2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring
02/22/2006
Shahed Hussain
Mazda took the sporty and sleek Mazda6 sedan, added everything in an enthusiast's checklist, and came up with the Mazdaspeed6. How about a turbocharged 274-bhp inline-4, AWD, 6-speed manual, sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, combined with aggressive yet understated styling? The Mazdaspeed6 is the sports sedan for adults more interested in performance than status.
One look at the exterior shows that all the requisite performance-oriented styling cues are present: discreet rear spoiler, aggressive 18-inch alloy wheels, dual oval exhaust outlets, and lower side skirts. A higher hood allows clearance for the turbo intercooler, while the aggressive front fascia has fog lights and a larger grille for enhanced airflow. Blade-like headlight bezels house projector low beams, coupled with separate halogen high beams and turn signal indicators. At the rear, round taillights are inset within teardrop-shaped bezels. In essence, the Mazdaspeed6 shares the same design philosophy as most German sports sedans, with minimal outward clues to its performance capability.
Open the driver's side door, and slip into the firmly padded sport seats, upholstered in two-tone black/white perforated leather. Although the color combination is attractive, the white leather bolsters are prone to show scuffs and stains easily. The driver's seat has 8-way power adjustments and manual lumbar support, but the front passenger seat makes do with manual controls. Both front seats are heated, but with only one power setting. Rear seats are roomy, but legroom may be a little restricted for passengers over 6' tall. Even so, a three-hour road trip with a 6'-4" passenger in the rear seat caused no complaints. An integrated center armrest folds down between the rear seat occupants if needed. Add a third occupant, and the seat becomes a little too cozy for longer journeys.
The center console, dashboard, and door trim accents share a glossy gunmetal hue that matches the exterior color and doorsill plates. Facing the driver is an aluminum-ringed 8000-RPM tachometer and 180-mph speedometer. A small leather-wrapped steering wheel features convenient spoke-mounted audio and cruise control buttons. High-contrast orange gauge markings are easily legible in daytime or night. Surprisingly, Mazda chose not to add a turbo boost gauge.
A key fob about the size of credit card is all that is required to start the car. Twist a plastic cap over the ignition key slot, and the engine rumbles to life. Without the key fob inside, the car will not start, which should alleviate concerns about theft. Although keyless start is convenient, the flat plastic fob is too large to stash comfortably in a pants pocket.
Mazda cleverly packaged a navigation system display that flips out of a dashboard compartment. The LCD angle is electrically adjustable for improved visibility. Drivers can select a pleasant female voice for verbal navigation instructions via the audio system, or the display will graphically show maps and road directions as required. Mazda supplies a convenient navigation system wireless remote that snaps into its own center console slot next to the shift lever. As with most automotive navigation systems, destination programming is tedious, but it worked effectively on a road trip from Detroit, MI to Columbus, OH.
Sound quality from the Bose 6-CD changer audio system was superb, with tight bass and clear treble. Tweeters integrated into the A-pillars improve audio imaging and clarity, while a rear package shelf-mounted subwoofer thumps out tight, accurate bass. Controls knobs placed on the console within are easy reach of the driver, but the audio settings are shown in a small multi-function LCD display on top of the dashboard.
Overall, the interior theme exudes sporty functionality. Mazda adds only the essentials for serious driving, without distracting luxury features. Other competitive sport sedans such as the Audi A4 2.0T or Lexus IS 250 have the edge in this area, with additional options and superior interior material quality.
Mazda chose to turbocharge its 2.3L inline-4 as the powerplant for the Mazdaspeed6. This direct fuel-injection engine has excellent power above 2,000 rpm, but throttle response below 1,500 rpm is a little weak. Power flattens out noticeably from 5,500 rpm to the 6,700 rpm redline. With 280 lb-ft. torque at only 3,000 rpm, Mazda emphasized midrange flexibility over peak horsepower, although the 274-bhp output is still impressive. This is a big inline-4, and it makes its presence known via steering wheel vibrations at idle and full throttle. At highway speeds, the 4-cylinder drone becomes more muted and unobtrusive. Although the 2.3L will run to redline willingly, it lacks refinement compared to similar Honda or Toyota inline fours. In light of this engine's overall performance capability, most enthusiasts probably will consider it a minor shortcoming.
Since the test period was during a Michigan winter, the Mazdaspeed6 arrived with non-standard Bridgestone Blizzaks. It would be unfair to assess the total handling capabilities of the car with these tires. Equipped with Blizzaks, the Mazdaspeed6 performed well in snowy and slushy conditions. On dry surfaces, the unobtrusive AWD system (with a limited-slip rear differential) transfers power to the rear wheels as required, and eliminates all signs of torque steer or wheel spin. Warmer weather demands the standard performance tire to exploit this sports sedan's handling limits.
Subjective braking performance is superb, with standard 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution). A firm pedal and excellent brake feel ensure confident stops. The brakes engage abruptly at low speed, so smooth stops are difficult. Although AWD vehicles rarely need it, traction control is also included for nasty road conditions.
Mazda spent considerable development time on the Mazdaspeed6 to ensure superb high-speed handling. Additional structural reinforcement result in a noticeably stiffer chassis compared to the standard Mazda6. Doors close with a reassuring "thunk." Like many German cars, Mazda tuned the high-effort steering for stable tracking at triple-digit speeds. Road textures are accurately telegraphed up the steering column to the leather-wrapped wheel. At an indicated 120 mph, the car tracked straight and true with no deviations from its intended path. Wind noise was noticeable at speeds above 110 mph, but not overly objectionable.
Mazda couples its 2.3L turbo to a close-ratio 6-speed manual. Despite slightly notchy shift quality, this transmission is geared perfectly for the enthusiast driver. A stiff return spring and clutch engagement high in the pedal travel means that rush hour commutes will bring no joy. As the turbo comes on boost the car surges forward, while the stiff clutch makes smooth shifts difficult. This powertrain combination requires an experienced driver to exploit its capabilities.
Mazda took the competent Mazda6 and transformed it into a serious sports sedan. Although the Mazdaspeed6 lacks the reputation of the Audi A4 quattro, Infiniti G35x, or Lexus IS250 AWD, it is a viable alternative to any of these excellent competitors. True, it lacks refinement compared to these rivals, but offers superior performance instead. Mazda aims this sports sedan at enthusiasts who are more concerned about performance, value, and practicality than status symbols. We just hope that Mazda finds enough discerning customers to keep the Mazdaspeed6 in its lineup.
