IN THE space of 15 months starting in August 2002, a triumvirate of mid-sized sedans from Japan completely changed the face of family-car motoring in Australia, reviving the moribund medium-car segment with an infusion of style, sporty driving and value for money. The Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro and Subaru's MkIII Liberty certainly shook things up. Now all three will be reborn over the next year and a half, with the next-generation Mazda6 first cab off the rank. Does it have the flair and athleticism of the original? With one or two reservations... does it ever! Here we look at the ‘base’ Limited manual – a sports sedan to see off rivals as diverse as the Holden Commodore and Alfa Romeo 159.