Review: Mazda GG Mazda6 MPS (2005-07)

Overview

Released in Australia in September 2005, the Mazda GG Mazda6 MPS was a sports sedan. Manufactured in Japan, the all-wheel drive Mazda6 MPS was powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

L3-VDT Engine

The 2261 cc L3-VDT petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct injection (Mazda’s ‘Direct Injection Spark Ignition’, or DISI) operating at up to 115 bar, a single-scroll Borg Warner K04 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.076 bar (15.6 psi), an air-to-air intercooler mounted on top of the engine, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

To ensure progressive power delivery and minimise understeer in first and second gear, throttle valve position and boost pressure were regulated by the electronic throttle control and turbocharger wastegate, respectively.

Aisin BG6 transmission

The Mazda6 MPS had a six-speed Aisin BG6 (A26MX-R) transmission which had a compact three-shaft design. In this transmission, the first three gears had triple-cone synchronisers, while fourth gear had double-cone synchronisers.

Fuel consumption

Over the combined ADR 81/01 test cycle, fuel consumption for the Mazda6 MPS was 10.5 litres per 100 km.

‘Active Torque Split’ AWD system

The ‘Active Torque Split’ all-wheel drive system for the Mazda6 MPS utilised an electronically-controlled multi-plate electromagnetic clutch that was mounted in front of the rear differential.

In normal conditions, the engine’s torque was directed to the front wheels for a 100:0 front:rear torque distribution. By monitoring steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G-force and throttle inputs, the on-board computer could determine whether to engage the electromagnetic clutch and direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, i.e. a 50:50 front:rear torque split.

Furthermore, the on-board computer automatically selected from three different modes which affected the behaviour of the coupling:

• Normal;
• Sports;
• Snow; and,
• Power Take Off which ‘aggressively’ engaged the coupling to increase torque to the rear wheels when accelerating from rest.

The Mazda6 MPS was also fitted with a torque-sensing Tochigi-Fuji limited slip rear differential.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the GG Mazda6 sedan , the Mazda6 MPS was 90 mm longer (at 4670 mm) and 5 mm lower (1430 mm), though width (1780 mm) and wheelbase length (2675 mm) were unchanged. Furthermore, boot capacity was 455 litres and kerb weight was 1612 kg. Visually, the Mazda6 MPS could be identified by the ‘press line’ on its bonnet, aerodynamic front bumper and lower grille, flared side skirts, rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust pipe and rear lip spoiler.

Relative to the GG Mazda6 sedan, the body of the Mazda6 MPS achieved a 50 per cent increase in torsional stiffness due to:

• The addition of four angled diagonal brace members behind the rear seats;
• A cross member atop the floor which spanned the width of the cabin to support the damper mounts;
• Stronger rear suspension mounts to support the greater damping force of the rear dampers;
• Larger reinforcements for the inside of the bumper section;
• An extended cowl member which connected directly to stiffeners on the front damper mounts;
• Additional joints between the instrument panel members and the body;
• The front suspension and engine were mounted on stronger body mounts;
• Reinforcing gussets were added to the left and right roof rails and header sections of the upper body; and,
• Local reinforcement of sub-assemblies.

Suspension and steering

The GG Mazda6 MPS had double wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs and double-acting shock absorbers, and independent ‘E-Type’ multi-link rear suspension with MacPherson struts, low profile springs and double-acting shock absorbers. Compared to the standard GG Mazda6, spring rates for the Mazda6 MPS were increased by 25 per cent and 37 per cent for the front and rear, respectively, while thicker stabiliser bars were also utilised.

The Mazda6 MPS had hydraulic power-assisted steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mazda GG Mazda6 MPS included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Mazda6 MPS had 320 mm by 25 mm vented front disc brakes and 314 mm by 11 mm solid rear discs.

Features: Mazda6 MPS and Leather Pack

Standard features for the Mazda6 MPS included 18 x 7.0J alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 93Y tyres, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, cloth seats, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, xenon headlights, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment, tinted windows, front courtesy lamps, drilled aluminium pedals and footrest, stainless steel scuff plates, illuminated vanity mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Mazda6 MPS was available with an optional, extra-cost ‘Leather Pack’ which added a 200 watt Bose sound system with seven speakers, leather seat trim, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with three position memory settings and a power-operated sliding glass sunroof.

Paint colours

The Mazda6 MPS was available in Liquid Silver metallic, Titanium Grey metallic, Velocity Red mica, Radiant Ebony mica, White Pearl mica and Black mica paint finishes.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mazda GG/GY Mazda6