17: Mazda 6 – Starting to show its age but still best looking mainstream saloon

It’s ageing a bit now, but Mazda’s mid-size saloon remains one of the better of its kind, even as the market dwindles to almost nothing under the assault of SUVs.

Long, low and, yes, lithe, it represents exceptional value for money, compared to an SUV, if what you value is actual driving engagement. Those used to the aloof responses of a crossover may find the 6’s sharp steering and rapid responses a touch shocking at first.

Recent successive facelifts have boosted cabin quality, improved the handling (thanks to a clever torque distribution system), and reduced cabin noise. Sadly, it hasn’t improved the infotainment system which is still both fiddly and monochrome.

The 2.2-litre SkyActiv diesel engine can be tricky when it comes to extracting the right economy levels (the 150hp version being much better in this respect than the 175hp), but it’s silent and powerful, which is some compensation. Estate version is deeply handsome and useful,