Audi/Beemer/Merc vs Mazda 6...?

[Charley Farley]

Company car up for renewal... Currently run Diesel A4 Avant S-Line c. 25k miles pa. Lovely place to be but dull to drive & boot is not very practical considering it's supposed to be an Estate...

We have a labrador and distinct possibility of popping out one or 2 sprogs in next couple of years- so Estate is necessary & I will NEVER have a people carrier!

I would really like a new X3- and 'negotiating' that seperately with the company as they classify it as an 'off-roader'...

Niceish spec A4, C-Class, 3 Series & Volvo V60 all in range- but all have pants boots. Potential for very basic 520D- but no toys.

Admit that I am traditionally a badge snob so always assumed that I would go for something German.... However, had a good look at a Mazda 6 the other day....
Hardly offensive to the eye
Cavernous Boot
180 Bhp Diesel
Great standard spec on Sport model; plus i can spec leather & sat-nav to 'complete'...

P111D value with full spec would come in £5k lower than the above options, so lower Company car tax & apparently they are fun to drive...

I have a test-drive booked, but does anybody have any feedback from experience or other suggestions?

Cheers!

[GreigM]

If you're going to have kids then the Mazda is a great choice - the X3 has pitiful load space for the amazing amount of ste a little un requires and height isn't a good thing when lifting a sprog into a car seat...I've got a Mazda 6 and its been great with a baby. Its a good steer too - surprisingly pleasant for moderate hoonage.

[F1GTRUeno]

I'm really not sure why anyone would want an X3.

[Superhoop]

The Mazda6 is a supeisiny good steer, is well put together and one of those cars that you drive for hours and get out still feeling fresh.

I'd check on the sat nav though - the only option for nav on the Mazda6 is accessory fitment of a Pioneer unit - this knocks out the standard Bluetooth, but it can be had with a BT option...That said, it is a pretty good unit, and as good, if not better than many manufacturers OE units.

There is a factory nav, but it's not avaiable in the UK

[Ozzie Osmond]

Mazda 6 - fine car. Maybe not the sexiest, but a fine car.

[soad]

F1GTRUeno said:

I'm really not sure why anyone would want an X3.

Me neither tbh. Leaves me cold just by looking at it.

[yellowbentines]

F1GTRUeno said:

I'm really not sure why anyone would want an X3.

New model looks good, is well built, good performance, good economy, low road tax, good residuals, 4x4 with bias towards RWD, safe, spacious....

Hang on, Clarkson just rang and said they're st, ignore my coments above j)

[yellowbentines]

ETA - double post for some reason.

Edited by yellowbentines on Friday 13th May 22:58

[Kong]

If i were buying new or getting a company car i would certainly prefer a top spec Mazda 6 over a boggo German car.

Have you considered the Ford Mondeo or the new Honda Accord Tourer?

The latest Mondeo looks great in estate form, has a giganitic boot, lovely interior (better than a 3 series IMO) and is great to drive. The Accord is a very accomplished piece of kit and even slightly leftfield these days.