Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2005.

Mazdaspeed6:
Rally Ready

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of Cutter Ala Moana Mazda

In an interesting twist, the Mazda speed merchants did not take the largest engine in the Mazda6 to soup it up for their latest hot rod, but the smallest powerplant.

The standard Mazda6 midsize sedan has a 2.3-liter, 160 hp 4 cylinder engine or an optional 220 hp V-6. In and of itself, the V-6 with a stick shift is no slouch.

Following, but not mimicking, the rally based Subaru WRX STi and the Mitsubishi Evo series, Mazda decided to turbo charge the 2.3-liter unit and add 4-wheel drive. The end result is a horsepower increase of 114 for a total of 274. To further enhance the powertrain, a limited slip differential pulling through a 6-speed stick shifter is part of the package.

To handle the power, the body was reinforced with bracing and is 50 percent stronger. The suspension was also reworked to stiffen things up to hold the sedan in the corners better. Big and beefy 18-inch tires and wheels add both to the looks and the handling equation.

In the styling department, the exterior has been changed in a less dramatic fashion than the rally racers with their hood scoops and aircraft wings. In front, a far bigger and more aggressive grill and fascia appears and the hood line and fenders are changed to accommodate the intercooler. Likewise, side shirts are added as well as a different and lower rear fascia with twin exhaust outlets. Although a spoiler is added, it is relatively small and cautious in design.

With most features already packed in and only a limited number of options, the Speed6 pricing still starts at $28,555 which is less than the rally racers from Subaru and Mitsubishi.

Rally In Comfort
To see what speed does, a "base" model was put to test in our fair city. (See the specs for the details on the equipment and available options.)

One thing that is immediately apparent about this Speed edition is that it is not a rally racecar made for the street. The ride is not stiff and unyielding, the seats, while bolstered, are not taken from a racecar, and the car is not stripped of creature comforts to save weight. On the other hand, this version of the Mazda6 is not as fast as the rally racers.

Not that 274 horses in a midsize sedan is slow by any means. Below 3000 rpm, the 4-cylinder engine feels, well like, a typical well-designed small powerplant—smooth and vibration free but without tons of torque. Shooting above that level of engine speed shows there is a tiger in the tank. There is no detectable turbo lag and the car simply and almost silently spurts forward. Six seconds is all that is needed to hit the 60-mph mark from a standing start.

Gear action is straight forward with a tight easy to follow pattern of shift slots. Gear spacing is narrow and even sixth gear can be used to climb the Pali and H3. The clutch is light to the touch with gear take-up at near the top of the clutch let-up.

Probably because of the 4-wheel drive powertrain the steering is heavier than most but with a sense of direction. As hinted earlier, the ride is commendable given the wheel size and suspension designed for cornering. Certainly road imperfections are felt but never harshly and the body is solid as a rock. Holding on corners is expected and delivered with nary a feeling of tipsiness ever felt.

Speed In Comfort
The well laid out interior from the 6 is carried over, but with some significant changes. The seats are bolstered on the side more, the steering wheel is leather, the pedals are metal covered, and the dash and console are covered with a carbon fiber look. Actually, the latter makes the interior look a little drab.

Various metal looking pieces are also found on the door handles and other locations.

In a nice touch, the steering wheel has buttons for both the cruise and stereo/CD functions. The large and clearly marked dials control the automatic climate system.

Atop the dash is a covered bin and right below the bin is a screen about 8 inches long and an inch high with time, stereo and climate information. At night, all the buttons and instruments are presented in red/orange hue.

On the floor by the driver is a fuel door opener, and a small pop down storage bin is between the steering wheel and the driver’s door.

Rear Speed
As a result of the reinforcement of the body with bracing in back of the rear seat, the back seat is not split 60/40 so that the seat back cannot be dropped for additional storage. But a nice armrest with cupholders can be lowered between the rear passengers. Headroom and knee room are quite good, but the middle rider will not be very comfortable for any extended period because of the floor and seat hump. Two adjustable headrests are provided.

Trunk room is medium sized and the interior is completely lined including the lid itself.

Civilized with Speed
Unlike some of the other turbocharged all wheel drive sedans, the Speed merchants at Mazda decided to add power and handling but retain the comforts and conveniences found in their regular sedan. Thus, the Mazdaspeed6 has plenty of power and handling but not the drawbacks associated with stripping a sedan down for performance gains only. With its different look and effective interior, this Speed edition provides speed and control with comfort.

Q&A
Q: The Mazda6 chassis and engine combos are being as the basis for other cars. What are the other models that have the underpinnings of the Mazda6?

A: The new Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr all have the Mazda6 suspension, powertrains (except the turbo 4 cylinder), and basic chassis. Each one has been modified to suit the audience for the brand. Ford has the controlling interest in Mazda, and those two manufacturers share with each other various parts of their respective vehicles.

High Beams
• Real performance with comfort.
• Exterior styling changes enhance an already entertaining exterior.
• Still retains the good features of the Mazda6 in a faster mode.

Low Beams
• Rather dull "carbon fiber" add on in the interior.

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

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