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New 2018 Mazda 6 review – facelifted family car a hidden gem - MPG and running costs

Forget about SUVs. The Mazda 6, particularly in estate form, is proof that brilliant mainstream family cars still exist

Evo rating
  • Energetic, excitable drivetrain, good chassis, sophisticated design and impressive interior
  • Engines needs to be worked to perform

MPG and running costs

Petrols may not have class-leading numbers on paper, but all should manage to get much closer to the quoted figures thanks to one main reason. Naturally aspirated engines, by their very nature, much more closely match the manufacturers’ figures as there is so much less variation between how much fuel the car will use under heavy load, or light load.

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As a result the 2-litre Skyactiv-G petrol’s 45.6 figure is not an unreasonable target to aim for in normal driving. The more powerful 2.5-litre will also top 42mpg.

The 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D engine will reach between 55-65mpg depending on output and transmission, although like many diesels will struggle to reach that in everyday driving.

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