And that really typifies the
Mazdaspeed6's mission: fun, but without
 |
| Fun in the dry, in the wet, the snow, and in parking garages too. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
any desire to really muck it up with the juvenile delinquents out there. There's no loud, obnoxious body kit or overbearing exhaust, just self-assured poise, balance and power on demand, up to a certain point. Its balance is truly stellar thanks to upgraded roll bars and suspension, keeping the car level during aggressive, not-so-mature maneuvers. And while its all-wheel drive system provides sure-footed launches, it quickly met its match in some recently fallen snow I had the good fortune to encounter.
The
 |
| No paddle-shifters here... the 'Speed6 is the real deal. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
one last thing I feel obligated to mention, despite the fact that I'm not a fan of long, exhaustive price or feature comparisons, is its astoundingly low price. Starting at $35,995, nothing, absolutely nothing comes close to matching its power, size, performance and fun bundled up in a midsize sedan (other than a HEMI-powered Charger R/T - but it's a little larger than midsize despite it's low price - Ed). Never mind the fact that its interior is crossing the luxury threshold, Mazda could have outfitted it in Fisher Price kiddie chairs and a Barbie vanity play table and the car would still be worth the price of entry because you could easily afford to upgrade the chairs and décor. Throw in the two-tone leather and the intelligent key system (the key fob is credit-card sized, but thicker) for a trifling $2,800 and this is a steal, because then you definitely can keep the interior as is. If you want a feature-laden review, check out Trevor's in the Road Test Archives, or go dig up a feature list at Mazda's website, but I still can't wrap my brain around how many luxury features they packed into this sporty model. It has its problems and shortcomings, as any car will, but at that price, they are all forgivable, and even occasionally endearing.
All in all, it is its contradictory nature that I so loved about
 |
| Mazdaspeed6 is just too fun to park and take still shots of... (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
the Mazdaspeed6. It is very mature in design and purpose, yet it absolutely brought out the immature hooligan in me. More responsible drivers might be able to take all that power and keep it in check, but the little red devil on my right shoulder quickly skewered and dispatched the little Doogie Howser angel (yeah, I picture my little angel guy as Doogie Howser... so what!) on the left. Maybe one day when I'm all grown up I'll drive the cars the way the manufacturers intended. Until then, I'd be more than happy to pass the time with an evil little 'Speed6.
Specifications (Mazdaspeed6):- Price Range (Mazdaspeed6 MSRP): $35,995 - $38,795
- Price as Tested (MSRP): $38,795
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 274 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque, 2.3L, 16-valve DOHC I-4, turbo
- Transmission: 6-spd manual
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,745 / 1,780 / 1,430 / 2,675 mm (186.8 / 70.0 / 56.2 / 105.3 in)
- Curb Weight: 1,628 kg (3,589 lbs)
- Tires: 215/45R18
- Capacity: 351 L (12.4 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.5 / 8.5 L/100 km
- Observed Fuel Economy: 13.4 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Competitors: Audi A4 3.2 quattro, BMW 330Xi, Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger R/T, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C350, Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT, Volvo S40 T5 AWD
- Website: www.mazda.ca
