Test Drove A Mazda Mps - Turbo Awd

[Topaz]

I love this car, the Australian model looks better than the concept I think

and to think Volvo has made something worth owning, but noone would call you a Volvo driver in that...for obvious physical reasons

[Turbo Tim]

And now that Subaru has dropped the Liberty GT, if you want a new car with a factory turbo the Mazda6 MPS has become the only choice.

If I had to buy a cruiser / family type car for that price, and I wanted something new and with warranty etc....I'd be hard pressed to choose between the MPS and the 300C. Depends on if I want show or go, I suppose

There are still plenty of factory turbo cars left e.g. EVO's, Subaru's, VW golf and polo gti, renault megane 225 and prolly a few more of those europeans too.

I think for the price, it would be really hard to beat an evo if you wanted go, just a shame they are fairly basic inside and look like they do on the outside.

[GTRgeoff]

Active AWD is Front/Rear 100/0 - 50/50 so still a FWD based car with the inherent shortcomings.

Don't know what you're talking about with the el'driftloser focus on the marketing Shan

Basically, still just a current crap shopping trolley Mazda tring to hang onto the success of their only real zoom zoom model - the RX-7

[funkymonkey]

Basically, still just a current crap shopping trolley Mazda tring to hang onto the success of their only real zoom zoom model - the RX-7

Actually I thought it'd be a throwback to the AWD turbo Mazda 323/Familia GTX's of the late 80's than an RX-7. The old AWD mazda's were great fun (and they rocked the rally world something stupid), so if they're anything to go by this new version should be sweet.

[GTRgeoff]

Gotta agree on the old mazdas, back when the company had some cred. Murray Coote was in my club running a 323 Familia GTR in QRC/ARC with the big turb and hand built engine, plus a variable torque split. I'd still love to garage one of them.

Mazda have become a company trying not to offend anyone, but still pretending their cars have go. Eg the RX-8, the best thing can be said is it has great handling, which is just code for it's gutless.

[RBFIRE]

Mazda have become a company trying not to offend anyone, but still pretending their cars have go. Eg the RX-8, the best thing can be said is it has great handling, which is just code for it's gutless.

so true,

but RX-7 always have special place in my heart!

Edited March 8, 2006 by RBFIRE

[Beer Baron]

Active AWD is Front/Rear 100/0 - 50/50 so still a FWD based car with the inherent shortcomings.

Don't know what you're talking about with the el'driftloser focus on the marketing Shan

yes shan, please let me know what you were smoking when you dreamt up this rwd bias drift action? because i need to get some... lol

[sewid]

For the money though I would not be buying one brand new considering the other options out there.

[scathing]

yes shan, please let me know what you were smoking when you dreamt up this rwd bias drift action? because i need to get some... lol

According to the magazine reviews, its not a "RWD drift bias".

When you reef the handbrake it disables the stability and traction control systems (as well as removing all drive to the rear wheels).

When you drop the handbrake it just dumps the power back to the rear (rather than letting it in smoothly), which is meant to continue the lack of traction by shifting from lockup to wheelspin. It doesn't turn the traction and stability control back on either.

If I ever take a Mazda6 MPS for a test drive, I'll be sure to test the feature out. If the sales drone complains, I'll tell them that its something Mazda designed into the car so its something I need to try.

[scathing]

There are still plenty of factory turbo cars left e.g. EVO's, Subaru's, VW golf and polo gti, renault megane 225 and prolly a few more of those europeans too.

I probably didn't word it too well, since I thought that in context it was quite obvious where I was going with it.

I meant a factory turbo family car, and preferably one that isn't FWD. The Euro cars in that price range are generally too small, with the exception of perhaps a FWD Audi or Volvo.

The Golf, Impreza, Megane etc are a bit smaller than the Mazda6 / Liberty.

[GTRgeoff]

Take witches hats and a stopwatch

[ross80]

Thanks for the pics scathing you smartass! haha

I like this car, and to be honest I think i like it more then the new skyline. Definantly better looking I think. Interior is plush, a modified kit set of rims and a good window tint and stereo.

Ill have one. who wants my r33?

[funkymonkey]

If I ever take a Mazda6 MPS for a test drive, I'll be sure to test the feature out. If the sales drone complains, I'll tell them that its something Mazda designed into the car so its something I need to try.

That's exactly what I was planning on doing, and if the rep kicked up a stink I'd just let him know its a feature that needs to be tested.

Although... my neighbour just bought a Chrysler 300, and it looks like sex on wheels, I've ordered some 21" rims for him and a bentley style grille, he's already getting pedders to drop the suspension 1.5 inches... and that's all its gonna need to look fantastic. Its a bit of poo as far as power you get for the price you pay (they retail for half of what they sell for here in the US and UK) and the interior looks like it belongs in a Kia.

[INASNT]

Dont know how they have sold so many of those 300's. Sat in 1 at the motor show and for an apparent luxury car it was pathetic.

Tell ur neighbour not to be weak and get some 22's not 21's. The wheel arches are so large on those that they wont be a problem to fit.

[ross80]

Thats the problem with so many of these new school cars.

They have nice interiors, sometimes really nice. But they go like shit, and handle worse

[funkymonkey]

not really a big fan of the sedan, but the wagon looks hot. But either grows on you after a while.

[wrxhoon]

For the money though I would not be buying one brand new considering the other options out there.

Dont take any notice of the retail price, the street price is $50k on the road for the leather trim car .

Mazda are having trouble shifting them . I drove one when they first came out, they are not a bad car but the weight ( 1600+kg for the leather model) kills performance . The other thing i dont like its a fwd car for most of the time ..

[ross80]

is that picture of the red wagon standard?!?

its hot as!

[dangerous_daveo]

So has anyone actually driven one of the 3L 6cyl libs yet?

[KamikazeR33]

i wonder how they are still selling shitloads of mazda6's then if they arent moving the MPS's off the showroom floor?