Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 MazdaSpeed 6’s Comfort:
Comfort is a big plus with the 2006 Mazdaspeed 6. I found a perfect driving position thanks to the standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel and the multi-adjustable power driver’s seat. Soft upper door panels, a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a plush center console armrest pad only added to my comfort levels. And while some might feel the driver’s seat lacks bolstering, it does feature terrific thigh support.

Mazda has taken plenty of heat about rear seat space in the 6 sedan, but with the driver’s seat adjusted to my 33-inch inseam, I found enough room in back to tuck my legs in and sit comfortably with my knees just grazing the front seatback. That’s because the bottom seat cushion sits tall, offering good support and a commanding view out. Plus, there was enough space under the front seat to easily accommodate a pair of size-12 Timberlands. Adding to comfort levels is a center fold-down armrest, but the molded-in cupholders can be a little uncomfortable for elbows.

Loading the trunk for a trip isn’t as easy as it could be, thanks to a liftover height that’s a bit tall, an opening that’s a bit small, and a cargo net that gets in the way when it’s clipped into place. For closing the lid, Mazda supplies a nice pull-down grip.

Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 MazdaSpeed 6’s Comfort:
Competing with the 2006 MazdaSpeed 6 are cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution and the Subaru WRX, both of which are stellar performers that lack their share of comfort and refinement. The 6 is a bit different, expanding its focus beyond what’s under the hood to what’s inside. Those of us with aching backs and a little extra girth appreciate the well-bolstered but soft leather seats – they’re great for keeping you snug in corners as well as being comfortable during long highway runs. Also welcome are the padded armrests and window sills, the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and the power driver’s seat with manual lumbar. There’s plenty of room for drivers of varying sizes, and rear passengers will like the generous accommodations, fold-down padded armrest with cupholders, and nicely reclined seatback.

If Mazda is fielding suggestions on what may be improved, I’d point to the driver’s lumbar handle that offers no distinction between inflate and deflate. Also, the ride can be a bit jarring, but that’s a fair trade-off for the car’s superior handling.

Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 MazdaSpeed 6’s Comfort:
I was impressed with the MazdaSpeed 6’s comfort, from the ride quality to the well-bolstered seats. The MazdaSpeed 6 is a well thought out package offering comfortable leather seating, lots of soft touch panels, exceptional rear seat room, a smooth ride, and very little wind noise. A lot of nice touches add to the interior comfort like the dual opening center console with the padded lid, integrated water bottle holders in the door panels, assist handles for passengers, and a thick, comfortable steering wheel. Contrary to what Wardlaw says, I felt the liftover height into the trunk was low, making loading up the golf clubs easy. The only negative has to be the small rear seat opening. Entry and exit can be difficult, making it easy to hit your head if you are not paying attention.

Brian Chee’s Opinion of the 2006 MazdaSpeed 6’s Comfort:
Long drives in the MazdaSpeed 6 would be a drag, because the car feels narrow and there’s really nowhere to put your elbows – the padded center compartment is located too far back to be comfortable. Other than that, this performance variant of the successful Mazda 6 offers a competitive level of comfort, with nicely finished plastics and seats that look like they are made of durable materials. Interior appointments exclusive to the ‘Speed 6 include front sport bucket seats that are comfortable, huggy seats – fine for a typical drive but probably a little confining after about an hour or so. The seats split the difference between sport and sofa, let’s say – comfortable enough, and bolstered enough to keep you in place when the going gets fun. Our model featured heated and leather seats – the leather felt good, but the two-tone design was a bit garish, and the heat…wasn’t hot. Based on my brief drive, it seems as though the cloth interior trim would be a better value, along with, if needed, a copy of the Atkins Diet Essentials.