From Towcar Awards 2008

List price: £20,330
Kerbweight: 1530kg
85% Match: 1301kg
Max towing weight: 1600kg
Towball limit: 75kg

THE MAZDA 6 has to be one of the most eagerly awaited new towcars of the year. Does it deliver?

For the most part, yes. Our practicality testers found room for every item of luggage in the 6’s generously proportioned boot. However, marks were lost for awkward spare-wheel access.

Plenty of punch

The 2.0-litre diesel isn’t the quietest, but there’s plenty of punch, taking the outfit from 30-60mph in 16.4 seconds. Claimed economy of 50.4mpg is good, but we’ve heard from owners some way short of that in everyday driving.

Although the outfit generated high G-force readings through the lane-change test, the car felt in charge of the caravan.

Solo, precise steering and agile handling make the 6 one of the most enjoyable family cars to drive.

We say

Towing: 4/5
Solo: 4/5
Practicality: 3/5
Buying & owning: 4/5

Verdict: 4/5. One of the best cars in this class, but practicality could be better.

Braking 30-0mph: 11.92m