Solid feeling in the Mazda 626

THE moment you slide inside the revamped fifth generation Mazda 626 you get a greater feeling of solidness, safety and space than from 626s of old. Not that the former car was lacking in this respect, it just feels that more apparent in the latest model. And outside its more rounded look looks a much better car, too.

Indeed, Mazda have greatly improved and restyled what has always been a reliable and dependable family car, and with its new ‘sportiness’ has removed much of the ‘bland’ criticism levelled at it in the past.

And although it’s 120mm shorter than its predecessor, the cabin is larger. And as if it wasn’t already spacious.

The frontal look has been sharpened up with a new, more distinctive five-pointed grille, bumper, more sculpted bonnet, headlights and foglamps, while around the back there is a newly-designed rear light combination, bumper and trim.

Inside, too, has also got the added treatment. The brighter – Mazda have eventually seen the ‘light’ – two-tone grey finish, restyled instrument panel, sportier steering wheel and lighter cabin not only look a darn sight better but also radiate quality. Additionally, there is a new large front seat armrest with storage box and an illuminated glovebox.

As before, the very spacious – especially in the rear – and airy cabin is well laid out and boasts large comfortable seats. And the uncluttered boot is simply cavernous.

Air conditioning, Mazda fans will be delighted to hear, is now standard across the range...and about time, too, many will no doubt be muttering. Every modern car worth its salts should have such a creature comfort necessity fitted. The 2.0 litre ‘Executive’ I was appraising goes one better with a climate controlled air-con system.

Additional safety features include DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and ABS. Traction control is an optional extra. The front and rear electric windows are fitted with an automatic safety return system and the rear seat belts also have a child seat retainer. Also standard are driver and passenger front and side airbags.

POWER: Not much to complain at here either. The uprated 2.0 litre engine powering our test car was retuned to give a strong 113bhp along with a smoother delivery. Top speed is given as 120mph with a claimed 0 to 60mph in 9.4 seconds. On the road it is smooth, reassuringly safe with good grip and pleasant to drive. It is also quiet and economical and the gearchange is nice to use.

One of the failings of the 626 in the past was road noise. This, in my view, still hasn’t been satisfactorily addressed. The ride is firm and the improved suspensions do well ironing out the bumps.