Mazda 626 2.0 Sport

A MANUFACTURER'S announcement of a 'new' version of an old favourite with a smarter interior and striking exterior lines has us reaching for the salt. That was our immediate reaction on hearing that Mazda was to launch a new 626, and first glances seemed to confirm our suspicion that this was a subtle refreshment job rather than a complete rework.

Sculpted creases on the new 626's bonnet and a reshaped five-point grille are part of the Mazda 'look' and echo those of the Premacy and MPV. But closer inspection showed there have been some major changes, the least visible of which are the most impressive: the ride and handling have been improved and road and engine noise has been reduced dramatically. Mazda's achieved better driving dynamics in its upper medium range by stiffening up the front suspension and firming up the dampers to enhance stability and steering.

Both 2.0-litre engines have been given a thorough NVH going over, and the 1.8 has been tweaked to produce more power, up from 90bhp to 100bhp without compromising fuel economy, and is offered in the lead-in LXi at ú14,450 on-the-road or GXi from ú15,150. What can be described as new to the 626 range is a Sport model, the subject of this report.

Priced at ú17,400 ready to drive away as a five-door hatchback or ú17,200 as a four-door saloon, Sport is the new range-topper. It's powered by the 2.0-litre 136bhp four-cylinder engine also available in GXi and GSi trim (ú16,000 and ú17,200 OTR respectively in five-door format), and has a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels as external distinguishing marks.