The Best car in the World? (Mazda 626 2.0 Diesel GXi 5-door HB)

Member Name: paddythedaddy

Product:	Mazda 626 2.0 Diesel GXi 5-door HB
Date:	05/02/01 (1288 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: That Fuel Economy 50 mpg! Comfort, anonymity

Disadvantages: Bit Bland for the youth of today?

Having a father in the motor trade has its advantages....

I had the use of a 1998 'S' reg Mazda 626, 5 Door Hatch Diesel. I am a 23 year old male that loves sports cars and speed, but this car BLEW my mind for a number of reasons.

I can't stress this point enough... Japanese Build Quality is second to none. Forget your high marque, high priced german monstrosities, this car is built to last. With the most comprehensive 3 year warranty I've ever known (including European Green Card Cover!), the Japs have proved that they really believe in this car.

The most amazing thing about this car is the Engine. I had a diesel atramax once, which i loved because it was quite good on fuel, but i've had cars with the honda V-Tec engine which are just as good and are better for the environment (I know this is a point for debate, so don't hate me for this!). The 2.0 litre diesel in the Mazda is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Its modern Direct Injection system (e-mail me if you want a techie explanation!) is actually quite pokey. However, I took this car on a run to Wales (approx 600 mile round trip) and I got back.... wait for it..... an average of....

XXXXXXXX 49 Miles Per Gallon XXXXXXXXX

Now if you're not impressed with this, you should be. Imagine that i did the same journey in a pug 106 xsi, and it cost me about £60 in fuel! This mazda got me there and back for less than half of that! (please take into account the higher gearing in the Mazda).

The ride qulity is typically mid-sized saloon, It is not too firm but comfortable and responsive. Good for long and short journeys.

I can't praise the car enough for its reliability, build quality and how economic it is to run.

Inside, it is typically Japanese, EVERYTHING is electric that should be, AND WORKS! The seats are comfortable for long journeys and easy to get in and out of for me (I am 6'2", 16 stone - thats muscle not fat!). Ev
ery thing can be moved anyway, depending on your size or seating preference. OK, so its a little dull inside, but who wants flowers and garish seats anyway?

Styling-wise it does not inspire the child in me. It is fairly bland looking, but lets be honest, the buyer of this car will be a sensible adult, not looking for a sexy 2 seater anyway!

The mazda 626 Diesel is an easy car to live with, it is fairly fast, extremely comfy and an excellent size for a family. It seats 5 ADULTS comfortably, with plenty of legroom in the back ( I took 4 other keen rugby players to Wales and we all agreed how much space there was!). The Boot is huge for a car of its class, 2 Large Suuitcases and loads of other stuff can be fitted in with Absolute ease! Don't forget, the hatchback version has a removable parcel shelf so you can stack stuff up even further.

Alternatives... Fords Mondeo? Bit too common nowadays?

Howabout..... Renault Laguna? Can YOU live with that build quality?

If I wasn't still in awe of fast flashy cars, I would buy one of these without a doubt. I could live with it day to day and save loads of money not going to Petrol Stations So often! (This includes the obligatory chocolate bar stops!)

NB This article is just my opinion, feel free to comment and look at my honest reviews of other cars i have owned/driven.

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