2003 Mazda6 Sedan

Inside, a T-shaped instrument panel, finished with a titanium-hued surface, looks like a part out of a Miata or an RX-7.

The 220 horsepower V-6 is based on Ford's aluminum Duratec engine found in the Mondeo, Taurus and Jaguar X-Type, but Mazda's engineers reportedly designed the valvetrain their way for better response and high revs. Variable valve timing is an included feature, optimizing economy and power. A lower girdle assembly aligns the main bearing caps and frames the lower end with side stiffening rails. Accessories are mounted to the block or the heads to prevent unnecessary noise and vibration. The cylinder head covers are cast-magnesium. All-of-a-piece, the V-6 revs merrily and seamlessly with a metallic whir any red-blooded enthusiast will love to hear again and again. Despite a high 10.0:1 compression ratio, clever cylinder head and combustion chamber design permits use of 87RON octane with no power-sapping losses. The Mazda6 in both iterations is ULEV certified in California and LEV in all other states; 27 mpg is achievable at highway speeds. Nice to have your cake and eat it too.


Mazda is Ford Motor Company's designated small-engine leader and the 160-hp twin-cam I-4 shows why that decision was made. This engine too features an aluminum block and head, cast-iron cylinder liners for durability and balance shafts for smooth operation. We tested the 4-cylinder manual on an autocross course and were delighted with its quick response, torque-y acceleration and nimble feel. Steering is a selfish 2.54 turns lock-to-lock. Driving the V-6 briskly on Mulholland Drive and through the canyons of LA's Santa Monica mountains, we came away convinced that the Mazda6 has earned the right to call itself a sport sedan.


Mazda plans to enlarge the Mazda6 range with a 5-door hatchback and a sport wagon, late in 2003. The new Mazda6 replaces the old 626 and the Millennia, and the V-6 is more powerful than either predecessor's. We think Mazda's finally got it right with this car. While Mazda's planners are cautious with sales predictions, and they know a focused sporty model won't take a huge bite out of Camry and Accord sales, they're ratcheting up production for higher numbers than before. We would too. (www.mazdausa.com)