The Mazda6, which I drove way back in 2014 in saloon form has always been one of the best in its class. It’s always been fun to drive, practical, efficient and green.

However, the old adage, to stand still is to go backwards, is as true for car manufacturers as it is for any other business which is why Mazda have given the medium-sized saloon and Tourer – aspirational drivers wouldn’t be seen dead behind the wheel of a humble estate these days – a very welcome spruce up.

You’ll be hard pressed to tell the difference between pre- and post-revamp models simply by looking at them, even side by side, because the fact is the Mazda6 still looks as good now as it did when it launched so rather than fix what ain’t broken, the firm focused on areas that really needed love and attention.

The sophisticated three-dimensional grille with signature wing dominates the front end of the Sport Nav models, heightening Mazda’s award-winning KODO: Soul of Motion design ethos. It’s flanked by LED headlights that sweep back into the pronounced wheel arches.

It’s a dynamic look, sporty even, which is quite an achievement for an estate…ahem, I mean Tourer.

I drove the 2.2-litre diesel with Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, which delivers the efficiency of a smaller capacity engine without sacrificing performance. On the road the Mazda6 feels brisk and there’s the merest hint of a nudge in the back when dropping down through the gears to overtake.

Handling is as sharp as ever, with excellent turn-in, while the ride is slightly on the firm side but not uncomfortably so. There’s plenty of grip to exploit should you be so inclined and enough feedback through the steering wheel to help keep you on the straight, narrow and twisty stuff.

The updates included Mazda’s innovative G-Vectoring system that adjusts torque according to steering angle to provide a more stable and comfortable driving experience – the opposite to torque vectoring systems that focus on improving grip and handling – but while it does make a difference, it’s a difference you’ll only notice if you’ve driven the pre- and post-facelift models back to back.

Flicking through the gears is made easy thanks to the short throw lever and light, positive action.

It’s not all about how good this car goes round corners, although thanks to its nimble chassis and responsive steering it does do that very, very well for a car of its size, however. The well-insulated cabin provides a relaxing and comfortable environment for longer journeys on our motorways too.

The seats are supportive and, with a little adjustment here and there, I was able to find the ideal driving position.

Head and leg room in the back is fine, and access is made easier thanks to doors that open nice and wide.

It’s inside that you’ll notice the most significant changes. Prior to the upgrades the quality of the materials in the cabin struggled to compete with the very best but a great deal has changed and all of it for the better.

The dashboard has a much more thoughtful, modern layout and Mazda has upgraded the cabin materials, even in the places where only a reviewer would dare to venture.

The built-in display has gone, replaced by a freestanding seven-inch unit set atop the dashboard. It’s a much more elegant solution than the previous effort and, in combination with the new instrument panel, gives the cabin a much more contemporary feel.

It’s controlled using the touchscreen or a rotary Multimedia Commander located between the seats and incorporates the sat nav, DAB radio and MZD-Connect, which pairs with a smartphone to provide real-time internet access and social media connectivity.

If you’re a bit of a caveman – like me – and have never got to grips with, nor seen the benefits of social media, you can still perform old fashioned tasks like handle phone calls handsfree or stream audio over Bluetooth

Best of all, the Sport Nav model that I tested is fitted with an 11-speaker Bose sound system complete with digital sound processing and an eight-channel equaliser which makes my greatest hits of the 80s compilations sound even better than usual.

The boot offers a generous 522 litres of space, rising to an impressive 1,664 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats stowed away, a process made simple using the levers in the load bay or release buttons on the seat backs. The boot floor is flat and easily accessible thanks to the large tailgate.

The 6 has always been a good car, good enough to warrant a place on anyone’s shopping list, but there was certainly room for improvement. Mazda clearly felt the same because the midlife refresh has addressed the car’s weaknesses without compromising its strengths. Mazda may have made little changes, but they’ve improved a lot.

Mazda6 Tourer 175ps Sport Nav Auto Diesel

Price: £28,895

As tested: £31.045

Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Max power: 175ps @ 4,500rpm

Max torque: 420Nm @ 2,000rpm

Max speed: 134mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 8.6sec

Combined: 57.6mpg

Emissions (CO2): 129g/km

For more information visit www.mazda.co.uk