Mazda6 MPS 2006 Review

Mazda has delivered and delivered in spades with the MPS, a turbocharged, all-wheel drive version of the Mazda6 with a whopping 190kW of power on tap.

Based on the sedan, the MPS goes hard, very hard, with sticky, four-paw handling to match and a wicked turn of speed.

The direct injection, spark ignition (DISI) turbocharged, 2.3-litre engine delivers 190kW of power at 5500rpm and 380Nm of torque at 3000rpm, with 90 per cent of torque delivered at a little over 2000rpm.

The engine is hooked up to slick-shifting six speed manual transmission, with power de- livered to all four wheels through a part-time all-wheel drive system.

For most of the time, the car is predominantly front-wheel drive, with an active torque coupling that transfers power to the rear wheels as required up to an even 50:50 split between front and back.

The result is a car that delivers very strong low to mid range performance, with a lofty top end and only the occasional hint of turbo lag.

Dampers and spring have been retuned, thicker stabiliser bars added and the brakes have been beefed up to match the increased performance - up 21mm to 320mm at the front and up 34mm to 314mm at the rear.

Electronic stability control has also been added to keep the whole thing on the road.

Mazda prefers to describe the MPS as an "executive express" rather than a full-blown boy racer.

This might explain the understated styling which is just a bit too understated for our liking.

The front with its deeper mesh grille looks okay but the car sits too high and the big, boofy twin exhaust system lacks finesse.

The large rear wing has been replaced with a discreet boot lip spoiler and the 18 inch wheels fitted with 215/45 tyres are conservatively styled.

All in all, we reckon the standard car is a better looker, particularly the stylish sports hatch.

However, styling is a personal thing, so make your own decision.

Looks are quickly forgotten once you're behind the wheel of the MPS.

The ride is firm and sporty, but seems to avoid the harsh feel of many sports sedans.

When a quick start is called for, the system automatically selects power takeoff mode which aggressively distributes torque to the rear axle for fuss-free, rapid acceleration.

Changing down to third in a hurry however can induce some whiplash.

Third gear seems to top out too early but fourth has plenty of oomph and the car just keeps on going from there.

Sixth gear meanwhile is a tall overdrive gear, designed for relaxed freeway cruising and better fuel economy.

It doesn't feel as quick as WRX, but by the same token there's nothing second rate about the driving experience which is more refined.

At 1612kg it's about 200kg heavier than a Rex and much heavier than the Liberty GT too.

The MPS takes premium unleaded, but is a light sipper unless pushed hard when it really starts to suck the gas.

Claimed fuel economy is 10.5L/100km.

Standard equipment includes ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, an Active Torque Spilt AWD system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Xenon headlamps, full body kit, 18 inch wheels and tyres, six airbags (dual front, front side and head protecting curtain airbags), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, six disc CD player, remote locking via a retractable key, trip computer, alloy pedals, reach and rake adjustable steering and climate control air conditioning.

The Mazda6 MPS is priced from $48,600 plus on road costs.