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2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6
FAQ and Specs

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TO THE POINT What’s New? A 274-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and a restyled interior and exterior.
Selling Points: Strong acceleration past 2,500 rpm; excellent handling; all-wheel drive for bad weather; head-turning good looks; good bang-for-the-buck
Deal Breakers: So-so power below 2,500 rpm; back seat a little tight; standard summer tires will need to be replaced with snow tires when the first flakes fly
Our Advice: If you’re in the market for a sharp-looking sport sedan that combines above-average acceleration and handling with a kid-friendly back seat, you owe it to yourself to take the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 for a spin.

MEET THE COMPETITION Acura TSX Quick Spin
Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Quick Spin
Volkswagen Jetta GLI First Drive

RELATED LINKS 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 Photo Gallery
2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 Preview
MX-5 vs. MazdaSpeed Miata Photo Gallery

Click to enlarge. 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 FAQ and Specs The 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6’s main competitors include the Audi A4 2.0T, BMW 325Xi, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 250, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, Subaru WRX, and Volvo S40 T5.

What’s up with this “MazdaSpeed” name?
MazdaSpeed is Mazda’s performance-oriented sub-brand that markets go-fast parts and accessories and, more recently, hot-rodded versions of Mazda’s mainstream models. The underlying idea is that the glow from these sexy limited-production models will spill over to show all the company’s products in a more favorable light.

How come my local Mazda dealer doesn’t carry the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6?
MazdaSpeed models are only available at certified MazdaSpeed dealers, of which there are about 300 (out of a total 700 Mazda retailers) in the U.S.

How does the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6’s keyless-entry-and-start feature work?
The system, which is one of the slickest we’ve tried, starts with a thin credit card-size remote that fits easily into a shirt pocket. With this little doo-dad on your person (we hear inside a purse works too) you simply walk up to the car, touch the door handle to unlock it, slide behind the steering wheel, then twist the stub where the key would normally go and drive away. A cut-down version of a traditional metal key is housed in the remote and provides a handy back-up if the electronics ever go kaflooee.

SPECIFICATIONS
Test Vehicle: 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6
Price Range: $28,555 (Sport – includes $560 destination charge); $31,155 (Grand Touring)
Engine Size and Type: Turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 274 at 5,500 rpm
Engine Torque: 280 at 3,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,589
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 20/26 mpg
Length: 186.8 inches
Width: 70.1 inches
Wheelbase: 105.3 inches
Height: 56.3 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 42.3/36.5 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 38.7/37.1 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 5
Max. Cargo Volume: 12.4 cubic feet
Competitors: Acura TSX, Audi A4 2.0T, BMW 325Xi, Cadillac CTS 2.8L, Chevrolet Malibu SS, Chevrolet Impala SS, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Honda Accord EX V6, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 250, Mercedes-Benz C230, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Nissan Altima SE and SE-R, Pontiac G6 GTP, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S40 T5

Photos courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

 


About Alan Rider
Alan Rider is a contributing editor for Autobytel.com and two of the country¹s largest AAA magazine publishing groups, where his automotive reviews and feature stories are read by more than 7 million members. He is also a contributing editor to the AAA Buyer¹s Guide to New Cars & Trucks and an award judge for the organization¹s annual Top Car awards. He lives with his wife and son in Northern California.

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