Driving Impressions
Tooling around at slow speeds the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6’s engine feels docile. Wind it up, however, and there’s a definite WHAM! as the turbo’s full boost delivers a kick in the butt.
While all this looks good on paper, you’re probably wondering how the most powerful sedan Mazda has ever produced actually performs on the pavement. We thought you’d never ask.
It feels like there’s something more substantial than a four-cylinder at work in the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6. The sensation is so distinct that we were tempted to pull over and raise the hood to make sure they hadn’t snuck a V6 in there while we were in the men’s room. While the acceleration this souped-up four-banger provides is impressive, we soon discovered that it has the split personality common to turbocharged powerplants. Tooling around at slow speeds the engine feels quite docile, maybe even a little sluggish. Wind it up, however, and there’s a definite WHAM! as the turbo’s full boost delivers a kick in the butt that says “Hang on buddy, here we go.”
We found the six-speed manual to be a very good match for this motor, with smooth operation and nice short throws. Likewise, the all-wheel-drive system adds a viscerally pleasing quality under hard acceleration as you feel all four wheels scratching to find traction. Though we didn’t get the opportunity to try it out in the snow, we imagine this system paired with a good set of snow tires would make the Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 one of those rare performance cars that could actually hold its own when driving conditions turn ugly. And since the engine is turbocharged, and therefore impervious to altitude’s effects on a combustion engine, this foul-weather performance is perfect for thin-air cities like Denver or Santa Fe.
The MazdaSpeed 6’s suspension changes give the car a solid well-planted quality that inspires confidence when pushed hard, with very little body roll in turns and a firm but very livable ride. The precise rack-and-pinion steering and strong brakes only add to this feeling of confidence.
As for the question on everyone’s mind, yes we do feel the MazdaSpeed 6 is worth every penny of its $28,000 base price. When you do the math and consider what it would cost to add a fraction of the performance and style the MazdaSpeed 6 offers to the standard version via aftermarket parts, it actually starts looking like a bargain.
Just remember, when we say “you do the math,” there’s a good reason for it.
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