If you are looking for both space and pace, the Mazda 6 could be the car for you. We have already been impressed by the estate version in 2.0-litre petrol guise. But how does it rate in flagship 2.5 form?

The manufacturer doesn’t intend to introduce a hot MPS version of the 6, so the new, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine is the biggest petrol option. Essentially, it’s a reworked ver­sion of the old 2.3-litre unit, and with 226Nm of torque – up 19Nm – its best work is done at low revs.

Performance is brisk for such a big car, and 0-60mph takes 8.3 seconds.
As with the rest of the Mazda 6 range, what makes the 2.5 Sport a joy to drive is the crispness of its controls. Everything, from the slick six-speed gearchange to the smooth clutch and progressive brakes, allows the driver to concentrate on enjoying the well balanced chassis.

Admittedly, when you’re pressing on, the 6 isn’t as engaging as Mazda parent company Ford’s latest Mon­deo. However, even with the heaviest of the petrol engines nestling under its bonnet, the 6’s beautifully fluid steering and tight body control more than compensate. Although the more powerful five-cylinder blue oval range-topper is a more entertaining driver’s car, it is by only a fraction.

In fact, the 2.5-litre model’s biggest threat lies much closer to home. Mazda’s own 2.0 diesel is an excellent engine, and even the smaller 2.0-litre petrol powerplant provides more real-world muscle than its modest output of 147bhp suggests.

Take a look at the fuel economy figures, and the case for the 2.5-litre car weakens even further. The range-topper returns a claimed 34.4mpg, which doesn’t compare well with the 39.2mpg of the 2.0-litre.

Whichever model you choose, you are guaranteed plenty of space. With the rear seats in place, the estate’s 519-litre boot is only nine litres bigger than the hatch’s, but fold the chairs flat and there’s an impressive 1,751 litres of load room to play with. That’s 18 litres more than in the Mondeo.

If you have to buy the 2.5-litre, then Mazda is equally insistent on you having it in Sports guise: it’s the only trim level available. Thank­fully, this variant isn’t equipped with a special bone-jarring suspension set-up. Instead, you get smart 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as xenon headlamps with static cornering lights to improve visibility after dark.

Inside, the neatly styled cabin features half-leather upholstery, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a push-button starter as standard. Alloy pedals and an upgraded Bose stereo with no less than eight speakers further enhance the kit count.

At £20,330, the 2.5 Sport Estate is well priced against competitors from Honda, Volvo and Volkswagen. But it is still no substitute for a proper MPS. That being the case, you might as well spend your money on the smaller and more economical 2.0-litre petrol 6 or the torquey diesel instead.

Rival: Alfa Romeo 159 2.2
With bags of character, the Alfa is arguably the most stylish estate on the market. At £22,350, it’s a touch more expensive than the Mazda, although it comes with a fraction more power and a classy cabin.