As a place to sort out good, great or indifferent cars, there’s nowhere better than the Col de Vence region in the south of France. Here on the mountain roads the speed you travel at is naturally determined by what you are driving: arrive in something dull and you’ll drive quickly for a bit before defaulting to a gentle view-friendly cruise (the Med views are sensational). Pitch up in something with sporting pretensions and you’ll try a little harder to find some entertaining pace before giving up in disgust and defaulting to view mode. But arrive in something truly good to drive and you’ll have the time of your life, stretching the car to its limit - and you’ll never get to see the Med.

The new Mazda6 falls into the last category. Although by rights it shouldn’t. In the way of new models these days, this Mazda6 is bigger, more powerful, more spacious and more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. Being slightly wider and taller, it ought to be less fun to drive, but it retains the sportiness of the outgoing model.

The styling has been sharpened, with flares over the front wheelarches mimicking those of the ultra-sporty RX-8. Inside, the cabin gives the impression of quality, from the way the dash materials feel and the way different surfaces are joined without clumsy gaps or mismatches. The driving position is comfortable, with a steering wheel that adjusts for reach as well as rake. The front passenger seat, though, sits too high so you feel like you’re sitting on the car, not in it. Space in the rear seats is better than before but still not great if you’re my size: 6ft 2in.

Despite the larger size, Mazda claims the new car weighs up to 77lb less than the previous model – something that’s been achieved by forensic attention to detail. For example, the seat structures have been made out of high-tensile steel, which saves 11lb.

And with more power from each of the four engines on offer – three petrol units and one diesel – you’d think the lighter Mazda would be able to punch above its weight. The biggest petrol engine boasts 168bhp and 2.5 litres, and has a claimed 0-62mph time of 8.0sec. I expected it to feel a bit quicker than it did. It is, though, a superbly refined engine – at idle, you have to listen very carefully with the radio off to tell it’s even running.

The 145bhp 2 litre powerplant felt flat until the rev counter passed 3000rpm, at which point it began pulling with conviction. It was also more raucous than the 2.5 when revved hard. Predictably, the 118bhp 1.8 litre option felt more breathless at higher speeds, but oddly more responsive than the 2 litre at lower speeds in first and second gear. The 2 litre diesel, which goes on sale in February, a little later than the rest, wasn’t on hand for test.

Like other car makers, Mazda is aiming upmarket. Even though it is a more natural contender at the Mondeo end of the class, Mazda hopes those buyers looking at a BMW 3-series, VW Passat or Audi A4 will consider the 6 as a less obvious choice.

Is that a credible aspiration? Absolutely. My trip revealed a car with first-rate body control, steering that really does feed back the road conditions, balance that lets you drift through fast corners and a chassis response that even lets you tighten the cornering line with a throttle lift mid-corner. In a group test with the aforementioned Germans, the 6 would give them all something to worry about.

Add to this a level of refinement that is among the best in the class when it comes to noise vibration at cruising speed, as well as a ride that is supple and compliant, and you’ve got a pretty compelling case.

Pricing is keen but not a walkover - the entry level 1.8 Mazda6 S hatchback will cost £15,100, while the range-topping 2.0 SL diesel estate is £22,040. The cheapest four-door saloon is the 2.0 TS at £16,630. The BMW 3-series starts at £21,035, but the cheapest Passat is £15,672 and is comparably equipped to the Mazda. So if badges matter and you simply must have a German on your driveway, VW it is. output on all its engines, which means lower company car tax, Mazda is also hopingWith lower CO2 to make an impact on the fleet market with the 6.

So the numbers stack up quite nicely, which takes care of the head. And the last time I had that much fun over the Col de Vence, I was behind the wheel of a Lotus Elise. So I’d say the heart’s pretty much sold, too.

Vital statistics

Model Mazda6 1.8 S

Engine type 1798cc, four cylinders

Power/Torque 118bhp @ 5500rpm / 122 lb ft @ 4300rpm

Transmission Five-speed manua

Fuel/CO2 40.9mpg (combined cycle) / 162g/km

Performance 0-62mph: 11.3sec / Top speed: 120mph

Price £15,100

Verdict A credible rival to the established players

Rating

The opposition

Model Volkswagen Passat 1.4 S TSI, £15,672
For Build quality, enormous boot
Against Extraordinarily dull to look at

Model Ford Mondeo 1.6 Edge 4dr, £15,895
For Refined, good to drive
Against A bit on the bulky side