Well....I like this more than the S4.....much more fun and personality. Suspension was firm....Mazda does a nice job with their suspensions and handling feel, this was no exception. There is only the tinyest bit o lag while the turbo spools and the stump pulling 280 ft/lb comes on quick, good thing too since the party is over at about 6000 rpm....Perhaps 2-3 more lbs of boost? It is already pumping 15.6 lbs.....

Last turbo car I've driven was a 1986 Mustang SVO with a intercooler on top a 2.3l 4 banger (oddly, same configuration as the speed6) That thing pushed 18lbs of boost w/premium fuel and managed 215 HP. That motor was either on or off though. A first gear rolling start in the SVO Mustang was: Floor it....one onethousand, two onethousand (boost gauge slaps off the peg at 20lbs) and hold on! The Mazda is much more responsive.

The MSRP on the Grand Touring (leather, 18 inch wheels, bose stereo, heated seats, keyless ignition) was 30,500. I got an internet quote of 25,988 to start and have heard people claim $24,100 on the Mazda forums. It seems Mazda is hurting to unload these cars, I'll be anxious to see incentives when the '07s start coming to the lot.

 

Nice family sedan for the money

2006-2007 MazdaSpeed 6

The MazdaSpeed 6 is ultimate in midsize sedans, featuring a 2.3L turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel-drive, sports suspension and a six-speed manual. Sold as Mazda 6 MPS in Europe.

Base price : $30,000 (estimated) Get a free price quote

Engine : 4 cylinder, turbocharged DOHC, front engine AWD
Displacement : 2,300 cc
Valve : 16 valves, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission : 6-spd manual
Fuel economy : city - 18 mpg(estimated)
highway - 26 mpg(estimated)

Suspension : F - Independent double wishbone
R - Independent multilink
Brakes : F - Vented discs
R - Vented discs

Horsepower : 274 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque : 280 lb-ft @ 3000rpm
Redline : unknown

Top speed : 150 mph
0-60 mph : 6.2 sec.
0-

 

I would not even think about it until I test drove a Subaru Legacy GT Limited.

 

I'll drive one.....but I hear (and read) that the suspension is too soft and needs some serious roll control. Even the B spec as soft and plush as Anna Nicole's ass.....and more $$ to boot.

 

George, (no game here) thanks for mentioning the "family/dollar aspect". When Erin and I get over the Malaria Pills......watch out.

 

Sadly....I'm looking at a black....which will neither admit me to the Red or German Car Club........

 

That car is one hell of a bargain. I have been meaning to check it out myself.


Jeff, I can't speak for Bill and Julius, but I am willing to grant you membership if you put on couple German car badges (not taken from our cars) in place of the Mazda ones.

 

Well if it tips $30k then you could also look at sti's for performance although they don't have all the comfort features. Either way I think the Mazda will be a hit.

 

That 0-60 (6.1s) number is deceiving with regard to acceleration......it is geared short, so you need to jump into 3rd before 60. and will lose you 4-5 tenths compared to the Subie.

I think the new performance benchmark should be 0-80

 

The Mazdaspeed 3 with the same motor in a lighter more versatile car is going to hurt sales of the MS6 even more.





I have been contemplating getting one in the springtime. My other choice which I like for it's "familiar feel" is the TSX. Thanks for the feedback Cubs.


Oh and I agree about the SVO's, those things were crazy fast for their time.