BACK in 2010, the second-generation Mazda6 was given a major mid-life revamp which made it meaner, sleeker and much better equipped.

The introduction of SkyActiv engines, along with stop-start technology, meant fuel economy was improved and harmful emissions chopped as the Japanese marque kick-started a mission to claw back sales which had been slipping slightly due to new models being introduced by competitors.

With its sexy exterior looks and opulent, comfortable interior, Mazda pitched combined annual sales of both hatch and estate versions at around the 13,000 mark ... and now these are starting to be replaced by third-generation models, meaning there are some great used buys to be had from main dealers.

The then totally-refreshed Mazda6 hatch and estate range offered class-leading value, combined with stunning performance from each of its six power plants.

Quickly recognised by its new family-look front end, chunky wheel arches, sloping bonnet and redesigned tail light clusters, most of the enhancements were reserved for under the car's skin, where a whole raft of engineering developments to the steering and suspension were also put in place.

The electrically-assisted steering was tuned for greater accuracy and feedback, while the double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension featured uprated dampers for improved handling stability and ride comfort.

And what a difference these changes made, the Mazda6 proving a real joy, with its crisp handling and grippy road holding.

With a choice of three petrol and three diesel Euro 5-compliant engines ranging from 118bhp to 177bhp, you can't go far wrong with the mid-range oilburner.

The punchy 2.2-litre common-rail turbodiesel offered 161bhp at 3,500rpm and pumped out 266lb/ft of torque at 1,800rpm, little wonder it was welcomed by private buyers and fleet managers alike.

Inside the cabin, the silver-ringed dials and controls in the instrument binnacle gave the car something of a premium ambiance, while the centre console and steering wheel spokes - which housed the switches for the sound system and cruise control - were highlighted by high-gloss piano-black trim.

A proper five seater, the Mazda6 hatch offered masses of room, with the boot good for 510 litres with the rear seats in place, which increased to 1,702 litres with the 60-40 split seats folded.

Driver aids were well caterd for. Dynamic stability control came as standard, as did a full array of air bags, while blind spot warning lights added to the car's safety features.

With highly-competitive pricing throughout the four trim levels, the Mazda6 retained its competitiveness and with proven reliability and economy, it helped improve on the model's position as one of the best all-round hatchback and estate packages in its extremely-competitive sector.

A 2010 2.2-litre diesel example in TS2 trim sporting a 10-plate will cost between £4,740 and £6,995, depending on condition and mileage.

Move on a year and prices rise to between £5,800 and £7,855 for a similar model, while a 2012 model on a 12-plate will come in at between £6,865 and £8,945.

For those seeking out the load-lugging capacity of the tourer estate, then between £300 and £500 will have to be added to the above hatchback prices.