THE Mazda6 has grown a lot bigger. But is it much better?

The new-generation Mazda6 has grown all-round - it is longer, wider and taller than before, with a pleasing design that is so smoothly styled it has a drag coefficient of just 0.27.

Inside, there is more room, especially for those in the rear, because of the extended wheelbase. Electric front seats are standard and the driver's seat comes with memory.

The new car is not based on the Ford Mondeo platform, as has been widely misconceived, but is actually a further development of the previous model. The improved chassis offers a less sporty ride but it still feels very firm for backseat passengers.

There are two four-cylinder engines available - 2.0 and 2.5 litres. There are also two trim levels and two bodystyles - a sedan and a five-door hatchback.

The 2.5 R is the top-of-the line variant. Its engine meets the stringent Euro 5 emission standard, and this means some power has been sacrificed. The delivery is smooth but merely adequate. Rev it above 5,000 rpm, though, and the engine note becomes more aggressive because the airflow into the combustion chambers is more direct.

Like other Mazdas, the Mazda5 handles well at high speeds. But at lower speeds, the electrically powered steering wheel is vague.

Compared with the turbocharged power of the CX7 SUV, or the trendy looks of the MX5 roadster, the Mazda6 doesn't feel like it has a special attribute. Its most striking feature is actually its great package of standard equipment. Even the lower 2.0 V variant has paddle shifts, a multi-function steering wheel that also operates the dual zone climate control aircon, six airbags and HID headlights (on top of that, the 2.5 R has keyless entry and ignition, an electric sunroof, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and dynamic stability control).

Yet the 2.0 V's $86,488 sticker price is a couple of thousand dollars less than the popular Toyota Camry and about $10,000 cheaper than the new Honda Accord 2.0. But it is also slightly smaller than the Camry while the latest Accord is in a space league of its own. This new Mazda6 should look just nice somewhere in the middle of the road.

Mazda6 2.5 R
Engine: 2,488cc inline-4
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 172 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 228 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 9.5 secs
Top speed: 203 kmh P
rice: $98,488 (with COE)
Distributor: Mazda Motor Singapore, tel 6395-8888

This story was first published in The Business Times on Feb 16, 2008.