Mazda pride themselves on building cars that people will drive because they want to, not just because they have to, and that ethos has been applied to every one of their models, including the 6.

Sales of traditional saloons and estates have been tumbling, their market share being eaten away by the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers. The impact has been so great that that some manufacturers have abandoned the segment completely.

Not Mazda, however, and my review car arrived sporting the new Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, which thanks to Mazda’s unique three-layer TAKUMINURI painting technology, increases brightness by approximately 20 per cent and depth by 50 per cent, compared to previous Soul Red Metallic paint

The sophisticated three-dimensional grille with signature wing dominates the front end of the Sport Nav models, heightening Mazda’s award-winning KODO: Soul of Motion design ethos. It’s flanked by LED headlights that sweep back into the pronounced wheel arches.

It’s a dynamic look, sporty even, which is quite an achievement for an estate…ahem, I mean Tourer.

Perhaps the most significant addition to the range is the inclusion of the firm’s 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine with cylinder deactivation which made its UK debut in the 6, specifically the new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ trim reviewed here. There is no manual version available, so It’s paired Mazda’s SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic gearbox.

Handling is as sharp as ever, with excellent turn-in, while the ride is slightly on the firm side but not uncomfortably so. There’s plenty of grip to exploit should you be so inclined and enough feedback through the steering wheel to help keep you on the straight, narrow and twisty stuff.

Mazda’s innovative G-Vectoring system that adjusts torque according to steering angle to provide a more stable and comfortable driving experience – the opposite to torque vectoring systems that focus on improving grip and handling – is a welcome addition but it’s a system that is so subtle you won’t notice it working its magic, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

The automatic gearbox is intuitive and smooth, and gives you little pause for concern if you're looking for a little extra oomph when you're trying to overtake..

It’s not all about how good this car goes around corners, although thanks to its nimble chassis and responsive steering it does do that very, very well for a car of its size, however. The well-insulated cabin provides a relaxing and comfortable environment for longer journeys on our motorways too.

The heated Nappa leather seats are supportive and comfortable. And warm. There’s plenty of flexibility in seat and steering wheel position so, with a little adjustment here and there, I was able to find the decent driving position.

Head and leg room in the back is more than adequate and access is made easier thanks to doors that open nice and wide.

The dashboard has a thoughtful, modern layout and the materials, even in the places where only a reviewer would dare to venture, are of excellent quality. Ultrasuede and real Japanese Sen Wood inlays on the instrument panel and door trim help give the cabin with a premium appearance.

The built-in display has gone, replaced by freestanding seven-inch unit set atop the dashboard. It’s a much more elegant solution than the previous effort and, in combination with the new instrument panel, gives the cabin a much more contemporary feel.

It’s controlled using the touchscreen or a rotary Multimedia Commander located between the seats and incorporates the sat nav, DAB radio and MZD-Connect, which pairs with a smartphone to provide real-time internet access and social media connectivity.

If you’re a bit of a caveman – like me – and have never got to grips with, nor seen the benefits of social media, you can still perform old fashioned tasks like handle phone calls handsfree or stream audio over Bluetooth.

Best of all, the GT Sport Nav+ model that I tested is fitted with an 11-speaker Bose sound system complete with digital sound processing and an eight-channel equaliser which makes my greatest hits of the 80s sound even better than usual.

The boot offers a generous 522 litres of space, rising to an impressive 1,664 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats stowed away, a process made simple using the levers in the load bay or release buttons on the seat backs. The boot floor is flat and easily accessible thanks to the large tailgate.

The rush to buy a high-riding SUV means that there are fewer and fewer choices if you're in the market for a mid-sized family saloon. A diminishing market also means that manufacturers have to work harder to claim a slice of that pie. If you're a member of that ever-decreasing circle and you're looking for a smart, comfortable, well-appointed load-carrier that is also great fun to drive, the Mazda6 warrants a long, hard look.

Mazda6 Tourer 175ps Sport Nav Auto Diesel

Price: £32,295

As tested: £33,095

Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Max power: 194ps @ 6,000rpm

Max torque: 258Nm @ 4,000rpm

Max speed: 139mph

0-62mph: 8.1sec

Combined: 37.2mpg

Emissions (CO2): 156g/km

For more information visit www.mazda.co.uk