Mazda6 named What Car? Used Car of the Year 2005

Mazda6 has been named Used Car of the Year 2005 in the What Car? December issue, bringing the total awards won for the Mazda6 in the UK up to 19 since launch in June 2002 and over 100 globally.

"Choosing the What Car? Used Car of the Year is usually quite a challenge. After all, the winners of each sector all make fantastic used buys in their own right. This year however it was relatively straightforward to pinpoint one car that clearly stood out above its peers," commented What Car? Editor David Motton.

"The Mazda6 beat off competition to claim the trophy from the ever-popular Ford Focus and the MX-5 – a car that our judges thought deserved a lifetime achievement award for its 15 years' sterling service to UK car buyers.

"In the 6 Mazda has a superb family car that doesn't sacrifice its personality in the pursuit of practicality. In fact, it delivers both in spades. Brand new models recently had a minor facelift, but to our eyes, the original 6 still looks fresh, sporty and full of intent."

Owners agree, with the Mazda6 being rated as the best-looking family car in the 2005 J.D. Power survey. That contributed to its excellent five-star score in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index, What Car? reported.

Increasing popularity means that you should no longer struggle to find second-hand examples. Future depreciation should be gentle, with buyers still likely to appreciate its looks and reliability. The Mazda6 will keep you safe too. It scored a competent four stars for occupant protection in Euro NCAP's 2003 crash test, and all models feature front, side and curtain airbags as standard, What Car? reported in the December issue.

David Motton added: "It's the entire package that makes the Mazda6 stand out. As one of our judges summed up: 'It's well specced, reliable and handles well. It looks good and, on top of that, the Mazda badge is on the up.' "

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Adam Pumfrey added: "Mazda is delighted to win the title of What Car? Used Car of the Year 2005. The Mazda6 continues to epitomise the Mazda brand, with its sports styling and exhilarating dynamics and it remains our strongest seller at over 13,600 sales from January to October this year."

With great practicality and value that is unrivalled in the upper medium sector Mazda6 is the cost-effective choice for cost-conscious family car buyers. Strong residual values, which contribute to reduced wholelife costs, are key to winning the hearts, minds and financial backing of private buyers. In fact, the latest data from EurotaxGlass’s shows that after almost three years the Mazda6 dwarfs many rivals in terms of residual values."

Standard equipment across the Mazda6 range includes air conditioning or climate control, front and side airbags and ABS brakes, 16" alloy wheels, remote central locking with global closure and single CD player.