Mazda has delivered a stylish new model in the latest Mazda6. This new car may have competition on its hands, while it has enough style to be the envy of the many other makes and models. Michael Moroney drove the new Mazda6 in diesel format, where engine performance meets economy to give low emission levels.

Mazda designers have always had a bit of an edge when it comes to model style. The Mazda6, with origins in the Mazda 626, carries forward a style that can now be the envy of other similar size cars.

The new Mazda6 has style on its side with a good economy and power rating plus reasonable value at €28,595 plus delivery charges for the entry diesel powered model.

The new Mazda6 carries that design style forward in a model that gives the brand a style evolution. It maintains its Mazda identity while giving a fresh modern look to the car. The new look is plusher, sportier and more modern. The car is more aerodynamic, making its contribution to overall fuel economy savings.

I've had the Mazda6 with its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, on the road in recent days. While its overall shape looks just a little different from the previous model, this new model is longer, wider and taller with a longer wheelbase.

The extra size gives the new Mazda6 passengers and driver more rear legroom and shoulder room. The new seating position gives the driver a better view of the road, which Mazda claim gives one of the segment's best views for forward-upward visibility. I agree that the seating is better.

In terms of engine power, Mazda now offers two diesel engine power ratings for the Mazda6. The basic model, either in saloon or hatchback design, comes with a 121bhp engine. The test car that I had on the road was fitted with a similar engine, but delivered more power at 143bhp.

That extra power gave the car impressive performance. The 0 to 100km/hr rating was 1.5 seconds, which put it up with the best of what some of the bigger 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines can offer. Engine torque is relatively high at 330Nm at just 2000 rpm on the engine.

This car can deliver good performance along with reasonable economy. The combined economy figures show the Mazda6 can deliver 5.6-litres/100km (over 50mpg), which is a very good rating for a car of its size. That economy level equates to a 6.7 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the previous model.

And the good economy rating adds to its CO2 attraction. The Mazda6 diesel returns a figure of 149 g/km, putting it ahead of many of the competition and into the lower VRT and road tax brackets come July next.

Mazda has achieved two interesting results from its new design. The new Mazda6 is lighter than the older model, through the use of more aluminium. The car is 35kg lighter than the older model. This weight reduction benefit is part of the reason for the improved economy and lower CO2 ratings.

This engine has also been worked on to reduce noise levels. Mazda claims to have reduced the car interior noise levels by the choice of fabrics used. Newly-designed rear head restraints and door mirrors give a better view to the rear. And Mazda claims that the Mazda6 is more convenient than before, with one of the segment's widest boot/tailgate openings and a neat 60/40 rear seat folding system.