Mazda's flagship used to wear a boot spoiler large enough to give a Subaru Impreza projectile dysfunction and had the cheesy name 2.3i Sporty. This would have been all very well if the car had Impreza-like performance but it didn't... medium-to-brisk, yes, but certainly no sports sedan.
Both the garish aerofoil and nomenclature have since been ditched in favour of more subtle items but now, ironically, there's a high-performance Mazda6 that would have worn them far more comfortably.
It's called the MPS and it's a true sports sedan with a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, firmed-up suspension, larger brakes and all wheel drive. And the boot lid-mounted aerofoil is subtle enough to let you see through the rear window.
MPS is to Mazda what GTi is to VW and the Japanese firm hasn't pulled any punches in chasing the high-performance league with the 2.3 turbo engine that powers the MPS models in both the Mazda3 and Mazda6 ranges.
The 2.3 DISI Turbo is Mazda's latest generation engine. DISI stands for "direct injection spark ignition" - the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber instead of through an intake manifold. Better fuel consumption is theoretically one of the benefits and Mazda claims a frugal 9.8 litres/100km for the MPS, though our car used a considerably thirstier 13.6.
And no, we didn't drive it balls-to-the-wall the whole time though the temptation was always there given the hefty power on call. Adding a turbo to the 2.3-litre engine has increased output from 123 to 191kW and torque from 207 to 380Nm, giving spirited performance that will make the Mazda6 MPS run with sports sedans such as the BMW 330i and Audi A4 3.2 at Gauteng altitude - if not putting it quite in the league of road-blitzers such as Mitsubishi's Evo IX and Subaru's Impreza STi.
Against the stopwatch, our test car covered 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds, which is very brisk if falling short of Mazda's optimistic claim of 6.6. Mid-range power is very strong and the car effortlessly zips through overtaking, cruises up steep hills with disdain and reaches its 240km/h top speed without fuss.
There's plenty here to get you into trouble with the laser-wielding fund collectors.
There is some turbo lag (the wolf only starts really huffing and puffing at 3000rpm) but it's quite linear with no sudden boost and that gives the car a generally easy-to-drive nature. There's no torque steer either, thanks to the power being distributed through both axles, and the tiller doesn't jerk in your grasp no matter how hard you boot the throttle.
The test car did, however, have an annoying clutch action that took quite a bit of practice to achieve smooth launches.
Towing is verboten
It's a refined driving experience with no intrusive wind or mechanical noise. In fact a sportier growl from that silent engine would have been welcome.
Interestingly, towing is verboten for this car so accessories such as boats and caravans are off the shopping list for Mazda6 MPS owners.
Handling-wise the sporty Mazda makes a good account of itself, displaying a very neat and predictable nature through corners, and the brakes are good. Sports suspension and a strengthened body lend the MPS the taut and rigid feel that invites fast cornering and the non-intrusive DSC system prevents small driver errors from becoming major mishaps - but without spoiling the fun.
The grip is terrific and, unlike many all-wheel-drive cars, the Mazda doesn't fall victim to premature understeer. The "active torque-split" traction automatically varies power between axles according to driving conditions. The system chooses from three programmes: Normal, Sport and Stability - the last for slippery going.
The consequence of the sports suspension and low-profile tyres is a firm ride that feels jittery on bumps, though overall the car is not so uncomfortable that it will keep your chiropractor in business.
Special fabrics
Though it lacks the big rear spoiler, the range-topping Mazda6 is appropriately clothed to denote its high-performance credentials. There's a "power dome" on the bonnet, a large air intake, 18" alloy rims and a diffuser in the rear bumper through which poke two large-bore, oval tail pipes.
On the inside, the Mazda6 MPS has special fabrics and higher quality materials, including leather. Special features include a speedometer scaled to 280km/h, sports seats with extra lateral support, a three-spoked and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-coated gearshifter and aluminium pedals.
It all gives the cabin a youthful, jazzy feel that's divorced from Mazda's former understated image. At the same time the interior has an upmarket feel - here, particularly, Mazda has raised itself a notch.
The car comfortably accepts four or five adults and the 500-litre boot is enormous (thanks partly to the spacesaver spare wheel). There's also plenty of storage space in the cabin.
Power adjustment
The centre stack neatly combines audio and ventilation functions in a silver panel. It's clean and trendy, if a little confusing as all the knobs look the same and you sometimes accidentally adjust the fan speed instead of the audio volume.
Practicalities are numerous: power adjustment for the driver's seat, a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and height and buttons conveniently located on the steering wheel to control the audio system and cruise control.
The passive safety package involves eight crash bags.
Buyers will benefit from a free advanced driving course at Yokohama Driving Dynamics in Johannesburg.
SUMMARY
Mazda is well-known for exciting niche models - think MX-5 and RX-8- but its volume sellers have been perceived as bland, prosaic commuters.
The new Mazda3 and Mazda6 have taken the brand higher on the desirability ladder with trendy styling; the MPS versions add pace and character.
The Mazda6 MPS has great performance, handling and refinement at a much lower price - R319 990 - than most similarly specced rivals from Europe. Easy decision if you're not a badge snob. Or a boat owner.