Jeremy Clarkson
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From
January 27, 2008
Mazda6 MPS
Rating 
Verdict World-class athlete dressed as a salesman
At first glance, the Mazda 6 MPS appears to be nothing more than a rather lacklustre Korean saloon car. It even has the de rigueur Pacific Rim plastic radiator grille – a little something that bathes the package in an air of cheap nondescriptness.
So, if for some reason, you didn’t want a BMW 3-series, or an Audi A4, or a Mercedes C-class, there’s nothing here to cause even a momentary flutter of the left eyebrow. The Mazda may not even be remotely interesting to behold, but when you turn the key and go for a drive it’s... it’s... it’s amazing.
Under the bonnet there’s a turbocharged 2.3 litre direct injection engine that fires 256bhp at the four-wheel-drive system. This means there’s none of the torque steer you’d get from a powerful front-wheel-drive car. Put your foot down and bang. You’re off.
Six seconds later you’ve exploded past 60 and shortly thereafter you’re up past 140. This really is a magnificent driver’s car.
It handles well, with nicely weighted steering and, sadly, some excellent brakes. I was rather hoping I could run into something which would have broken that idiotic grille. It really does spoil the look of what is a far from ugly car. And it’s the only reason I’m not giving the MPS a five-star rating.
Price when tested (May 2006) £23,995
Model discontinued
Engine 2261cc, four cylinders
Power 256bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque 280 lb ft @ 3000rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 27.7mpg (combined) / 245g/km
0-62mph 6.6sec
Top speed 149mph
I bought my 6 MPS because of the price to performance ratio. Similar power and performance in one of the big 3 would cost double the £22,000 I paid from new. A bit plasticy inside, but track days are huge fun and it accelerates like an Imprezza. Can't wait for the new shape 2.5 Turbo 280BHP version
Scott Sawers, Market Deeping, UK
I have a Mazda 6 MPS and even though i have always bought mazda i find the MPS is the best car i have ever driven so much so im going to hold on to it as long as i can (i normally change annually) i wondering how many MPS are out there in I Ireland at the moment id love to know..
William Madigan, Cobh, Cork
I've waited for a car like the 6 MPS and finally, now that I have one they discontinue it, Oh Well !.... That's marketing but It is all that you say and more, sure footed, superbly quick and power that just goes on and on in any gear on any road, (and I live on the backroads of Ireland)...
Dave, Cork, ireland