Sporty Mazda 6 MPS
Volume 11, No. 54, October 19, 2006

WITHOUT doubt the Mazda 6 MPS is the most impressive performance vehicle I have driven from the Mazda stable.

It is not an in-your-face racer in the mould of the Subaru STi or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, but a very refined high-speed tourer. This is despite the bulge in the bonnet to fit the intercooler, the rear spoiler and the low-profile tyres. It is a quality product and could easily have worn a Scandinavian or German name on the front grill.

The heart of any performance vehicle is the engine, and the 2.3 litre four cylinder turbo charged engine does not disappoint.

Turbo lag is virtually non-existent. So refined is the engine that the only criticism I can muster is that it lacks character – although at the top of the rev range, the twin pipes emit a sporty growl. The figures tell the tale: 0-100km/h in 6.5 secs! Economy depends very much on the right foot in this car and quick driving could see consumption around 16l/100 km.

The all wheel drive system is a very sophisticated affair that drives the front wheels in normal conditions but transfers 50 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels when the driver starts getting serious.

When that package is combined with a beautifully weighted steering system and a six-speed gear box (no auto available), which is a little on the heavy side to cope with the performance, you are presented with an immensely satisfying drive.

Even though the test car had the leather pack, the interior was rather austere and more akin to products from Germany.

However, the designers were obviously more interested in making it a driver’s car rather than the owner having time to admire, for example, the luxurious tan leather and walnut dash of a Jaguar product. To hammer the sporting nature the MPS was fitted with drilled metal pedals.

Standard fit includes ABS with brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Xenon headlights, six air bags, six stacker and cruise control. The leather pack added a power operated driver’s seat, Bose sound system and an excellent sunroof. As could be expected the disc brakes were beyond reproach.

I really liked the MPS. When I drove the Mitsubishi Evo I was happy to give the car back at the end of the week. It was like a frenetic, four-door go-cart, but the MPS is a very civilised sporting car which I could imagine owners wanting to keep in their garage for some years.

– Wg-Cdr Ken Llewelyn.