Mazda's Sexy 6
Blends the sensibility of a sedan with a dash of sporty spirit

The Japanese word for duty is "giri" and let's face it, that's what most mid-size sedans from the land of the rising sun are all about: Commuting, shopping, driving the kids here and there and other chores that revolve around making a living and living a life.

The Japanese are a pragmatic bunch after all, and when they set out to build a car with family values foremost they do a good job of it, as Mazda's engineers have with their latest mid-size sedan, the Mazda6, introduced last fall. But there's also a well-defined streak of enthusiasm for cars that offer more than a pastel hued ride to the office in the Japanese character, and this has been particularly noticeable at Mazda through the years. For proof of this you can look all the way back to the rotary-engined Cosmo of the 1960s, the quick rotary-engined sedans that followed in the early '70s, models such as the RX-7 sports car and a number of interesting coupes and sedans that have worn Mazda badges.

The latest example is the GT-V6 that tops the new Mazda6 lineup. It offers all the things needed to meet family commitments, but also brings to the party enough driving excitement to feed the average auto enthusiast's soul.

The starting point for the GT-V6 is the V6-engined and well-equipped GS version of this 4-door sedan, which lists for $28,195. Buy the GT for $31,995 and you add such things as heated leather seats, automatic climate control, Homelink (which allows you to access electronic systems in the home), a moonroof, anti-theft alarm system and a premium Bose audio system with in-dash CD changer. Our test GT was equipped with a $765 option package that included special sporty upholstery, Optitron illuminated gauge pack, front air dam, side sills, rear skirt, a rear spoiler and dual oval chrome exhaust tips.

The Mazda6 emerged from the styling studios with an interesting if not particularly dramatic shape, combining traditional organic forms with just enough new wave edginess to be contemporary. I particularly like the stretched, coupe-like roofline. The add-on goodie package, combined with a striking Sonic Blue paint job, gave the car I drove a street racer look that attracted more than a few looks.

And it's no slouch when it comes to performance either.

The Ford Duratec-based, 3.0-litre, twin cam V6 saddles up 220 hp at 6,300 rpm and produces peak torque of 193 lb-ft at 5,000 revs. Its variable valve timing system does manage to spread this out a bit, but it's still a motor that needs to be revved if you want to hustle. It likes this though, and makes a pleasant and contented zoom-zoom noise to prove it. The slightly notchy but overall pleasant 5-speed manual gearbox makes the most of the engine's performance. The optional shift-it-yourself manumatic transmission makes a more versatile daily driver out of the car, while allowing you to shift for yourself when required.

My stopwatch shows the GT more than fulfilling its sporting promise as it launches strongly and gets to 100 km/h in a fairly quick 7.4 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in fourth gear in 8.3 seconds and in third in 6.3 seconds.

The new structure is a stiff one that provides a solid base for the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems. This is supple enough that the family won't complain but also taut enough that you might be enticed into a bit of back-road bombing. The direct steering and 17-inch wheels and tires aid and abet this kind of behaviour, making the car enjoyable to "steer" around country road curves. Four disc brakes are assisted in their duties by anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution systems, and there's traction control to help in the slippery stuff.

There's good headroom front and back and the rear seats will fit two or squeeze three passengers, and the trunk offers 430 litres of space accessed via a 60/40 split rear seat. Outside mirrors work well, window controls are conveniently handy, headlamps are decent, highway noise levels are low and the stereo system sounds fine. Safety features include no less than eight airbags - two front, two side and four side curtain head bags.

It took Mazda a little longer than it should have to replace its previous mid-size entry, the 626, but the new Mazda6 puts the automaker right back in the game. Well worth a look, particularly the GT for those who need something sensible that's also fun to drive.

Immediate competition:
Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Saab 9-3, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta, Volvo S40