THE ALTERNATIVE EXECUTIVE OPTION WITH REAL 6 APPEAL

Mazda's understated big saloon and estate make great used buys

- SAM PHILLIPS

Think 'executive saloon' and your mind's eye probably sees a BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz. But the Germans haven't always had this market segment to themselves, so if you're on the lookout for something a little left-field but which still majors on economy, practicality and engagement (plus a touch of style), then consider the third-generation Mazda 6.

All versions of Hiroshima's high-miler were handsome and well received, but the Mk3 of 2013 brought generational changes in the form of clever powertrain tech and bucketloads of kerb appeal that today make it a particularly canny used buy - not least because it avoids the same sort of badge tax as its German contemporaries.