The Vehicle Has Features That Have Mass Appeal
By Nauman Farooq
Having been a published automotive journalist for nearly 21 years, I have been very fortunate to have tested quite a lot of cars in this time – but remarkably, very few cars leave a lasting impression.
One of the vehicles that did leave a strong, positive impression was the 2006 Mazdaspeed 6. Based on the platform of the first generation model of the Mazda6, the “speed” version took the somewhat humble demeanor of the regular model, and went a bit mental!
Under its hood was a 2.3L, direct-injected, four-cylinder motor that featured a Hitachi Warner turbocharger that produced 15.6 psi of boost. As a result, this innocent(ish) looking sedan produced 274 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power was fed to all-wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox (no auto or dual-clutch option for posers), and if you got it right, it would sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds, while its top speed was electronically pegged at 240 km/h – all this in a sedan that retailed for under $40,000 when new.
The Mazdaspeed 6 was a giant killer, outperforming all its equivalent German rivals for a lot less money. I loved its ride, handling, and performance, and didn’t even mind its snappy clutch. For me, it was just about perfect!
However, sales numbers might not have been what Mazda was hoping, because they have never offered a Mazdaspeed version of the 6 ever again – and that’s a shame!
Currently, the Mazda6 is in its third-generation model, and that has just received a facelift for 2018. There are quite a few enhancements to the model to make it not only look nicer (inside and out) but also improvements in technology and quality.
All of which is well and good, but what I’m most interested in, is the re-introduction of a turbocharged engine in a Mazda6. OK, so it might not be a true Mazdaspeed6, but it is a step in the right direction. Under the hood of any 2018 Mazda6 (GS-L trim and up) can be had with 2.5L four-cylinder motor that features a turbocharger. Max power output is 250 hp (which is less than the old Mazdaspeed 6), and 310 lb-ft of torque (which is more than the old Mazdspeed 6). Power is now only fed to the front wheels, and the only transmission on offer with this motor is a six-speed automatic. However, that is not entirely a bad thing, because Mazda’s automatic is one of the quickest shifting gearboxes in the business, and despite only feeding power to two wheels, this new model can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds – matching its old performance minded sibling, all the while just sipping fuel, I averaged 8.5L/100km during my test week, which is very good for a vehicle of this size.
The power delivery is quite entertaining, there is minimal turbo-lag, but when it spools up, its needle climbs up the speedometer like it has jet propulsion! Honestly, for pretty much any situation, the new, turbocharged Mazda6 provides more than enough satisfaction in terms of straight speed.
Handling wise, the new Mazda6 is still better than its chief rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy, and Nissan Altima, but it is no where close to what the old Mazdaspeed 6 could achieve.
I don’t think Mazda was trying to compete with its old-self with this new 6, in terms of handling, but have instead focused on comfort. The 2018 Mazda6 is really comfortable to drive around, and the luxuries you get with its Signature trim (such as, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, a capable infotainment system, etc.) has taken the 6 in a new direction – one that will appeal to the masses.
Gearheads like me will still yearn for the return of the Mazdaspeed division, along with a return of the rotary engine – but neither is likely to happen. Still, the return of a turbocharged motor in a Mazda sedan needs to be celebrated. If you’re in the market for a mid-size sedan, then you should put the 2018 Mazda6 on your list. Prices start from $27,000 for the GS model (which doesn’t have the turbo motor), and go all the way up to $38,800 for the Signature trim (as tested).