While Mazda’s high-performance division has been kicking around U.S. racing circles since the early 1990s, it’s only been three years since the first turn-key MazdaSpeed models went on sale through U.S. dealers. Though those early efforts – which included MazdaSpeed versions of the compact Protégé’ sedan and Miata sports car – earned widespread praise, we still can’t help but be pleasantly surprised that such a relatively young program could create a sport sedan as sophisticated as this new MazdaSpeed 6.

While Mazda’s mainstream 6 line-up has grown in recent years to include sedan, sport wagon, and five-door hatchback models, the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 will only be offered in the four-door body style because of its greater structural rigidity. There are two trim levels to choose from, however, including the entry-level Sport and the upscale Grand Touring.

Sport models are well-equipped, with unique front sport seats, automatic climate control with pollen filter, cruise control, keyless entry, and a 200-watt Bose seven-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer. The Grand Touring trim level adds xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats and outside mirrors, and a nifty keyless-entry-and-start feature. Major options include a GPS navigation system, power sunroof (available on Grand Touring models only), Sirius satellite radio, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.

No matter which trim level you choose, you’ll get a car that both looks and drives significantly better than the very likeable mainstream model on which it’s based.