narci

What do you guys think?

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ode=MS6&bhcp=1

MSRP starting at $28,555* $30,485*


2.3L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine with turbocharger and direct gas injection S S
Peak horsepower 274 @ 5500
Peak torque (lb-ft) 280 @ 3000
Redline 6700
6-speed manual transmission S S
All-wheel drive S S
Front double wishbone suspension S S
Rear independent E-type multi-link suspension S S
4-wheel disc brakes S S
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) S S
Traction Control System (TCS) S S


18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels S S
MAZDASPEED unique body-color sport grille S S
Rear lip spoiler S S


Air conditioning with pollen filter S S
3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise & audio controls S S
Tilt and telescopic steering column S S
Leather-wrapped shift knob and parking brake handle S S
Leather-trimmed seat upholstery -- S
8-way power driver's seat with manually adjustable lumbar support -- S
Advanced keyless entry & start system -- S
Power windows with 4-window auto up/down feature S S
Bose® 7-speaker 200-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with subwoofer and in-dash 6-disc CD changer S S


Dual front air bag supplemental restrain system (SRS) with crash zone, driver's seat position and passenger weight sensors‡ S S
Front side air bags and side air curtains: S S
LATCH child safety-seat anchors in rear seat S S
Anti-theft alarm system S S
Remote keyless entry system with panic button feature S S
Valet key system S S

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

* MSRP includes destination charges but excludes tax, title and license fees. Destination charges may vary in Alaska and Hawaii.
‡ Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.

2006 MAZDASPEED6

Mechanical Features

2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport Grand Touring



Turbocharged 2.3L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 S S
Intercooler S S
Direct gas injection S S
Aluminum head and block S S


6-speed manual overdrive transmission S S
Active torque-split All-wheel drive system S S
Rear limited-slip differential S S


Stainless steel exhaust system S S
Dual bright oval outlets S S


Rack-and-pinion S S
Engine-speed-sensing variable assist S S


Double wishbone type with coil springs S S
Stabilizer bar S S
Double-acting twin-tube shocks S S


E-type multi-link with shock absorbers and coil springs S S
Stabilizer bar S S
Double-acting mono-tube shocks S S


Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes S S
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Traction Control System (TCS) S S

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

2006 MAZDASPEED6

Exterior Features

2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport Grand Touring



Body-color grip-type door handles S S
Body-color protective side moldings S S
Black front grille with chrome-plated trim S S
MAZDASPEED6 unique body-color sport grille S S
MAZDASPEED6 unique front & rear bumpers S S
MAZDASPEED6 unique side sill extensions S S
MAZDASPEED6 unique rear lip spoiler S S
Front mud guards S S


18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels S S


P215/45R18 93Y summer radials S S
Temporary spare tire S S


HID low beam headlights S S
Halogen high beam headlights S S
Gray-color headlight housings S S
Halogen fog lights S S


Power windows with 4-window auto up/down feature S S
Speed sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers S S
Windshield with sunshade S S
Dual power remote mirrors S --
Heated dual power remote door mirrors -- S
Power moonroof -- O

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

2006 MAZDASPEED6

Interior Features

2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport Grand Touring



5-passenger seating capacity S S
Cloth-trimmed seats S --
Leather-trimmed seats -- S
Driver’s seat with manual height adjustment S --
8-way power driver's seat with manually adjustable lumbar support -- S
Heated front seats -- S
Height adjustable front headrests S S
Height adjustable rear headrests S S


Carpeted front and rear floor mats S S
Chrome-plated door handles S S
Silver power window switch panel S S
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with cruise and audio controls S S
Leather-wrapped shift knob S S
Leather-wrapped parking brake handle S S
Carbon-fiber-look instrument panel trim insert S S


Power windows with 4-window one-touch up/down feature S S
Driver-side power window cancel switch S S
Power sliding-glass moonroof with interior sunshade -- O


Bose® 7-speaker 200-watt sound system - 4 full-range, 2 tweeters, subwoofer S S
SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system (excl. AK, HI) S S
Roof-mounted radio antenna S S
In-dash 6-CD changer S S
In-dash, full-logic, auto-reverse cassette player O / A O / A
MP3 player A A
MiniDisc player A A
Navigation system O O


Air conditioning S S
Pollen filter S S
Automatic climate control S S
Rear seat heater ducts S S
Rear window defogger S S
Front side-window demisters S S


Center instrument panel display (clock, audio, HVAC, outside ambient temp.) S S
Cigarette lighter and Illuminated ash tray S S
12-volt power outlet in center armrest S S
Gauge illumination dimming control S S


Gauges: tachometer, speedometer, fuel, engine coolant temperature S S
Odometer with dual resettable trip odometers S S
Warning lights: parking brake, high-beam, check engine, oil pressure, battery charge, defrost-on, seatbelts, airbags, door ajar, low fuel S S
Electroluminescent gauges with red nighttime illumination S S


Tilt and telescopic steering wheel S S
Illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls S S
Cruise control with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls S S
Remote keyless illuminated entry system with retractable key S S
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System -- S
Power door locks with 2-stage unlocking - driver and passenger-side switches S S
Driver and passenger side centralized door locking switches S S
Electronic lockout protection S S
Center console armrest with covered dual storage compartments S S
Rear seat center armrest with two cupholders S S
Two front cup holders with lid S S
Remote hood and fuel-door releases S S
Automatic headlight shutoff w/ delay S S
Dual illuminated covered visor vanity mirrors S S
Driver-side visor with ticket holder S S
Front door storage pockets with bottle holders S S
Driver's side front seatback storage pocket S S
Driver-side footrest S S
Three passenger assist grips with dampened movement S S
Two coat hooks S S
Two cargo side pockets S S
Illuminated glove compartment with lock S S
Dampened four-link trunk hinge design S S


Front and rear overhead dual map lights S S
Cargo area light S S
Illuminated power window switches S S
Ignition key illumination S S
Delayed courtesy lights (front and rear map lights, front door lights) S S

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

2006 MAZDASPEED6

Safety & Security

2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport Grand Touring



Dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) - with crash zone and driver's seat position sensors (Mazda Advanced Restraint System - "MARS")* S S
Dual front side-impact air bag (SAB) supplemental restraint system (SRS) S S
Front and rear side air curtains: S S
Whiplash-reducing front seat headrests S S
Front safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters S S
3-point safety belts for all seating positions S S
Height adjustable front shoulder belt "B" pillar anchors S S
Child-safety rear door locks S S
LATCH system - rear seat child safety-seat lower anchors and upper tethers S S
Trunk entrapment release system S S
"Triple H" construction S S
Front and rear side-impact door beams S S
"Crushable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly S S
Rear-door catch pins S S


Engine immobilizer system S S
Anti-theft alarm system S S
Keyless remote panic button feature on key fob S S
Valet key system S S

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

* Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat

2006 MAZDASPEED6

Options & Accessories

2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport Grand Touring



Power sliding-glass moonroof with interior sunshade -- O
Navigation system O O
Bright chrome aluminum fuel-filler door O / A O / A
Pearl satin aluminum fuel-filler door O / A O / A
Cargo net O / A O / A
Compass/auto dimming mirror O / A O / A
Moonroof wind deflector O / A O / A
All-weather floor mats O / A O / A
Wheel locks (set of 4) O / A O / A
Alarm shock sensor upgrade O / A O / A
SIRIUS Satellite Radio w/ 6 month subscription (excl. AK, HI) O / A O / A
Cassette player A A
MP3 player A A
Touch-up paint - exterior color A A
Car cover A A
Car cover cable lock A A
Front mask A A
First aid kit A A
Roadside assistance kit A A
Windshield sunscreen A A
18" Forged Aluminum Wheel A A

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

2006 MAZDASPEED6

Specifications

2006 MAZDASPEED6 All Models



Engine type 2.3L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 with turbo
Horsepower (SAE net) 274 @ 5500 rpm
Torque, (lb-ft, SAE net) 280 @ 3000 rpm
Redline 6700 rpm
Displacement (cubic inches) 137.9
Bore x stroke (inches) 3.44 x 3.70
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Fuel system Direct injection
Recommended fuel 93 octane *
Minimum fuel requirement Premium*
Valvetrain 4 valves per cylinder, mechanical lifters
Engine block Aluminum alloy
Cylinder heads Aluminum alloy
Emission control 3-way catalytic converter
Ignition system Full transistor breakerless electronic
Alternator 12V-110AH
Battery 55D23L
Starter 12V-1.4kw


Type All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transmissions 6-speed manual
Clutch type Single dry plate with diaphragm spring
Transmission ratios (:1) 1st 3.538
2nd 2.238
3rd 1.535
4th 1.171
5th 1.085
6th 0.853
Reverse 3.831
Final Drive 1st - 4th 3.941
5th, 6th, Rev. 3.350


Body type 5-passenger, monocoque unit
4-door sedan
Front suspension Independent, high-mount double wishbones, coil springs, and stabilizer bar
Rear suspension Independent, E-type multi-link, coil springs,
and stabilizer bar
Shock absorbers Front Cylindrical, double-acting, twin tube
Rear Cylindrical, double-acting, mono tube
Steering type Rack-and-pinion
Power assist Engine-rpm sensitive; variable power-assist
Overall steering ratio 16.1:1
Steering wheel turns-to-Lock 2.6
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet) 36.8
Braking system Power assist; 4-wheel, 4-sensor, 3-channel Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Brake discs Front Ventilated discs (12.6 x 1.0 inches)
Rear Solid discs (12.4 x 0.4 inches)
Parking brake Mechanical, hand-operated on rear wheels
Tires P215/45R18 93Y summer radials
Tire Inflation Pressure (front/rear) 37.7 psi
Wheels 7.0JJ x 18
Temporary Spare Tire T145/70D17
Temporary Spare Wheel 17 x 4T


EPA Mileage (City/Highway) 19 / 25


Crankcase (U.S. quarts) 6.8
Engine coolant (U.S. quarts) 8.5
Fuel tank capacity (gallons) 15.9


Wheelbase 105.3
Track: (front & rear) 60.6
Length 186.8
Width 70.1
Height 56.3
Minimum ground clearance, laden 4.86
Weight distribution, % front:rear 60:40
Curb weight (Federal spec, lbs.) M/T 3589
GVWR (lbs.) Total 4552
Front 2449
Rear 2103


EPA Passenger Volume (cu ft) 96.1
EPA Total Volume (cu ft) 108.6
EPA Vehicle Size Category Compact car
Headroom (inches) Front 38.7
Front with moonroof 38.0
Rear 37.1
Leg room (inches) Front 42.3
Rear 36.5
Shoulder room (inches) Front 56.1
Rear 54.9
Hip room (inches) Front 54.7
Rear 54.1
Rear knee clearance 2.4

S Standard P Package Option O Stand-Alone Option A Dealer Installed Accessory -- Not Available

* This vehicle is designed to use 93 octane (AKI) or higher gasoline for best performance. If 93 octane (AKI) is not available, 91 or 92 octane (AKI) gasoline can be used. In case 91 or 92 octane (AKI) is not available, gasoline as low as 87 octane (AKI) can be used temporarily for emergency purposes. Use of gasoline lower than 93 octane (AKI) can decrease performance during its use.


SITE MAP | CONTACT US | TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY/CA PRIVACY
©2005 MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SilverUA5

But it's a Mazda.

hans007

a friend of mine is considering getting one. they are only making 5000 of them.

im sure it is a great car, but it is quite a bit more expensive (and i dont think you can get nav on it) . i bought my tsx more because it was fairly luxurious and fairly sporty. more balanced.

the mazdaspeed6 i think is like... i dunno a bigger STI. so its not quite the same balance, but if speed and handling are your thing it probably kill the tsx.

Schmed

I contacted a few local dealers via e-mail last week to find out when they will get one. None replied yet. I would like to test drive one before pullling the trigger on a TSX. At this point, I figure Acura deserves my business more than Mazda since they can't take 10 seconds to get back to me.

On paper, looks like a fun car.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

More expensive, not as attractive, and unknown reliability...

I think I'll take a pass for the moment.

amadeus303

iTrader: (2)

I came from a Mazda 6s V6 5MT, and it was a great car. The handling in stock form was *noticeably* better than my TSX in stock form, ESPECIALLY the brakes. The manual tranny was very smooth (although it's no Honda). Acceleration was slow even with the V6, but it's expected from a heavy sedan. I still get invited to the Mazda Zoom Zoom events --- they're like track days where you get to try out the various cars in the Mazda lineup... take them around the track, try out some new aftermarket equipment, etc. I had a chance to test drive the Mazdaspeed6, and it was pretty nice. The torque pushed you back in your seat, and the chassis felt tight going around the bends... minimal body roll. Even still, I'd still take my TSX over it, despite the HUGE differential in power. There is no mistaking the interior fit and finish of a Honda/Acura, and while the interiors of the Mazdas are well laid out, you can tell that some materials could've been of a higher quality. The next gen of Mazdas are really fun to drive. I had my 6 for almost 2 years, and it was a blast... my parents' neighbors have a RX-8... and my cousin has a 3 Hatch. Ultimately, I wanted a car that could give me performance, while also making me feel like I'm truly driving in "luxury." Hans007 is right when he said that the TSX is more "balanced" --- in my opinion, the Mazdaspeed6 is more focused on the driving experience.

Also, just to clear it up, the Mazdaspeed6 is available with nav... and the V6 models now come with 18" wheels as standard. If you decide to go with the Mazda, let me know... I have a transferrable $500 voucher towards any new 2005-06 Mazda...

phirenze

Can someone decipher that mess and describe the difference between the two trims?

TinkyWinky

It's more in the class of the TL, don't you think?

In my mind, if I were ever to get a Mazda, it would be one from their MazdaSpeed line. If the small price difference is not a big deal for you, I would go with the Speed6. The performance specs look yummy.

narci

click the link at the top.



The price, up here in Canada, it starts at $35,995 cdn MSRP.

The TSX MSRP is $34,900 cdn.

On paper it looks good. Never driven a mazdaspeed but I did own a mazda and vowed never to buy another one. That was 10 years ago though.

I wonder, stock 270hp turbo...how much more can that motor put out with minor mods and upping the boost?

hellspare

Looks fun, but I was never a big fan of turbo cars. Is the turbo lag bad? Plus, I always hated the interiors of the mazda 6. I really really really hated the interior, especially the round things.

DaveWhyman

Requires 93 octane, that stuff is hard to find in Canada. Probably likes a lot of it too....

afici0nad0

tsx vs. mazdaspeed6?

i'm not even sure i would consider these cars in the same class? performance-wise, i don't think a tsx would be able to keep up. aesthetics for interior/interior, i guess you can make a case of either car.

whenever i hear, "turbo4, awd", i think of an evo or sti. maybe the mazdaspeed6 is geared towards those group of cars?

Mokos23

I don't know about you guys/gals, but I'm sick and tired of all the threads that start with
TSX vs. .........

Next thing you know it will TSX vs. Kia Rio...........

Mazda's are crap other than the Rx-8.

aaronng

I liked the interior of the 6. Didn't like the interior of the Mazdaspeed 6. My Accord Euro has fabric seats and trim, and I think is still better than the Mazdaspeed 6. So the TSX would whip it pants down with its leather interior and nicer trim.

hellspare

That's a bold statement to say. I don't think we should say mazdas SUCK, because they don't. If you think the Rx-8 is the only worthy mazda, you obviously haven't test driven the 6, 3, OR the miata.

West6MT

Just go to Sunoco and put in 94. I only put Sunoco or Shell gas in my TSX,...same goes for my dads infiniti.

West6MT

I was thinking of starting TSX vs HUMMER H3.

LOL

S14 n Tsx

SilverUA5

It aims toward the Subaru Legacy and Audi A4 more than the TSX.

narci

Hard? All Sunoco's sell 94 and some Esso's sell 94 as well.

My baby only get sthe good stuff, 94 all the time.

Paper wise and technicality wise, the 6 might not compete witht he 6. Reality wise, people do compare the 2 cars very often when deciding to buy a 4 door car.

amadeus303

iTrader: (2)

TSX6one9

ianS

Miata is so fun to drive and Mazda 3 or the MazdaSpeed portege are also best in its class too. But also agree that Mazda reliabily sucks. I love to drive Mazda but I will not buy one ne more.

afici0nad0

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=107863

afici0nad0

"Although the standard Mazda 6 is built in Flat Rock, Michigan, due to its complexity, the Mazdaspeed 6 comes from Hofu, Japan."

are they implying something here? maybe not. perhaps the michigan factory simply does not have the equipment, etc., to build the speed6...

markcoburn

I own a Miata and it is a fantastic car. I read an article about the TSX and it stated that the TSX's shifter was so good that it was 'almost' Miata-like. Every 2-seat sports car <$30k is compared to the Miata. It's the most sold sports car ever and the Miata Club is the largest auto owners club in the world. It's the 3-series of roadsters. There is no way to tell someone how fun this car is. I usually have to show them how to throw it around corners and let them try it... then they understand and want one.

Just had a 6 as a rental for 10 days. It is so much better than the other mid-size rental-grade cars that is was like a free upgrade.

When ever I'm stuck in a compact class for business travel, I request a 3. It's even a more dramatic upgrade over its peers than the 6. For just me, I prefer it over the 6. Before the new Civic, I'd claim it as my favorite compact. I'm looking forward to the Mazdaspeed3.

As far as non-premium brands go, I think that Mazda has one of the most interesting lineups available. We almost chose an RX8 over the TSX. If it was for me and not my wife, we'd probably have chosen the 8 and I was shocked at how close my wife came to choosing the RX8. She has only owned Accords before (the TSX will be her 4th Honda product).

I could see someone who values power and AWD to be drawn from the TSX and to the Speed6. It's not surprising. How many threads have we read stating "Put turbo and SH-AWD in the TSX, please...."? I only think that the 6 is a little too big and the slightly tighter package of the TSX is more suited to sport-sedan duty. That’s why the Mazdaspeed3 might be more of a draw for TSX lovers.

waTSX

This is just an ignorant statement.

Mazda has made some of the coolest driver-oriented cars in automotive history. From the current lineup of the 6 & 3, both very capable and affordable drivers cars, to the RX7 and the current Miata/MX5, maybe the best bang-for-the-buck enthusiasts car out there, Mazda has a pretty solid track record of making fun-to-drive cars.

Whether or not you think their interiors/exteriors are to your liking is purely subjective, but to say they are *crap* is BS.

I happen to think the 6, 3 and RX8 are sharp looking.

ianS

I read an actricle a while ago that the Mazda chairman said that since the MazdaSpeed6 is to shine their brand image, so they decide to develop their own in house engine instead of using the questionable quality corporate V6 engine.

afici0nad0

could be...

based on my perception of quality, if i had the choice, i think i would rather have my engine's final assembly done in japan...

CL Platano

I was reading about this thing today and sounds like a fun car to drive but like a majority said, it's still a Mazda..I can't see spending all that money for a Mazda..

DownUnder

Mazda's are almost reliable as Honda's:
http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/consumerreports.pdf

itrhybrid

iTrader: (1)

Did you really have to post every detail and option available on the mazda?
Search. there have been threads on this before.....

hans007

i'm not a huge fan of the rx8. it looks pretty decent, but as any everyday car the rate it burns gas and oil is ridiculous. yes i know rotaries are supposed to burn some oil.

the 3 and 6 though i think are excellent cars for their class. probably best of class (new civic might beat the 3). i mean the only reason the ford fusion is good is that its a mazda 6 platform.

the 2.3L mazda i-4 is also an excellent i-4 engine.

thats said, mazda nav sucks. also a well spec'd out mazda3 can go over 23k for one configured like a tsx with nav, so i'm not sure the 4-5k savings would be worth it. the lower end models are very good values though, much better than say a corolla.

afici0nad0

i don't know...

if we ignore the brand name, and take it for what it is, that is, a competitor in the awd turbo4 class, i think the price is pretty competitive.

i'd never have thought that people would pay close to CDN$60K OTD for a wrx sti, but, after considering the total package, it may not be a bad price after all...

ya, the speed6 is a first year production run, so reliability feeback will be limited.

HoRRo

Comparing an NA car and an FI car is literally apples and oranges. Among the other countless comparisons that are rather far fetched.

BTW, the RX-8's suck, if you worked at a Mazda dealer you'd know. I'll take an old RX-7 any day.

mugen_pwptsx

mazdaspeed 6 is a beast... i drove it before... the torque is crazy on that car... and i'm sure it's way faster than the RX8........ if i did wait for abit, i should be driving a speed6 now instead of the tsx... neways, it's a really nice and fun car to drive

afici0nad0

i'm assuming you work at mazda. any horror stories for these cars?

sauceman

Price in Canada is pretty attractive, but there must be a reason somewhere for this.

I would also be very weary of their tranny. It is known to be a weak link, and I wouldn't want to have to deal with it, especially on a rather little production vehicle like this one. It could mean lots of downtime if ever something broke.

HoRRo

My bro is a service advisor at a Mazda dealership, 3's are selling really well, but have some brake issues. One particular 3 hit an obstruction against the bottom of the engine, causing the only 2 engine mounts to drop the engine. Mazdaspeed Protege has some turbo issues. RX-8, as most ppl know drinks gas and burns oil like no other. Furthermore, the gas tank is plastic and current owners need to come in so a heatshield is installed. Never knew it was even safe to use plastic for a gas tank. No stories on the other models, afaik.

Edit: Forgot to note that my bro said the Mazdaspeed6 is a beast, fun to "drive", but he said he wouldn't own one.

peter_bigblock

I think comparing the Mazda with the TSX is valid. A lot of people looking for a 4dr sports sedan will consider them both. The Mazda is much, much quicker than the TSX and the TSX is a more refined, higher-marque, and better-built car. Personally, I would have a hard time paying $30,000 for a mid-size Mazda, just as I'd have a hard time paying $34,000 for a boxy Mitsubishi Evo or the scoop-and-wing crazy Subaru. But I wouldn't race one either, those things are monsters.

Acura is selling the TSX to people who don't want to drive monsters. It isn't just about horsepower, after all. But it's fair to say that the Mazda steps firmly into the TSX's arena with a 70 hp and 100 lbs-ft advantage -- that's got to have the Acura engineers and marketing guys thinking.