The Caravan Club – September 2019

http://www.camc.com September 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine 83

There’s also a handy rotary control located in the
central console that is much easier and safer to
u s e, e s p e c i a l ly w h e n d r i v i n g.
Mov i n g i nto t h e r e a r, yo u’ l l f i nd ple nt y of b o t h
head and leg room for your passengers. There’s lots
of under-seat space for feet, although a fairly high
transmission tunnel restricts the middle passenger
a little. Again, that stylish satin chrome detailing
adds a touch of flair. Drop the armrest and you
reveal the heated seat controls, two USB ports and
drink holders. The rear door bins will also
accommodate a decent-sized bottle.

DRIVING
The new Mazda6 is the first Mazda to benefit from
the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine with
Cylinder Deactivation technology. The engine
seamlessly switches between two and four
cylinders depending on the load situation, which,
in theory, should improve your fuel economy
without affecting performance. It’s also quieter
when travelling – which has to be a good thing!
This new unit puts out 191bhp at 6,000rpm and
has a maximum torque of 258Nm at 4,000rpm
(a 2. 2- l i t r e d ie s e l e n g i ne i s a l s o av a i l a ble).
T h e r e’s no m a nu a l op t io n o n t h i s GT Sp o r t
Nav+ model, which comes with a six-speed

automatic gearbox. Generally

i t wo rk s we l l a l t ho u g h i t i s a

little hesitant when pulling

off the line. That said, on

the motorway the

M a z d a 6 To u r e r i s a ve r y

relaxed cruiser with little

e n g i ne, w i nd o r r o a d no i s e.

The steering is light and

precise and, for a large car,

it’s surprisingly nimble. There’s

good response from the steering, with

sharp turn-in, while body control is kept in

check and the car copes with both swooping

corners and town driving alike.

TOWING

The Mazda6 Tourer gets off to a good start in

the towing department as the 360 ̊ bird’s-eye

reversing camera with clear graphics makes

hitching a doddle. However, it wasn’t always

completely happy hauling the caravan (bearing

in mind I was towing a unit at the upper end of

its weight limit). Around town and at lower

speeds I experienced a little tugging and

bouncing, although on the open road and

motorways, the ride was much smoother.

Engine

2,488cc, 4-cyl,

petrol

Power

191bhp (142kW)@

6,000rpm

Torque

190lb ft (258Nm)

@ 4,000rpm

Transmission

6-speed

automatic

Spare wheel

tyre repair kit

Price as tested

£32,510

Insurance

Group 29

Club insurance

The Club’s

Car Insurance

is tailored to

the needs of

members using

our 25 plus years

of know-how.

We guarantee to

beat your renewal

premium by at

least £25*.

Kerbweight

1,610kg (85% =

1,369kg )

Gross vehicle

weight

2,113kg

Gross train weight

3,613kg

Noseweight limit

75kg

Towing equipment

detachable

towbar, £273.65

Fuel/tank/econ

Petrol/ 62

litres (13.64

gal)/24.1mpg

towing

CO2

156g /km

*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of existing renewal, including

cover and price (eg a copy of your renewal notice), when cover is on a like-for-

like basis. Please note, terms and conditions, eg excess(es), may vary from

your current insurer. Courtesy car is subject to availability. Subject to terms and

conditions and the Insurer’s acceptance of the Risk. The Club’s Car Insurance

i s a r r a n g e d fo r t h e C l u b b y D ev i t t I n s u r a n c e S e r v i c e s L i m i te d , I n s u r a n c e

Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club

Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are

authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

85 %

COMFORT

80 %

TOWING

TECHNICAL RATINGS

85 %

DRIVING

83 %

VERDICT

MORE

ON T H E

APP

Far left: a sleek, more

aerodynamic look for the

new Mazda6 Tourer

Clockwise from below

right: the bumper has been

redesigned; plenty of head

and leg room for rear

passengers; a relaxed

cruiser with little noise;

interior has an elegant feel

DI D YOU KNOW?

We guarantee to beat

your insurance renewal

premium by £25*.

See camc.com/

insurance or call 0345

504 0334 to get

your quote

Figures from manufacturers’ literature unless specified

With thanks to

Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of

Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans.

co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email: uckfield@

chichester-caravans.co.uk.

There was enough power for

overtaking, although such manoeuvres

did need a little thought and

anticipation. There was little

buffeting to upset the unit when

passing larger vehicles. Visibility was

generally good although the small

r e a r w i nd s c r e e n le t s t h e s id e d ow n

a bit. A large boot – 522 litres with

seats in place – will easily accommodate

all your towing gear. This expands to

1,665 -l itres w ith seats folded.

VERDICT

Overall the Mazda6 Tourer 2.5-litre GT Sport

Nav+ is a very practical family car with plenty of

space and loads of standard tech that deserves

consideration as a towcar too.