Mazda's most technically advanced high performance sedan goes on sale from October priced from $48,600.

The Mazda 6 MPS is not only the best handling, best braking sedan Mazda has ever built, but the level of sophistication and refinement combined with a balance between ultimately spirited performance and everyday practicality makes it more than worthy of its role as the flagship Mazda 6.

Mazda 6 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) combines a class-leading 380 Newton metres of stump-pulling torque (delivered at just 3000rpm) and 190kW (ECE) of power with an impressive list of standard performance, safety and luxury features.

All Mazda 6 MPS models have ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, an Active Torque Spilt AWD system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Xenon headlamps, full body kit, 18 inch wheels and tyres, six airbags (dual front, front side and head protecting curtain airbags), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, six disc CD player, remote locking via a retractable key, trip computer, alloy pedals, reach and rake adjustable steering and climate control air conditioning.

A leather pack model, which will be priced at $54,600, further boosts the Mazda 6 MPS’s executive express credentials. It adds leather seat trim, a power operated driver’s seat with three-position memory, a powerful seven speaker Bose sound system and a glass sunroof.

Seventy per cent of Mazda 6 MPS buyers are expected to purchase the leather pack model.

However, it’s the car’s mechanical specification that makes the most impressive statement and confirms this car as Mazda’s ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan.

Lying beneath its striking body is a host of new-generation Mazda technology.

The Mazda 6 MPS’s direct injection, spark ignition (DISI) turbocharged, 2.3-litre engine mates powerful turbo performance with ample torque in the low and mid range – 90 per cent of its torque is delivered at a little over 2,000rpm – to deliver response that resembles that of a large capacity naturally aspirated engine, while also realising lower, Euro Stage IV exhaust emissions.

Mazda’s DISI turbocharged technology delivers:

Increased low to mid-range torque: The internal cooling effect when fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at pressures as high as 11.5 mPa vaporises inside the chamber, improving the loading efficiency of the fuel mixture. This increases torque by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm, realising easy to control torque in the low to mid range.

Outstanding engine response: The internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber increases load volume under initial acceleration, ensuring a linear increase of rotation speed of the turbocharger's compressor blades. As a result, the turbocharger's blower starts adding substantial boost soon after the accelerator is pressed, at around 2,500 rpm.

A single turbocharger covers all speeds: The merits of the direct injection system noted above make effective boost possible from low through high speeds using a single-scroll turbocharger, which is light in weight and simple in construction. The thermal capacity of the exhaust system is thereby greatly reduced, minimising the decrease in temperature of exhaust gases to help comply with strict emission regulations.

Fast catalytic heat-up: Injecting an atomised spray of fuel directly into the combustion chamber also causes a remarkably fine fuel mixture to form around the spark plug, which prevents misfire. This allows the ignition timing to be delayed making it easy to maintain high and stable exhaust gas temperatures. The higher temperature means the catalytic converter heats up more quickly after engine start-up. This also benefits exhaust emissions.

High compression ratio contributes to improved fuel economy: The internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber improves anti-knock characteristics and increases the engine's fuel economy without losing low-end torque, even running at a relatively high compression ratio. The MZR 2.3 DISI TURBO engine can therefore adopt the relatively high compression ratio for a turbo engine of 9.5:1 to contribute to improved fuel economy.

The Mazda 6 MPS’s DISI engine drives the all-wheel-drive system through a new, six-speed manual gearbox that combines short, crisp shifts with ideal gearing to exploit the turbo engine.

Sixth is an overdrive, contributing to relaxed cruising and good fuel economy, with the Mazda 6 MPS returning an average fuel figure of just 10.5L/100km on the ADR 81/01 test cycle.

The Mazda 6 MPS is equipped with Mazda’s new Active Torque Split, all-wheel drive system. It features more aggressive transfer of torque to the rear axle in accordance with driving conditions, helping the all-wheel-drive system achieve a fine balance between sporty control over the car that makes it particularly fun to drive.

The active torque coupling mounted in front of the limited slip rear differential is electronically controlled, quickly adjusting front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 to deliver optimum drive power to each wheel.

The Mazda 6 MPS's onboard computer automatically determines driving and road conditions so the driver can relax and enjoy the pleasure of the drive. Three different modes of front/rear torque distribution are automatically selected by the system: Normal, Sports and Snow (for slippery surfaces).

When a quick start is needed the system automatically selects Power Take Off (PTO) mode, aggressively distributing torque to the rear axle to ensure fuss-free, rapid acceleration.

A strengthened body, which has 50 per cent more torsional stiffness than the standard Mazda 6, helps improve grip and deliver sharper, more responsive steering. To compliment the car’s strong performance, Mazda has beefed up the suspension and increased the size of the disc brakes front and rear.

The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems feature retuned dampers and springs (for example springs rates have increased by 25 per cent at the front and 37 per cent at the rear) and thicker stabiliser bars.

The bigger brakes (up 21mm to 320mm at the front and up 34mm to 314mm at the rear) combine with the Active Torque Split all wheel drive system and the standard DSC anti-skid control to deliver an exceptional active safety package.

Outside, there is no mistaking the Mazda 6 MPS.

The contours of the Mazda 6 have been accentuated to provide a look that conveys the tangible pleasure of the vehicle’s dynamic performance and solid stability. At the same time, the design does not overstate the car’s performance, favouring a sophisticated look that resonates mature refinement.

Exterior highlights include:

• Smooth yet powerful press line flowing along the added depth of the bonnet from the upper grille emphasises the length of the front that hints at the high performance delivered by the turbocharged engine and intercooler housed within
• The aerodynamic form of the front bumper and lower grille section that speak of the car's high performance and amplify its road-hugging image
• A five-point upper grille section that also serves as the air intake for the engine's intercooler
• Strong, sophisticated proportions are derived from the flared side skirts and the custom 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tyres
• The rear features an aerodynamic rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe and a highly effective yet compact rear lip spoiler

The Mazda 6 MPS is available in six colours that include the new Liquid Silver metallic as well as Titanium Grey metallic, Velocity Red mica, Radiant Ebony mica, White Pearl mica and Black mica.

Metallic or mica paint is a no cost option on all Mazda passenger cars.

The cabin, which benefits from a recent significant upgrade to the class-leading Mazda 6 range, includes refinements that deliver a look and feel of high quality including a titanium look facia incorporating piano black audio controls. The speedo is now calibrated to 280 km/h.

Mazda Australia’s managing director, Doug Dickson, said: “The Mazda 6 MPS has been one of Mazda’s most anticipated new model launches as it opens up a new market segment for Mazda and demonstrates our ability to deliver advanced technology in a stylish, high quality, value package.

“The Mazda 6 MPS is the ideal flagship for the award winning Mazda 6 range”.

Mazda Australia expects to sell about 80 Mazda 6 MPS cars a month, but initial demand will boost the first year’s average sales to 120 a month.

The Mazda 6 MPS, as with all Mazda passenger cars, is protected by a three year/unlimited km warranty and, like the RX-8 and all-new MX-5, also benefits from 24 hour roadside assistance for the warranty period and an advanced driving course.

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2006 Mazda 6 MPS