Mazda 6 review

Inside is pleasing in its simplicity, which in a world of Tesla-style touchscreens is hugely refreshing. All models consist of just the one freestanding-style eight-inch central unit – do you need anything bigger, really? – plus a strip of physical buttons underneath dedicated to the climate controls. One day we’ll look back on this and ask where we went wrong.

Strangely, the touchscreen is auto disabled with no warning when on the move, meaning you have to use the BMW-style rotary control knob. Fair enough, but seems a random decision these days. Can’t be just us that assumed the infotainment system had frozen, surely... and another thing: what’s wrong the passenger using the touchscreen when on the move?

Still, it’s easy to get comfortable with every model coming equipped with front adjustable seat height and lumbar support, plus a height-adjustable steering wheel. Storage is good throughout, with plenty of smart cubbies in the front, but still no obvious space to prop your phone up – though with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto this isn’t too much of an issue. 

Both front and rear passengers get central armrests, hidden within which you’ll find USB ports to keep the kids happy on long journeys. Nice touch, but the front was a little too short for our liking – we’d have liked it to slide forward as currently it’s not quite long enough to rest your elbow on – while a pull-down tab would have been handy in the rear.

You also get 60/40 split-folding rear seats, while a 480-litre boot space in the saloon plays 522 in the tourer – decent enough, but not as big as its Volkswagen Passat (585) and Skoda Superb (625) competitors – but they do conveniently fold flush with the boot floor. The tourer also features roof rails as standard for transporting roof boxes and surfboards.

On a side note, not that you’ll spend much – if any – time sat in the back seats, but the rear headrests are disappointingly hard. Six footers also beware if sat back there; there’s not a huge amount of headroom, meaning you will have to slouch. Not fun. When the front seats get such comfort, it’s a shame that rear passengers might feel such discomfort.