Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars
Lotus factory
Features

Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars

The Emira will live on and there's an Esprit supercar on the way, but Lotus has another plan to keep Hethel active
18 Aug 2026
Ford Focus RS (Mk3, 2016 - 2018) review – the last proper fast Ford?
Ford Focus RS
In-depth reviews

Ford Focus RS (Mk3, 2016 - 2018) review – the last proper fast Ford?

The Mk3 Focus RS looks like it’ll be Ford’s last RS, certainly with petrol-only power, for a while if not ever. Did the legendary badge go out on a hi…
18 Aug 2026
Special Porsche 911 GT3 commemorates 100 years of the Nürburgring
Porsche 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring
News

Special Porsche 911 GT3 commemorates 100 years of the Nürburgring

A new special edition from Porsche based on the GT3 wishes the Green Hell a happy hundredth birthday
18 Aug 2026