THE already impressive Mazda6 has been upgraded and refreshed for 2015 to make it even better than ever.

I drove the outgoing model last year and thought it was a fabulous premium saloon, but with the added improvements it simply blew me away.When it goes on sale on Monday, the new Mazda6 range will be available in five grades: SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav. There's a choice of nine diesel and seven petrol Saloon variants, and nine diesel and three petrol Tourer versions, equipped with either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The model I drove on a test drive day in Harrogate prior to the launch was the top-of-the range Sport Nav saloon, which came with a two-litre engine. The only exterior modifications on the model are a new grille, which gives it an aggressive look, and a new signature wing design. These incorporate striking LED headlights including LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lights and new 19-inch bright alloy wheels.The most changes to the Mazda6 are to the interior, and the first thing I noticed when I get on the driver's seat was that the central console a much neater, clutter-free package.

Mazda has taken aboard some of the criticism it received for the interior from both the medial media and customers. All models in the range now come with a bold new instrument panel and central console design, with a seven-inch, full-colour central touchscreen incorporating DAB radio for the first time.

MZD Connect, which was first used on the Mazda3 when it was launched at the beginning of last year, makes it easier for you to pair your mobile phone with your car and take advantage of functions such as internet connectivity and access to social networking.The whole system is as easy as any on the market, and within minutes I had connected my mobile phone to the system and was making good use of the services on offer.

Other standard upgrades on the Sport Nav model include an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory and a six-way front passenger seat - both heated, while a new, handy active heads-up display projects real-time driving data directly into the driver's forward field of view, such as speed and turn-by-turn navigation.

The traditional handbrake has been replaced by a button, while the car I drove added Smart Keyless entry to the now standard engine stop/start button.

The premium feel of the Sport Nav model continues with leather upholstery throughout, making the Mazda6 a nice place to be when driving.Your journey will be quieter too - by up to 25 per cent according to the Japanese manufacturer - thanks to numerous small modifications that have seen a dramatic reduction in both road and wind noise.

I took the Mazda6 for a drive through Otley and Ilkley to the market town of Skipton and loved every minute of the journey. It's such an easy car to drive, and the two-litre engine gave it plenty of grunt when needed on the dual carriageways between the towns.

It handled really well on the country lanes that I took back from Skipton to my final drop-off point at Rudding Park, and the changing gear was smooth and effortless.

All this and the range of easy-to-use gadgets meant the time I spent in the car was comfortable and as relaxing as any that I've been in.There's plenty of space too, and the boot size is ideal for the family holiday.

Safety plays a key role in the upgrades that have been made to the Mazda6, with an optional Safety Pack available on all Sport Nav models. This includes Lane-keep Assist System and Driver Attention Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Smart City Brake Support.

Available in eight body colours, including the new Sonic Silver metallic, the Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer is priced from £19,795 to £28,795 on-the-road.

The model I drove cost £25,135 thanks to the addition of metallic paint.