CD Article: 2006 Mazdaspeed6

[mark]

It's a little disappointing that the car is not a better handler, although its still probably more than good enough for my mediocre expectations.

I fear that going out and driving too many good cars will just edge me closer to an expensive decision!

[Giant Dwarf]

Hmmm... nice article.  It definitely gets me more excited for the MS6 (well that and Snowy's article -- if HE says it's fast... it's gotta be fast!). 

Even though the MS6 and LGT might start out around the same price, Mazda's lease / finance rates are always more favourable which makes the price difference considerably better.

Tpl, you said "in that market I'd buy the WRX STi" -- I guess you mean a well used one if you're lucky?  The base of the STI is $10k more than the base price of the MS6! 

[Oz]

Holy crap that was a nice article.

80kmh-120kmh 4.3sec!!! This is a full second quicker than the Mazda press release. For comparison sake they tested the 05 Mustang GT last year it was 4.6sec. Hemi Charger was 5.0sec. Crossfire SRT-6 was 4.4sec.
With the power this strong up top the 1/4 mile trap speed will be over 100MPH.

The 0-60 times in the AJAC testing are generally slower than most of the mags. The Mustang GT was 5.6sec 0-100kmh in last years test.

This car is the real deal..! The mag times will probably be even faster. According to test numbers done at the same facility (not on the same day unfortunately) the MS6 is faster than a Mustang GT. I really wouldn't have thought this possible, but the numbers don't lie. The engine is obviously grossly underated at 274HP.

How about the brakes?! Stopped from 100KMH 2 metres (6.5 feet) quicker than a Z06! BOOYAH!!

Im in love... but dont think much will come of this one way affection. No chance I could afford the extra cash for a Speed right now. If I had the money I wouldnt need to think twice.

[quadzilla]

I know it will probably never happen but when is the wagon version coming out?  I'd dig up the extra $150/mth for that. 

[Escape03]

Fantastic looking sports sedan.

[bassix]

A good article on the MPS6 but I was disappointed to see no reference to the handling abilities. There is no mention of the MPS6’s understeering characteristics and the abrupt change to oversteer when the torque split AWD system transfers 50% of the power to the rear wheels.

The MPS6’s awd system is an expensive way to deal with torque steer. Other than that it is a great car and a bargain for a family person who wants some fun in their driving experience.

When making comparisons to Subaru’s AWD system the Mazda version falls way short. Both the WRX and Legacy GT are far more agile and predictable when pushed to the limits. The Legacy GT loses out in a few areas with the lack of a 6-speed, HID’s, sound system, driver controls, and styling…depending on personal tastes.

I agree completely with you and was also disappointed that the drivetrain was not examined/tested more thoroughly "at the limit". For people who buy this just for grocery shopping and travelling to the cottage (in the winter too), then it is very nice. But for those that will want to really push it harder (to get their money's worth), I have doubts about the AWD technology used. The Subarus and Audis are reliable mechanical all-time AWD... meaning once you learn the characteristics of it, you can begin to rely on it to always react consistently. I'm worried about how the Mazdaspeed system will react to "near-limit" conditions on variable surfaces, driver input, etc. I'd rather have one brain in the car (in the driver's seat) than have two that may not communicate properly. Of course this is a common discussion regarding "active" driver-assist technology.

Overall a very good car that will appeal to certain people. Probably not the same people that would consider a WRX though. More along the lines of cars like the Nissan Altima SE-R (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/rr/05altima_ser.htm) with comparable price and power, which oddly wasn't even mentioned.

[davidm]

Wonder if the aftermarket will be able to "fix" the handling.  Jeff makes good points on Mazda sales vs Suby sales.  That said, today I would go LGT - I don't trust these FWD-based AWD systems.

Looks good though.  Love those high-strung 4-bangers.

Did anyone else notice the line about blowing away Porsches and Vettes?  Porsches (depending on the model) maybe, but the new Vette - I doubt it! 

[tpl]

Jeff I meant in the market for a Japanese sports sedan.   To me the hit against the MPS6 is the sort of part time awd....from the CD article and Snowman's post above.   The same thing may get me into a regular 2wd BMW next rather than an X-drive...although I will try out the X-drive..   

[84im]

I agree with Snowy, in that the only real comparison between the WRX and the Mazdaspeed6 is the price.  Maybe Subaru will think seriously about lowering the price of the WRX...closer the the US price (factoring in exchange). (I'm not going to hold my breath) Canadian priced WRXs and STIs are great cars, but in my view overpriced when compared to their US counterparts.

[froggy]

It is some serious competition for the Legacy GT though...
6 speed + Xenon were the 2 things I thought were missing on the Legacy GT, and the 6 has them!
Plus, it is usually easier to get good bargains from Mazda! 
Now, one can argue the dynamics of the 6 are no as good as the LGT, but I think Mazda did a great job and agressively priced their car. Kudos! 
Now, just 45 months to wait! 

[Snowman]

I know it will probably never happen but when is the wagon version coming out?  I'd dig up the extra $150/mth for that. 

The Mazdaspeed 6 wagon will not happen unless they remove the X-Bracing from behind the rear seats. They were added in the MPS6 to add structural rigidity from the awd platform and that sweeeet 274 hp 2.3…..I would have concerns driving a mustang with the awd launch ability of the MPS6.

[wing]

Do the rear seats fold?  It looks like it from the pictures

[Snowman]

Do the rear seats fold?  It looks like it from the pictures

No....and no pass-though.

[AVToller]

Do the rear seats fold?  It looks like it from the pictures

No....and no pass-though.

That's rather unacceptable these days. I'm very surprised. 

[wing]

Well it's not unheared of for a sporty car, it has to be made rigid, although they could have supplied a passthrough at least.

I don't think my g/f will let me buy my next car without at least a passthrough.

[AVToller]

Yes I understand about the non-folding seats for the reason you mention, but no pass-through? Unforgivable. 

[Careener]

Does anyone know how bad insurance is on these things?

[Snowman]

My WRX has a pass-through. Too bad my 1”2 sub blocks it off.

[Benhaze]

I'm also disappointed with the article that didn't address my concerns with possible torque steer and how the AWD is behaving. I have been reading everything I could find on the internet but have yet to see a solid good article (not just a first drive), with this article being the first exception. Tough I'm not sure what to take from the statement "torque steer could be fearsome" if not for the AWD system. Does this mean these is a lot? some?

One note for all interested: don't take lightly the author's statement "the stiffer suspension doesn't soak up pavement breaks and potholes very well". I currently owned a 6 GT 5-door with 28000 KM so I can speak by experience: the 215/50R17's with the GT suspension have already some serious issues with broken pavement. Perhaps enough to stop me from buying this one with ~30% stiffer springs combined with 215/45R18's... Don't misunderstand me, this is a fabulous car on highways or twisties, but not compliant on my local awful city streets (they are really bad as you must have guessed by now). Any wish for a 6 "Speed" other than the sedan will also likely remains a wish: the hatch has some body flex that is noticeable is cold weather. But that's the price to pay for a really great cargo capacity and flexibility...

I have been waiting a long time for a genuine replacement of my now deeply regretted Eagle Talon AWD which had incredible handling and fun factor. The new Legacy GT could have been a contender but there is no Sub dealer around here...

[Oz]

"Acceleration is awesome. As tested by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the recent Car of the Year "Testfest", the Mazdaspeed6 had a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.5 seconds – quicker than an Audi A4 3.2, BMW 330i, and Lexus IS350 - and 0.1 seconds faster than the smaller, lighter Subaru WRX. AJAC didn't test the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited this year, but Subaru's official 0 to 60 mph time is 5.7 seconds.

From 80 to 120 km/h, the Mazdaspeed6 took just 4.3 seconds, quicker than all of its rivals. "

I was going over the article and that just struck me. Those times are at least a good 1 second lower than all other figures on the internet. Did the author make a mistake?