SECTOR: Upper-medium   PRICE: From €19,250   FUEL: 3.9–5.9l/100km   CO2: 106–137g/km

I t was clear from launch that Mazda had a winner on its hands with the third generation Mazda6, launched in 2013. The design, using Mazda’s Kodo design language gave the car a distinctive appearance and is arguably one of the best looking D-segment models available. So how do you improve on a car that got so much right first time?

Mazda has taken on board some of the criticism of the 2013 model as well as adding in some additional safety equipment. As a result, the revised Mazda6, which went on sale in many markets earlier this year, gains a better dashboard layout, the option of an electrically operated handbrake and optional adaptive LED headlights (ALH).

New safety systems include blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), Lane Keeping Assist (LAS), Driver Attention Alerts (DAA) and Smart City Brake Support Forward/Reverse (SCBS F/R). BSM compliments the existing Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) system’s range. RCTA alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when reversing. LAS adds steering torque assistance to help prevent the car from drifting out of its lane, while DAA monitors the driver’s behaviour for signs of drowsiness and recommends a break if appropriate. SCBS F/R adds smart city braking to the car when in reverse to brake if there is a risk of collision.

Diesel Mazda6 wagon models are now available with Mazda’s latest all-wheel-drive system, similar to that used on the CX-5. Last but not least, the head-up display first used on the Mazda3 is now available for the Mazda6 too.

The first impression from behind the wheel is that although the changes are subtle, they have succeeded in making the car feel more upmarket. One of the weaknesses of the 2013 model was the satellite navigation system, which I found did not always do what was hoped of it. The new system gains a seven-inch touchscreen display, tied in with Mazda’s MZD Connect system for Bluetooth connectivity. Although we didn’t have much time to use the system on the launch, it looks and feels a big improvement over the previous system. It includes a number of infotainment options too, some of which were available before, but the whole system is easier and more intuitive to use.

I should also mention that Mazda has also revised the suspension settings and provided better sound insulation. I liked the 2013 model’s firm suspension, but I’m sure that added comfort will be welcomed by passengers in particular. The reduced noise levels are definitely welcome. Road noise in particular was more noticeable than it should have been and less is better.

There are no mechanical changes apart from the four-wheel-drive option and the 2.2-litre diesel that will no doubt be the choice for many fleet users is as impressive as before, except that with better road insulation, its refinement is perhaps more impressive with less road noise. Mazda’s aim appears to be to move the Mazda6 upmarket and if so the company is on the right track with the changes it has made.

What we think:

The Mazda6 really benefits from the changes. The interior has a more upmarket appearance and the infotainment system is far better.