In the highly competitive mid-range of the motoring market, some may argue there is little to distinguish between the leading contenders in the field. But then, company car drivers and those who just want their transport to do as much as possible in the most efficient way are not bothered about whether it has superb acceleration or great handling on twisty roads.

What they want is quality, reliability, good fuel economy and comfort. Anything else is a bonus. So my expectations of the Mazda 6 were not high when I picked up the test model.

And as it was an estate, I was not thinking along the lines of sleek, executive motor, more a practical load-lugger. But I was wrong.

The first thing that strikes you about the ‘6’ is that it has a cutting edge design that is state-of-the-art without being too way-out. The sculpted bonnet blends smoothly into the curves of the body making it aesthetically pleasing all round.

And that experience is replicated when you get behind the wheel. You would never think you were driving an estate until you looked behind you and saw the long body.

But there is no inconvenience here, especially as there are front and rear parking sensors to help with parking, making even fairly tight spots less problematic. Comfortably seated in the half-leather upholstery, the driving experience is a positive one.

The two litre petrol engine accelerated smoothly and quickly with the minimum of fuss and plenty in reserve for rapid overtaking.

In fact the car seems most at home on the motorway, lapping up the miles while cruising at the legal limit.

The aerodynamic shape means that wind noise is kept to a minimum, although a minor quibble came from the audible tyre roar, especially on poorer road surfaces, of which there are many these days.

As for handling, the ‘6’ also acquits itself well. Mazda claims its double wishbone suspension is sports car inspired and you cannot argue that they do not know a thing or two about sports cars.

Safe to say it is taut and considering it is such a big car, roll is kept to a minimum. As a result, you can flick through the six-speed gearbox and have a bit of fun with it within reason — not a word you can normally associate with an estate car.

The Sport model tested has lowered suspension but while this makes for a better driving experience, it took some getting used to for the passengers who felt a little queasy at times.

Braking is predictable, giving plenty of assurance during those motorway journeys when everything seems to stop for no reason at all. In such emergency stop situations, the hazard lights also come on automatically.

Another feature which I did not realise was on the car until I tried pulling out into the third lane of the carriageway was rear vehicle monitoring. If there is a car within the ‘detection zone’ and you indicate to pull out, a light on the door mirror flashes and a beeping noise sounds.

This is a bit disconcerting when you do not realise what it is but once I had fathomed what it was for, it did make me think twice about taking a risky manouevre which is what it is designed to do.

But the main reason for buying an estate car is its carrying capacity and practicality and again the ‘6’ ticks the right boxes. It passed the overweight labrador test with flying colours and plenty of room to spare without having to fold the seats flat.

The rear seat has a 60/40 split and when it is completely down, there is van-like capacity, so no complaints there.

In fact the ‘6’ is an ideal family car with bags of space in the rear seat for children and assorted paraphernalia and that boot makes it more practical than an MPV for carrying four to five people and their luggage.

There are also plenty of bells and whistles such as an iPod connection for the upgraded Bose stereo; automatic lights and wipers; keyless entry system and adaptive front lights which move when you corner.

As a package the ‘6’ has a rare combination of good looks, a rewarding driving experience and plenty of extras making it a top contender in its class.