June 10, 2006
 
ON THE ROAD: Stirring Performance with a Stick, Mazdaspeed 6 Style
 
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
 

The Mazdaspeed 6 derives its name from the six-speed stick that conducts torque from a 274-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine to all four wheels. (SHNS photo courtesy Mazda) Click to Enlarge

The Mazdaspeed 6 derives its name from the six-speed stick that conducts torque from a 274-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine to all four wheels.
 
Among high-performance, mid-size sedans, the Mazdaspeed 6 is one of the most impressive in performance, packaging and appearance. Ride and handling are remarkably crisp and athletic, and the power flows abundantly through all six gears.
 
Grateful for a passing situation on the freeway, I figured I would have to downshift out of sixth gear to provide a burst of acceleration. To the contrary, the sedan zoomed ahead briskly with little encouragement.
 
Cars like the Speed 6 are designed for people with passengers who don't want to sacrifice performance. Passenger space is adequate for five to ride in comfort.
 
As a performance-enhanced version of the Mazda 6, the Speed 6 is sold in two trim levels: Sport and Grand Touring. The Sport version is base priced at $27,995, while the Grand Touring carries a $29,925 tag.
 
Standard equipment in the Sport includes a 200-watt, seven-speaker Bose sound system. Controls for the sound system and cruise control are provided on the leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel. Keyless entry with a retractable key, automatic climate control air conditioning, front and side airbags and power accessories are also standard.
 
Grand Touring adds leather-trimmed seats in black or black-and-white finish, with eight-way power adjustment and adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat. Both front seats are heated.
 
The Grand Touring model also comes with the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, which allows the driver to unlock the car and start the engine without having to produce a key. A credit card-sized device simply has to be kept in the driver's pocket.
 
The review car came with a $700 power moonroof and a $2,000 navigation system.
 
Stylistically, the Mazdaspeed 6 keeps its powerful potential under wraps. Performance cues include extended side skirts, a customized rear bumper with diffuser and slots for twin tailpipes. A dark grey tint around the headlamps gives the face a more aggressive look, as do the flared front fenders. The hood bulges to create room for the turbo's intercooler mounted on top of the engine.
 
The exterior paint palette offers a choice of Liquid Platinum Metallic, Black Mica, Whitewater Pearl Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Black Cherry Mica and Titanium Gray Metallic.
 
Inside, metallic accents are found in an alloy pedal set, scuff plates with stainless steel inserts on the door sills, and the instrument panel with trim resembling carbon fiber. Door handles are chrome-plated and the power window switches are silver.
 
The Speed 6 rides lower than a standard Mazda 6. The double-wishbone front and rear multi-link suspension components were adjusted for better handling on the big, 18-inch tires mounted on alloy wheels.
 
With the all-wheel drive system, the sedan can corner faster and flatter than the regular Mazda 6. Engine-speed sensing power assisted steering provides excellent control in a variety of driving situations, from the parking garage to the mountain highway.
 
As befits any performance car, the Speed 6 is equipped with outstanding brakes, with 12.6-inch ventilated discs up front and 12.4-inch sold discs in rear. Electronic enhancements include an anti-lock system, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and dynamic stability control.
 
The 2.3-liter aluminum engine is designated as DISI for Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI). By providing direct injection, the engine is designed to avoid turbo lag, a moment of hesitation between pressing the accelerator and the rapid acceleration as the turbo kicks in. The turbocharger pumps 15.6 pounds per square inch of air pressure into the combustion chamber of the engine at a relatively low 2,500 rpm.
 
Torque peaks at 280 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm, and the redline arrives at 7,000 rpm.
 
Mazda's Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system sometimes operates like a front-drive system with the ability to split torque evenly between front and rear. A torque-sensing limited-slip differential adapted from the RX-8 sports car adds safety on slick surfaces, with a water-cooled center differential distributing torque to the rear.
 
"The Mazdaspeed name is synonymous with amazing agility and road holding," says Kevin Mori, vehicle line manager for Mazda North American Operations. "What's all the more remarkable is that, unlike some rival rally-replica all-wheel drive sedans the Mazdaspeed 6 also achieves superb ride and refinement."
 
WHAT'S NEW: High-performance version of Mazda 6.
 
PLUSES: Performance, style, comfort, ergonomics.
 
MINUSES: Challenging clutch in first gear.
 
BOTTOM LINE: Outstanding performance sedan.
 
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.