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Review 1 of 3
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$0.00 Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Summary:
This car is by far, is one of the best automobile I have ever driven. With Mazda's superb 2.3 liter DISI engine, its turbo pushes around 15.6psi of boost and it delivers. About 275hp and 280lb ft to be exact. The numbers seem faint compared to its acceleration capabilities with owners reporting middle to upper 13s in the ¼ mile (stock). The car really pushes you up against your seat under acceleration, and the car feels so stable at 100mph it feels like your doing 60mph. I have accelerated to 140mph with plenty of RPMs/power left to go. I know Mazda was supposed to govern speeds at 150mph, but I have had friends go beyond that (I was in the car when it happened). Must use 93 octane premium fuel. 91 octane can be used as a last resort but not recommended. If the ECU detects lower than 89 octane, the engine will automatically cut boost into half. No good, keep 93 in the tank.
The look is much easier on the eyes than the regular 6 with the hood raised 1.8 inches, attractive front lip, extended side skirts, and the coolest integrated exhaust/bumper outlet ever. The suspension is lowered a bit, compared to regular Mazda 6. Nice HIDs in ok halogen head unit, and fog lights. Even though the HID bulbs are the same as most BMW (4300k) Phillips bulbs, the Mazda has a horrible halogen housing unit, so not as good projection.
The interior is very nice for a Mazda, including optional 2-tone leather, navi, and moon-roof (GT package only). Bose speaker system sounds great! With Mazda’s ALC (automatic audio leveling control) or something like that, is very handy. When the car is going at highway speeds, the volume automatically lowers when you slow down. 6-speed manual gearbox (only) shifts very smoothly paired with a very stiff clutch. Gauges are extremely easy to read and steering wheel feels very nice.
The car is big, and an extremely good handling car. AWD is standard on the speed6 and let me tell you, the DSC (dynamic-stability control) is amazing. It is comparable to Audi’s innovative stability system in many ways. I turned it off one time just messing around, and I accelerated in boost and put the car sideways and not on purpose. It was extremely scary and proved to me DSC works VERY WELL and leave it on. The ECU is automatic in determining the right setting for the elements.
Over all I am so please with the car and I driven many models including Ford, Chevy, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Audi, VW, Ferrari, Porsche 911 and a Dodge Viper. I am kind of a car fanatic. Sorry this report is so thorough.
I can’t begin to tell you how many shocked drivers were brutally defeated by me, and then seeing them starring with a curious look at my Mazda speed 6 emblem, as I drive off with my 3 comfortably seated passengers.
---Bottom line, this is an awesome family/sports car, that may be a little overkill for the intended age group. It is great to go get some groceries, and then take it out to some twisty roads or demolish some “sport cars”. ---
Strengths:
-Great handling, and AWD peace of mind
-Turbo engine, and just as smooth gearbox
-Good looking
-Did I mention boost!
-Road noise
-Bose speaker system
-Limited production
-Competing with cars twice and three times more expensive
-Stability control option
Weaknesses:
-Maybe too much performance for normal families
-Gas mileage is ok (19-26est) at 93 octane (minimum)
-Price may be too high for a Mazda title
-Only certified Mazda speed dealerships will touch it
-Engine cool down, and warm up recommended
-Stiff clutch, not much playing with it, either engaged or not
-I would like a manual road conditions switch (tarmac, normal, snow)
-Heavy car
-Halogen housing for the HIDs is not very good.
Similar Products Used:
^^see above
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