FOR all the talk about electric-petrol hybrids and the future of ethanol, the action seems to be centred on developing high-tech diesels.

Mazda is the latest car maker to chime in.

It has added a state-of-the-art, ultra-clean, diesel-powered Mazda6 wagon and hatch to its award-winning car range.

The move follows a strong diesel push in recent years from European brands Peugeot, Volkswagen, BMW and Audi.

Closer to home, Holden has joined the growing sector, releasing an oil-burning version of the Astra.

Mazda’s foray is sure to find plenty of favour with those looking to cut their fuel bills.

Economy is the big plus, with the Mazda6 Diesel hatch and wagon consuming on average just 5.9 litres for every 100km covered.

This means you can milk a whopping 1000km out of the 64-litre tank.

For commuters, or those who like driving holidays, the news is even better.

On the open road, the diesel sips a staggering 5 litres per 100km, giving it a range of more than 1200km.

The Mazda6 is one of the most likable mid-sized vehicles on the market.

It offers plenty of style, comfort, safety and performance.

Buyers have the choice of two body styles and two different trim levels.

The Mazda6 diesel wagon is priced at $35,205 and comes with loads of goodies.

These include climate control air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, six-stack CD, wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches and more luxurious trim, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and telescopic and height adjustable steering.

The diesel-powered hatch, priced at $38,090, also gains a number of upmarket interior appointments usually found on Luxury versions of the Mazda6, such as leather seats, Bose sound system with seven speakers and a power-operated driver’s seat with three-position memory.

The power operated driver’s seat position can be programmed into the car’s retractable keys allowing “his and hers’’ settings to be recalled as you open the car door.

Like their petrol counterparts, the Mazda6 Diesels, wear MZR-CD badges on each front door and boast impressive safety features.

They have six airbags _ dual front, front side for driver and passenger and head protecting curtain airbags _ and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

A roll-up net that fixes to the roof behind the rear seats, or from the floor to the roof when the second row seat has been folded flat, ensures cargo remains restrained at all times.

The Mazda6’s engine features the latest diesel technology and backs up its impressive fuel economy with strong performance and clean exhaust emissions.

A turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection engine develops 105kW of power at 3500rpm and, more importantly, a healthy 360Nm or torque (pulling power) at just 2000rpm.

The engine is well-matched to a slick six-speed manual transmission.

There’s no automatic offered, which is due to a lack of demand in Europe where most turbo-diesels are sold.This may cause some headaches here, however, because we just love our autos.

To drive, the Mazda6 diesel takes a bit longer to wind up than its petrol sibling but once stirred is a delight.

Handling and ride are extremely refined and the only detraction from an otherwise pleasurable experience is some noise intrusion.

Five passengers enjoy a comfortable trip and the wagon offers excellent flexibility.

Mazda Australia expects to sell at least 50 Mazda6 Diesels a month, with 30 of those likely to be the hatch