2004 Mazda6 Sport GT V6 Road Test

Few people would argue that the new 6 is unattractive, especially in Sport trim. Its slightly raked rear window that melds into a short, stubby decklid with standard

With high tactile quality plastics and impressively supportive leather seats, the interior of the Sport is wonderful. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

spoiler is an enticing package, easily the sleekest of the already enthusiast-oriented 6 lineup - that now includes a wagon I might add.

Inside the Sport is as attractively laid out as the 6 sedan, with high tactile quality plastics and optional leather - the last item being standard as equipped in my test car. The seats deliver up impressive support and the manual tilt and telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel is ideally configured for 9 and 3-oclock hand placement, the first signs of a car tuned for performance.

Even in base trim, the Sport's Ford-derived 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produces a healthy 160 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4,000, thanks to 16-valve, DOHC technology with

Standard power comes from a 160-hp Ford-derived 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but my test car served up a much more satisfying 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 with 192 lb-ft of torque - also Ford-derived. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

continuously variable intake valve timing (VVT). It's ample for a car that weighs in at only 1,436 kilos (3,166 lbs) - 56 kg (123 lbs) more than the base sedan. But my test car came with the optional DOHC, 24-valve 3.0-liter V6, also Ford-derived, that with 220 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm pulls away from standstill with enthusiasm.

I appreciated the 5-speed manual gearbox Mazda had included, as the majority of 6's I had tested previously featured the 5-speed automatic. Sure the autobox features Mazda's Sport Shift sequential manual mode, but I still prefer the control offered by the clutch and manual gearbox combo. This particular setup is very good, with the lever clicking from interval to interval in smooth, precise increments and the clutch fully disengaging during the beginning half of pedal depression, allowing for quicker shifts.