2005 Mazda 6 Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Mazda6 as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation Mazda 6 as a used buy.

Mazda 6 was launched in Australia in August 2002 and has had sales success since day one. Probably because it was a lot more stylish than the Mazda 626 it replaced.

Graham Smith reviews the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Mazda 6 as a used buy.

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.

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.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.

With sales of Mazda6 going off the boil, the company decided it was time to help things along by adding a tricked up wagon to its press fleet.