The Mazda6 has been crowned both 'Family Car' and 'Estate Car of the Year 2010' at the prestigious annual What Car? awards. The Mazda6 impressed a panel of three judges with its performance, reliability and affordability after evaluating three cars in the 'Family Car' and 'Estate Car' category.

The new model's extra space and clever mechanisms 'dazzled' panel judge Barnaby Jones and beat off stiff competition for the 'Estate Car of the Year' title .

Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? commented: "The Mazda6 Hatchback and Estate outclassed contenders in the 'Family Car' and 'Estate Car' category with its overall package of practicality, value for money and good looks proving too much for the competition. The Mazda6 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to company car and family car drivers making an informed car purchase".

Peter Lawson, panel judge for the 'Family Car' category commended the Mazda6 for its practicality, comfort, class, reliability and its fun to drive appeal, claiming: "If you choose wisely, you can have all these talents wrapped up in one car: the Mazda6." He added: "What's more, this Mazda's resale values are stronger than a body-builder's biceps."