THE Mazda6 used to be pitted against mid-sized executive sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Cefiro. Not anymore.

Mazda Motor started moving away from the madding crowd with the last 6. With the latest model, it has moved farther away.

So much so that the car is now nibbling at the heels of the premium performance segment, occupied by the likes of the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS250.

The new Mazda6 is a taut, long-slung number that will definitely give something like the BMW 3-series a run for its euro.

The build quality of the car is amazingly high. From the razor thin shutlines on the exterior to the fit and finish of the cabin panels, the attention to detail is obvious.

The quality shows in the superb noise insulation as well. Despite riding on low-profile tyres wrapped around 18-inch wheels (standard issue for the 2.5-litre variant) that are attached to a firmly sprung chassis, the car is a whisperer.

Good thing too, as the car's hi-fi system is superb.

The other thing that strikes you about the car is how snug you feel behind the wheel. It puts you in a sporty frame of mind. And should you decide to act on that 'go fast' impulse, the car does not disappoint.

The Mazda shines with its linear power delivery - smooth right up to 6,000rpm - and seemless gear changes.

The steering-mounted paddle shifters are friendly enough to operate, even if they do not bring forth the hard-edged shifting you might find in an all-out racer.

Instead, there is refinement. Loads of it.

Its 2.5-litre engine aside, the other major mechanical improvement you will find is the suspension set-up.

Mazda has enhanced the car's double wishbone suspension in front, and given it a new multi-link rear suspension. The latter keeps in check the tendency to lift during braking and also controls rebound better, or so says the brochure.

Whatever it did, it did right. On the go, the car handles sharply and is more forgiving when road surfaces and driving inputs are less than perfect.

Equipped with disc brakes all round (ventilated in front), the 6 is not short of stopping power either. What's more impressive is how it sheds speed: smoothly.

Overall, it has such a Continental feel that you will sometimes forget you're in a Japanese car and activate the wipers when you want to signal to turn.

Aesthetically, the new 6 gets two thumbs up. It has a decidedly sporty profile, not unlike a Lexus GS or even a Mazda RX8.

It appears well planted and sturdy. With its big wheels, the 2.5 version is especially sweet in this respect.

Inside, the predecessor's garish mock metallic centre console is gone. In its place is a very upmarket flush control panel that drapes across the broad fascia. You get an integrated electronic brain, like BMW's iDrive system.

Finally, the car comes with the luxury of a keyless entry and ignition platform. I would have preferred the delicious Start button to be on the right, instead of being on the left and not in the line of sight.

At just under $100,000, the car is definitely a better buy than a BMW 320i. And with its adequately spacious rear passenger row, it is more accommodating than a Lexus IS250.

It outshines the 320i in many ways, but is not quite as exhilarating as the IS. But in its price segment, nothing as sporty and comfortable comes to mind.

There is a 2-litre version which starts from $85,988. But with the Government lowering road tax, the 2.5 is recommended.

MAZDA 6
Price: $97,988 with COE
Engine: 2,488cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Five-speed automatic with paddle shift
Power: 170bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 226Nm at 4,000 rpm
0-100kmh: 9.5 seconds
Top speed: 203kmh
Fuel consumption: 8.8 litres/100km (city-highway)
Agent: Mazda Motor (Singapore)