One of the aspects of our Mazda6 Tourer that impresses most is its capacity for hauling a vast amount of gear without ever feeling off the pace, thanks to its gutsy 2.2-litre Skyactiv turbodiesel engine.

This car is one of the most fleet-oriented of Mazda’s current range, and understandably so. We’ve covered long distances with four adults on board the Mazda6, its 506-litre boot stuffed with leisure equipment, and it has delivered its occupants relaxed and unruffled to their journey’s end.

To attract SMEs and company car users, the carmaker is currently promoting a Mazda6 saloon via Mazda Contract Hire with the same engine and entry-level SE trim for a £199 monthly fee after an advance rental payment of £1,194. That’s with annual usage restricted to 10,000 miles.

The mid-range SE-L specification Tourer, identical to our car, is available for £219 monthly after a £1,314 advance rental.

At 4.8 metres long and 1.85 metres wide, the Mazda6 Tourer is a car that benefits greatly from the front and rear parking sensors fitted as standard to our SE-L specification test car, given that the UK’s official minimum standard for an on-street parking space is 1.8 metres wide.

Its electrically folding door mirrors have proven themselves another great convenience in confined car parks, but unfortunately it is these that have caused a call to our local Mazda dealership – the driver’s side mirror now refuses to fold in.

We’ve booked the car in to Donalds Mazda in Peterborough to investigate the problem.