IT'S easy to forget what a crucial car the 6 was for Mazda when it launched in 2002.

It paved the way for a new generation of accomplished Mazdas - namely the 2, 3 and RX-8 models.

With its broad-shouldered stance and coup-like profile, the 6 is a sight to behold.

The rear light clusters have something of Lexus about them - now there's an example of the sort of "me too" comparisons that most manufacturers wouldn't mind at all.

In terms of size and performance, the 6 is putting on its armour for a direct charge at the Mondeos and Vectras that currently hold sway over the car-buying kingdom.

The lines are clean and uncontrived, but stay on the right side of anonymity, showing that Mazda really has learned from its past mistakes, like the instantly forgettable 626.

A bright and roomy interior is well arranged, thanks largely to Mazda's continued adherence to the principle of symmetry.

While other makers are experimenting with off-centre controls and supposedly "intuitive" ergonomic design, Mazda has maintained a laudable belief in the power of lining things up from top to bottom and left to right.

The centre instrument panel's layout is developed from the MX-5's. It's so simple that the research and design could have been carried out by Fisher Price.

The optional satellite navigation system is decent and folds neatly down into the dashboard when it's not required. But if you usually leave programming it to the kids anyway, the remote control unit that operates it is detachable for easy passing to the back seats.

In fact, the space available in the second rank of seating is excellent, particularly in terms of legroom. The 6 has no problem competing with other mid-range saloons in this respect. The two-litre engine is a popular choice among buyers, though there are plenty of others on offer.

The 1.8-litre version isn't quite as up for it, but is capable enough. In contrast, the 2.3-litre is so up for it, it rarely comes down, offering V6-style power delivery at a fraction of the running costs.

It emits an evocative exhaust note, more "vroom, vroom" than "zoom, zoom", and does feel genuinely sporty when worked hard. Diesel units have their own obvious attractions.

Automatic transmission is available for a £1,000 premium, but while it will prove to be a real leg-saver to urban motorists, it does soften the edges of the car's performance profile.

The chassis and suspension are nothing short of superb. The wide road stance helps, but even through tight, high-speed corners and quickly-changing gradients, there's virtually no roll or floatiness.

The other outstanding on-road characteristic is the lack of noise. I rolled my cynical eyes when I heard that Mazda's engineers had drastically reduced road noise by putting a couple of saucer-sized dimples in the floorpan.

More fool me, because their simple dimples deliver. At cruising speed, the only appreciable noise comes from the engine and that is by no means unpleasant.

Mazda cleverly drip-fed new models into the 6 range so that even if you're familiar with the sight of the hatchback, you have saloon, estate and even an all-wheel-drive Sportwagon to explore.

Whichever competitor model you choose as a comparison, Mazda is now able to offer up an alternative that performs as well, yet is likely to be cheaper.

For more information, contact Alan Gibson Mazda on 01256 866900.