Mazda6 MPS 2005 review: road test

OK, Mazda has added a few dress-ups like 18in alloys, extra bulges to contain its muscles and a blip of a rear wing. Talk about understated.

A touch of RX8 animal magnetism wouldn't have gone astray but then what the MPS may lack in the visual department it more than makes up for against the stopwatch. RX8, huh, wouldn't see which way the MPS went – in a straight line or around corners.

The same applies to a large number of so called high performance cars. It would take some kind of HSV or FPV to see off the MPS.

Mazda is reluctant to disclose realistic "zoom-zoom" figures but it would be into the mid five second bracket for the 0-100kmh sprint.

Surprisingly quick out of the blocks, MPS suffers pretty well no lag despite using a single turbocharger. This is because the 2.3-litre, four cylinder engine runs a relatively high 9.5:1 compression ratio and has other tricks such as direct fuel injection to optimise power and torque.

The engine is good for 190kW/380Nm output and most of the torque is there at around 2000rpm.

Of course, having this much urge untamed could be a problem but the MPS has been specially engineered to cope.

It scores a stronger chassis than the standard Mazda6, larger brakes and a swag of electronic controls such as ABS, and dynamic stability control. The infinitely variable torque split all wheel drive system uses three modes for Normal, Sport and Snow. Mode is selected by the car's computer to match prevailing con- ditions and driving style.

MPS has a superb ride and competent dynamics, not as firm as you'd expect but totally controlled.

It is not as much of a point and squirt sprinter as the Subaru STi but is more a grand tourer with long legs.

Runs through each of the six gears deliver seamless strong acceleration while the car itself sits poised on the road like a highly trained athlete.

It's that good.

Inside is a study of the new: stylish fascia, angles and curves, attractive switchgear and quality ancillaries. The audio is a cracker and there's room for five inside. The boot is large but there's only a space saver spare. The xenon headlights are on low beam only. It needs a better high beam.

Prices start at $48,600 with a luxury model equipped with Bose sound, leather upholstery, electric driver's seat and a sunroof going for an extra $6000.

Any way you cut it, the MPS Mazda6 is an impressive piece of kit. Oh yeah.