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2006 Mazdaspeed6 Road Test (Video Clip)

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Mathieu St-Pierre
A clear warning to all other AWD turbocharged cars
* Click HERE to see a video on the Mazdaspeed6 *

A clear warning to all other AWD turbocharged cars

Although Mazda did not invent turbocharging, one would think that they had something to do with the development and study of this efficient way of literally boosting power. While closing in on the late eighties, Mazda introduced a high-performance variant of the RX-7 equipped with a turbo. In the same period, Mazda performed the same operation on both its compact and midsized cars.

The resulting performance from these turbine-equipped cars almost became legendary. Other than the RX-7 rage, the few that explored and tuned the 323 GT, the 626 and MX-6 GT were greatly rewarded by mind-blowing acceleration mixed into a Q-Ship shell. By 1993, the turbo all but disappeared from Mazda's menu. Only the fabled RX-7 was endowed with a charger. When it disappeared two short years later, the turbocharged Mazda was no more. That was until 2004 when the Miata Mazdaspeed arrived on the scene. Mazdaspeed is Mazda's in-house tuning brand and they have done it again. For 2006, the intermediate 6 gets a huge dose of attitude and power.

A base Mazdaspeed6 without options retails for $35,995. By selecting the leather and sunroof package, the price climbs to $38,795.

Styling



Add Velocity Red Metallic to just about any car and it will look great. Add the color to a Mazda6 sedan adorned with 18" alloy wheels, a skirt kit, an aggressive front fascia and a spoiler and you have yourself a gorgeous automobile. The Mazdaspeed6 has everything going for it in my book. It is elegant and assertive in the same instant. The hood carries a large bulge to house the intercooler, the rear spoiler is subtle and the rear dual outlet exhaust blends neatly into the rear bumper. The contrasting silver wheels and bold paint job will ensure that you will never go un-noticed by the local police force.

The Mazdaspeed6's interior is standard Mazda6 fair. The materials used and the craftsmanship are quite good. All controls and buttons are easily accessible. Only the piano-black finished audio commands could pose some difficulties to the user however, it is only a matter of time before habit sets in. The front seats are comfortable and supportive and would be even more so if they were covered in high grade cloth. The optional leather is supple and can be ordered in black or black and white.

The gauges are loud and clear and indicate a maximum velocity of 280 km/h. The steering wheel is also taken from the well furnished Mazda6 parts bin. The sport pedals are wider than stock and permit one of the easiest heel-and-toe rev matching to date. As the Mazdaspeed is delivered with xenon headlights, there is a switch to adjust the level of the beams.
Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
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