive or relaxed driving are signs that Mazda really cares for the experience of being behind the wheel.

Finding faults comes down to nit-picking. Nothing here is poorly made but small parts of the cabin don’t feel as upmarket as, say, a Passat. There’s also a substantial penalty in ride quality for drivers opting up to the Sport with its 19-inch wheels, which large-wheeled rivals such as a Mondeo doesn’t suffer from. Ultimately, though, Mazda has a real opportunity to steal sales from the rest of the D-segment with its new flagship. And so it should.

Verdict

With the new Mondeo delayed, Mazda has a real opportunity to get new fleet  customers behind the wheel of its strong newcomer. They'll love it.