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2005 Mazda6 s Sport Road Test

Getting Spoiled in Mazdas Fully-Trimmed Flagship

Nothing particularly eventful took place during my test week with the new Mazda6 s Sport, but maybe thats because the car itself was such an event to drive. Those that asked what Mazdas flagship is like to live with, and I always have my regulars who pry me for information, caught an earful of unapologetic praise. Yes its good, very good.

First of all I find the Mazda6 to be one of the more attractively styled cars in its class. Its tight proportions and classy curves make it distinguishable from all angles. For the 2005 model year, prominent fender flares, distinguishing taillamps and a revised beltline are part of its exterior upgrades. In addition, Mazda stated that "the front and rear overhangs remain short in order to provide a long wheelbase for

The new Mazda6 s Sport was an event to drive. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

increased stability and handling," not to mention greater rear seat capacity. Also, energy-absorbing side moldings serve the dual purpose of visually lengthening the cars horizontal line while providing "excellent dent protection."

Just like Mazda boasts, the cars handling through tight turns and stability at all speeds is superb. Even with the long wheelbase, the 6 took to tight corners easily and executed them smoothly. I swear I heard the car telling me to push it a bit harder when the roadway started to wind, but unfortunately

The Mazda6s handling through tight turns and stability at all speeds is superb. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

I never got up the nerve being that it was literally a "brand-spanking new" vehicle in Mazdas press fleet, as one of the Mazda representatives pointed out to me.

Just the same I still enjoyed the odd short blast, and found the cars handling to be further enhanced by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with a quick ratio of only 2.54 turns lock to lock. The direct steering coupled with Mazdas factory-tuned suspension system make for an ideal match. That steering system, common to all Mazda6 models, features road-speed-sensing variable assistance, a technology that

The fact that my tester was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and optional 220-hp 24-valve DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine put a big smile on my face. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

automatically reduces assistance at high speeds in order to allow for greater road feedback transmitted through the steering wheel. Also, when at low speeds the steering gets lighter, allowing for easier maneuverability around town and especially when in crowded parking garages.

Those familiar with my weekly column know I like to shift for myself, which is why my face lit up with a smile when I first noted my Mazda6 loaner was equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission. It didnt feature the standard 4-cylinder engine, however, making me grin further still. Rather, a 24-valve, DOHC 3.0-liter V6 with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) lay under

The Mazda6s V6 engine, with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), offers a nice balance of refinement and power. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press

the hood, capable of producing 220 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Although the majority of its power and torque came at mid- to high-range revs, it still allowed for comfortable city driving. When I needed that extra jolt of power for passing on the highway or ascending up a hill, I just pushed the throttle a little harder and was never disappointed. I should mention that Mazda upgraded its automatic transmission, in case youre so inclined, from a 5-speed automatic with manual mode to a slick 6-speed automatic with manual mode, made by Toyotas Aisen division. Its the same unit sold in Fords new Five Hundred sedan. Overall, with the 5-speed manual I was testing at least, the 6s V6 offers a nice balance of refinement and power, with all the horses needed for a good gallop when called

The top level s Sport sedan comes fitted with standard 215/50R17 93 V-rated all season tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

upon.

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