Mazda6 MPS launched Down Under

Mazda Australia has released details and pricing for its technologically-advanced Mazda6 MPS - which will hit showroom floors in October. And while the car's subtle styling may blend in with the crowd, there is plenty of menace and mumbo lurking beneath.

Mazda's 6 range flagship, the MPS (Mazda Performance Series) promises to be the best braking, best handling Mazda yet built.

The Mazda6 MPS boasts a full body kit and 18-inch wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tyres, ABS with Brake Assist, an Active Torque Spilt AWD system, Dynamic Stability Control, Xenon headlamps, six airbags, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, six-disc CD player, remote locking, trip computer, alloy pedals, adjustable steering and climate control air-conditioning.

The luxurious Leather Pack model adds leather seats, a power-operated driver's seat with three-position memory, a premium Bose sound system and a glass sunroof.

But it's the powerful engine and accomplished AWD system that has most people talking. The MPS's turbocharged 2.3-litre engine mates 190kW of power with an impressive 380Nm torque for plenty of zoom, zoom fun. And even better is that most of the car's impressive torque is available from a very usable 2000rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual (no automatic is available).

The Mazda6 MPS is equipped with Mazda's new Active Torque Split, all-wheel-drive system which transfers torque between the front and rear axles according to the prevailing driving conditions. The suspension settings are tuned for sporty handling while maintaining a comfortable ride. Mazda also claims the MPS's body is 50 per cent more rigid than the standard model which contributes to the car's fine handling.

Launched locally in Tasmania, the Apple Isle's twisting mountain roads proved an ideal place for CarPoint to put the Q car through its strides. And we came away impressed by the car's poise, balance and wonderfully usable power.

The car is available in six colours: Titanium Grey metallic, Liquid Silver metallic, Velocity Red mica, Radiant Ebony mica, White Pearl mica and Black mica.

Pricing for the Mazda6 MPS starts at $48,600 with the Leather Pack topping out at $54,600. Mazda predicts 70 per cent of customers will choose the Leather Pack model.

Keep an eye out for CarPoint's local launch coverage of the new Mazda6 MPS next week.