Review
In the last few years the Ford-backed Japanese brand has gone mainstream in terms of models and styling and it has sought volume to rid itself of debt. That has also resulted in Mazda shedding itself of its reputation for innovative, but small volume, sports cars.
However, with a solid but unspectacular line-up of vehicles Mazda, judging by its offerings at recent international motor shows, is looking to inject a little pizzazz back into its range.
But pizzazz is not the word that springs to mind when you initially set eyes on the restyled 626 which, in flagship Sport guise, is the latest newcomer to our long term test fleet. A flimsy rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels and black-on-white sports dials on the instrument panel are all that hint at the car's 'Sport' configuration.
Engines have always been Mazda's strongest point and the 2.0 litre, 136 bhp powerplant with a top speed of 129 mph does not disappoint and is matched by a smooth ride and far from disappointing handling.
Mazda's other strong point, and where it has been picking up user-chooser and fleet business, is in the value for money stakes. ABS, air conditioning, a full set of airbags, remote locking, sunroof and CD player add to the feelgood factor. Add in a three-year/60,000-mile warranty and three-year European roadside assistance and it is a pretty tidy package.
However, the ú17,400 Sport ultimately disappoints because it lacks solidity. The doors and boot don't shut with a 'clunk' but a 'clink' and tap the panels and you look to see if a dent appears. Similarly, inside, long-lasting is not a phrase I would use about the upholstery or trim -perhaps that is partly reflected in the disappointingly low residual value.
Although the 'Sport' tag is not a red herring the 626 could in no way be accused of bragging about its sporting prowess, which begs the question why badge it as a 'Sport' when someone in the market for such a car would, presumably, want to show-off and not be faced with understatement.
Interestingly, at the Geneva Motor Show in March the Japanese manufacturer showed off a couple of new concepts one of which was a 626 performance car. The 626 MPS with its 276 bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine and larger rear spoiler, front spoiler and side skirts looks much more the part of a sporting flagship - maybe Mazda will put this model into production.
Finally, I had hoped manufacturers had ditched the idea of fitting audio units with miniscule controls which are nigh on impossible to see let alone operate. The Sony control panel in the 626 is a disgrace and should be withdrawn on safety grounds immediately.
The unit is so fiddily that anyone operating it while driving cannot possibly be in full control of the vehicle.
Ashley Martin
