Mazda6 MPS 2005 review

Mazda has achieved that balance with its new Mazda6 MPS – dubbed the Executive Express. The new flagship Mazda6 is the Japanese car maker's most technically advanced high-performance sedan – capable of a 0-100km sprint of 6.6 seconds and a top speed pushing near to 250km/h.

But Mazda has not just packed a heap of power and class-leading torque into this stylishly aggressive sedan (think the standard 6 but on steroids to get an idea of the accentuated body) to snare customers.

The MPS model is not for "the boy racer" but achieves a balance, earning Mazda the right to be able to boast that MPS offers a level of sophistication and refinement as well as spirited performance.

Explore the 2005 Mazda 6 range

• Mazda6 2005 review
• Mazda6 MPS 2005 review
• Mazda6 MPS 2005 review: road test

Mazda got something else right when it chose the roads around northeastern Tasmania to show the car off to motoring journalists. The 400km-plus drive route from Launceston to Bicheno and returning through St Helens and Scottsdale included seven Targa of Tasmania stages and was a great proving ground for Mazda6 MPS's power, handling and braking capabilities.

Mazda6 MPS's direct injection spark ignition (DISI) turbocharged 2.3-litre engine provides ample torque in the low and mid range – 90 per cent of its torque is delivered at a little over 2000rpm.

Maximum torque is 380Nm at 3000rpm and MPS boasts 190kW of power. Just how much torque you have at your disposal with the MPS was on show through some of the long corners on Tassie's unforgiving roads. Gear selection – while something you want to get right when others are watching from the passenger seats – wasn't a high priority through the hills as the bucket loads of torque helped to pick up the gear and pull you through.

The DISI engine – a clean engine which meets Euro 4 emission regulations – drives the all-wheel-drive system through a new six-speed manual gearbox that combines short, crisp shifts with ideal gearing to exploit the turbo engine. Sixth is an overdrive which offers relaxed cruising and good fuel economy. Mazda6 MPS returns an average fuel consumption figure of 10.5 litres/100km. As an all-wheel-drive vehicle, Mazda6 MPS already has a clear advantage over most other vehicles on the road when it comes to grip. Add to the mix a body that has been strengthened to deliver 50 per cent more torsional stiffness than the standard Mazda6, and a new Active Torque Split system to transfer torque to the rear axle in accordance with driving conditions, and you have a particularly fun drive.

The 6 MPS rides on a refined sports-like suspension. While it is stiff enough to provide sporty handling, it is not so hard that you will need to make a chiropractor's appointment after taking this car out for some solid driving. Getting the balance right in this area of the car's performance was clearly important when Mazda says it has aimed to create a "sophisticated executive express" vehicle that has spirited performance and everyday practicality. It comes with ABS anti-lock brakes with brake assist (something else that was put to the test on those Tasmanian roads), Dynamic Stability Control, Xenon headlamps, 18in wheels and tyres, six airbags (dual front, front side and head-protecting curtain airbags), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, six-disc CD, remote locking via a retractable key, trip computer, alloy pedals, reach and rake adjustable steering and climate-control air conditioning. The sedan goes on sale next month priced from $48,600, with a leather pack model – adding leather seat trim, a power operated driver's seat with three-position memory, powerful seven-speaker Bose sound system and a glass sunroof – priced at $54,600.

So, what else do you get with Mazda6 MPS that you don't get on the standard – and very popular – Mazda6 which has a starting price of $28,240 and a top-of-the-range price of $42,910? There are the bigger brakes for one – up 21mm to 320mm at the front and up 34mm to 314mm at the back. The Mazda6 contours have been accentuated for the MPS and the cabin is fitted with high-quality appointments, including a titanium-look fascia with piano-black audio controls.

The speedo is also calibrated to 280km/h compared with the standard Mazda6's which goes off the dial at 240km/h – not that you would want to try that out on public roads.