Mazda pioneered use of the unique rotary engine in mass-produced cars in 1970 and resurrected the affordable sports car roadster with its Miata in 1989. It also was the first to offer a convertible with a factory installed wind blocker for more comfortable top-down driving.
Mazda introduced its oddly named but racy looking Mazda6 sedan in 2003 to replace its less-than-thrilling 626 and battle popular cars such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in the mid-size sedan market, in which about 1.5 million cars are annually sold in America.
While practical, the Mazda6 was designed with an emphasis on sportiness in keeping with its creator's "zoom-zoom'' image. Car and Driver magazine promptly named the Mazda6 one of the 10 best cars of 2003.
Mazda knew it couldn't compete with the Camry or Accord on refinement and that offering more power would only give it a temporary edge. It also knew that South Korean automakers could undercut it on price.
While hatchbacks and station wagons are far more popular in other parts of the world, Mazda almost always has done better when doing something different. So it introduced a four-door hatchback and station wagon version of the Mazda6 to America in mid-2004, creating the most extensive lineup in the mid-size car category. Both share most parts with the sedan, so that was a low-cost investment.
It also was a good move. Mazda6 sales jumped from 57,340 cars in the first 11 months of 2003 to 65,142 in the same period last year. The Ford-controlled automaker promises to finish 2004 with car sales above the 2003 total.
List prices of the Mazda6 start at $18,995 and end at $26,795. Even the entry i Base sedan is well equipped, with such items as air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player and power windows, mirrors and locks, with remote keyless entry.
Trim levels are i Base sedan, i Sport sedan and hatchback, i Grand Touring sedan, s Base wagon, s Sport sedan, hatchback and wagon and s Grand Touring sedan and wagon.
The "i'' designation denotes a four-cylinder, 160-horsepower engine that comes in only sedans and hatchbacks. The upscale "s'' models have a smooth 3-liter, 220-horsepower V-6 that powers all body types.
The four-cylinder versions come with a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic, while the V-6 is hooked to either the manual or a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Both engines develop the most punch at high rpm levels with either transmission. However, a V-6 version is fast once under way. That engine whisked the $23,995 s Sport hatchback I tested to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and provided fast merging and good 65-75 mph passing -- although a downshift from fifth to fourth gear was needed for quick passing.
The s Sport hatchback looks especially fast because it has a Sport Package that contains 17-inch wheels, body colored "sport'' grille, aggressive front and rear fascias, integrated fog lights, side sill extensions, rear wing, oval-tipped exhaust outlets and titanium-look power window switch panels. It also has a rear wiper-washer.
The fuel economy champ is the four-cylinder with a manual gearbox, delivering an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 on highways. The V-6 with the manual provides 19 and 26 -- and does slightly better with the six-speed automatic.
The manual gearbox in my test hatchback shifted crisply, but had a rather stiff, long-throw clutch. Still, the manual seems best suited to the sporty Mazda6 and makes it the most fun to drive.
The variable-assist steering is fast and direct, although the car's turning circle is rather wide. Handling is sharp, especially with the available 17-inch wheels, and an all-independent suspension provides a supple ride. The brakes are strong, with good pedal feel.
It's too early to change the car's basic design, so the 2005 Mazda6 gets noteworthy improvements. For example, it's the first mid-size car offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. All versions of the Mazda6 also get standard anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Also new are standard 17-inch alloy wheels (vs. 16-inchers) on Sport sedans and hatchback and wagon models, along with a power driver's seat standard on Sport and Grand Touring versions.
A Bose audio system/tilt-slide glass sunroof package is newly standard on Grand Touring and optional on Base and Sport models. All Sport versions now have a body color front grille, spoiler and gray headlight bezels for a more aggressive look.
New safety features include front side torso and two-row head-protecting curtain side air bags for most models.
Outside door handles are large for quick entry to the attractive interior, which has numerous storage areas. The supportive front bucket seats slide back a lot, and five tall adults comfortably fit in the generally quiet interior, which has easily read gauges.
The tilt-telescopic steering wheel has handy radio and cruise controls, but it's easy to confuse the large, similar-looking climate and audio system controls on the titanium-color center dashboard console. The front seat heater controls are awkwardly put on the forward face of the center-armrest console, which contains two large cupholders with a sliding cover.
All models have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with releases in the cargo area that don't force you to open a rear door to use them. The large cargo area becomes especially spacious when rear seatbacks are flipped forward, especially in the hatchback.
The Mazda6 sedan isn't as refined as some Japanese rivals, although it's established itself as a worthy contender and the hatchback and wagon versions don't have much competition.
2005 MAZDA6
PRICES
$18,995-$26,795
LIKES
Stylish. Sporty. Roomy. Fast with V-6. Fun to drive.
DISLIKES
Not as refined as some rivals. Wide turning circle. Long-throw clutch. High revs needed.