Rather frustratingly, we are yet to drive a diesel-engined Mazda6 thanks to the launch being staggered, with petrol models coming first.

Not only is this disappointing, but it’s also rather annoying as the vast majority of Mazda6s sold to the fleet market will be diesels.

So until the diesels arrive next month we’ll have to satisfy ourselves with the petrol models, and there’s a wide choice.

There are 1.8 and 2.0-litre models, plus the range-topping 2.5 Sport – the subject of this test.

This model uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which offers 170bhp – not a great deal for an engine of this size when you consider that the 2.0-litre engine in the MX-5 produces 160bhp.

So the engine is in a fairly relaxed state of tune, but it belies its on-paper status to make a decent fist of propelling the car around.

This is also impressive because the new Mazda6 is a big car – not Mondeo-big but certainly not far behind it.

And it looks sporty, too, thanks to a large rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and the aggressively-styled front-end and wheelarch hips common to all versions.

The interior is equally impressive – a confident mix of metal-effect trim, leather and decent quality plastics. Plus there’s bags of room inside and a huge hatchback boot.

Behind the wheel

Start up the engine and there’s disappointingly little noise for a car which shouts about its sporting intentions so loudly.

However, once you use the gearbox and feel the weight in the steering you are reassured this car will live up to its billing.

The six-speed unit has a nice mechanical feel to it with a short-throw action, while the steering is nicely weighted between parking assistance and some feel while at higher speed.

The engine is keen to rev but the performance on offer is never that sporty – it’s not a slow car but perhaps Sport is a bit of a misnomer.

It does impress with the space and quality inside – the metal-effect trim, plastics and leather all meld together seamlessly and are of a high quality.

Verdict

The 2.5 Sport is likely to be the smallest seller in the Mazda6 line-up because of its emissions and price.

However, it does point to good news for company car drivers when the diesel models arrive.

The Mazda6 offers style, space and quality at a reasonable price, too.