Much like the outgoing version, Mazda deems its latest Mazda6 as a 'non-premium' CD-segment sedan, meaning that instead of gunning for ‘premium’ sedans like the 3-Series, A4 and C-Class, it has its sights set on rivals like the VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Honda Accord, cars that are generally cheaper and more practical than their more prestigious counterparts.

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The Mazda6 fits this market like a glove, and this all-new version is smarter, more refined and has a heads-up in the styling department. With design cues like those bold front wheel arches that flow into the bonnet and sharply angled headlights and taillights, it has certainly borrowed some inspiration from its rotary-powered RX-8 sibling. The design should work well in this market, as it's both classy and bold, without being too over the top. It'll certainly have a 'showroom appeal' advantage over the fussily-styled Honda Accord and ultra-dull Passat and Avensis.

Sink inside and the progress made by the redesign becomes even more apparent. You're now greeted by a stylish and functional facia, which looks more like a Lexus dashboard than the half-copied Alfa 156 dash that its predecessor had. Trim quality is not quite up to VW and Audi standards, but perfectly acceptable for its price class. The seats are comfy, there's a wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustment and overall it's very spacious, even in the back, while the 519-litre boot had us speculating how many dead bodies it would swallow. Overall, it's got the makings of a perfect family car.

The new Mazda6 is available in four versions, two powered by a carry-over 2.0-litre and the other two by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous 2.3. We'll get into more detail about those shortly, but for now here's a run down on what you can expect to find in each derivative. The R219 990 2.0 Original is very decently equipped with items like manual climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels and six airbags. Move up to the 2.0 Active for R219 990 and you also get a six-CD Changer with six speakers, leather and silver inserts on the steering wheel and gear knob, leather seat trim and power adjustable front seats with memory function on the driver's side. It's also got cruise Control, auto-rain sensing wipers, fully automated air conditioning, a trip computer and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Next up is the 2.5 Dynamic Activematic, featuring an automatic transmission and costing R271 990. Additional specification includes Bi-Xenon headlamps with auto levelling and auto on/off function, Adaptive Front lighting System, Smart start and smart keyless entry system with a new engine start/stop button. It also features a high grade Bose audio system with eight speakers. On top of all that, the R278 990 2.5 Individual manual gets traction control and a sporty styling kit featuring a unique radiator grille, sporty side sill, bolder front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels, in addition to a power sliding sunroof.

The entry-level 2.0-litre engine has been modified and now produces 109kW of power at 6500rpm and maximum torque of 184Nm at 4000 rpm, while using 10.3 percent less fuel than the previous model. The 2.5-litre petrol produces 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4000rpm while using 6.9 percent less fuel than the previous 2.3. Both engines are mated to six-speed manual transmissions, while the 2.5 Dynamic model has a five-speed 'Activematic' automatic gearbox that allows you to shift cogs via paddles on the steering wheel.

Despite being bigger than the previous model, the new Mazda6 is 3.3 percent lighter, which does bring a slight performance and economy advantage, but the current range of engines are not for performance enthusiasts. Even at the coastal altitudes at which we drove the vehicles on their launch, the engines need to be worked hard to extract decent performance out of them. This is especially true in the case of the 2.0-litre, while the 2.4-litre is a notable improvement but still falls short of rivals like the Honda Accord in the power stakes — it's only got 125kW, versus the Accord's 148kW figure. Although the Mazda 2.5 only loses 8Nm of torque to the Accord and that torque is also produced lower down the rev range, so in reality the Mazda's performance does take less effort to extract.

The Mazda's suspension is on the firm side, so the ride can be rather choppy on badly maintained surfaces, but it's certainly not uncomfortable and the handling is very good, just a pity these vehicles don't have the power to truly exploit that. It would make a lot of sense for Mazda to invest in smaller turbo-charged engines.

For the record, the new Mazda6 has a new front suspension, with a single-pivot type lower arm for more precise steering and predictability. Mazda's E-type multi-link suspension is used at the back axle with several updates. The steering feel is rather good and certainly precise enough, but at higher speeds enthusiastic drivers are likely to find it a little too light. The short-throw manual gearbox, however, is slick and nimble and this is an aspect enthusiastic drivers are likely to appreciate.

The new Mazda6 enters a tough market place, but it certainly ticks enough boxes to ensure it is successful among family car buyers. It's arguably the most stylish sedan in its segment, it's also comfortable, refined, practical and well specified for the money. Those seeking performance will simply have to wait for the MPS version, which Mazda's representatives have been very tight-lipped about, but we don't doubt that there is one in the pipeline. For now though, Mazda's product planners should consider bringing in a lower-specced 2.5-litre version, so those seeking the bigger-engined model don't have to opt for all the bells and whistles and consequently end up paying 3-Series money.

Pricing:
Mazda6 2.0 Original: R219 990
Mazda6 2.0 Active: R239 990
Mazda6 2.5 Dynamic Activematic: R271 990
Mazda6 2.5 Individual: R278 990