Putting all of this power down proved to be too much for the Mazda6's five-speed box and front drive layout, which prompted Mazda's nerd herd to spec a sweet six-speed transmission (more on this later). But the AWD system is the real star of this show. The all-new drivetrain is called the Mazda Active Torque Split system and it utilizes a power take off system and a torque control coupling to deliver varying amounts of torque to the rear wheels depending on load, wheel spin, and driving conditions. The system also automatically alternates between three different driving modes. Normal mode sends more power to the front wheels to optimize straight-line stability. If you lay into the throttle with any sort of vigor the system will engage the Sports mode, sending more power to the rear wheels as well as providing heightened steering feel. As traction falls away torque is maximized to all four wheels in the appropriately named Snow mode.
As you enter the cabin it's easy to see the Mazdaspeed6 as an "executive express" kind of car. The materials are elegant and for an additional $1,930 the Grand Touring package offers leather seats with heat for the fronts and 8-way power adjustability for the driver. The only other notable option is the DVD-based navigation system. In a Grand Touring-equipped MS6 one feels ensconced in the type of luxury reserved for something priced well above the $30K mark. In addition to Cocoa Puffs we're also cuckoo for manual gearboxes and we love to grab stick whenever we can (and to think our moms said we would go blind). Mind you, Mazda, we are not complaining about the six-speed manual being the only transmission offering in the MS6, but the lack of any kind of automatic or even wannabe clutchless manual (an oxymoron of the highest caliber) seems out of step with the overall directive of this car. Again, we're not complaining but we do see a bit of a mixed message here.
Another small quibble with the Mazdaspeed6 was the vague engagement of the clutch but once underway all was forgiven.Although we questioned the six-speed as the only offering in the MS6 it was as smooth as any we've sampled with crisp, short throws, a solid feel and any other clich gearbox descriptors that we dare use. The thrust from the 2.3 turbo DISI was exciting up until 5,500 rpm (well short of the 6,700 rpm redline) as the K04 turbo was sourced for its ability to spool up quickly, which it does. The disheartening tradeoff for a turbo that doesn't lag is the lack of top end thrust but it's definitely not a deal breaker and the low end torque is a welcome trait from a Japanese turbo four. The suspension is firmly dampened but not so much in a harsh way. But in the corners the real hero was the AWD system. The Mazdaspeed6 doesn't push like most AWD cars (or even those that are FWD-based). This car has a much more secure neutral feel to it.
In the end the Mazdaspeed6 is not an Evo or STI-fighter but it does offer the sort of performance in keeping with the expectations of the Mazdaspeed brand all wrapped up luxurious, polished package that those "rally replicas" can't touch.