I picked up a Mazda 6 Sport 2.2d 185 bhp hatchback last friday.
1 week in and so far it's bloomin brilliant, can fit 2 complete bikes in with the seats down, have given it a rather brick week of driving, discovered it goes like stink and got 46.5 mpg
I looked at the V50 2.0D R Design and chose the Mazda as IMO it's quicker, more comfy, more fun to drive has 6 disc Bose, bluetooth etc etc AND the boot is about the same size.
+1 for the Mazda 6 (I looked at the estate, also brilliant but don't really need that much space).