Sure, you can afford a decent sports sedan.  Expensive European manufacturers no longer have a lock on that department with the introduction of Mazda’s newest family sedan.  Forget the old Mazda 626, because this isn’t it.  Chances are you’ve already forgotten it anyway, but that’s a good thing.

New for 2003, the Mazda6 is a larger, more powerful, arguably more loveable family sedan.  It replaces both the Millenia and the 626, and brings a healthy dose of “zoom-zoom” sportiness to the normally boring three-box sedan department.  It’s built on its own platform, and rumor has it that it’s so good corporate parent Ford will be basing some of its own cars on the Mazda6 in the future.

Your opinion of the Mazda6 will be determined in a large part by your reaction to the design.  It’s unabashedly sporty, with short overhangs front and rear and a tapered front end that’s got a healthy dose of the new, wedgy Mazda family look that made its debut on the RX-8 sports car.  Aggressive fender flares and big 16″ wheels give the impression of a car that’s already been customized by teenagers.  A deep trapezoidal grille is topped with a thick chrome bar and flanked by glass-covered multi-unit headlights.  Out back, car folk will notice the dual exhaust, which is standard on all Mazda6 models.  If that’s not gimme-your-lunch-money enough, a Sport package adds 17″ wheels, a larger airdam and side cladding, and a rear spoiler.  In short, this car is unlikely to appeal to conservative drivers.

That’s just fine though, because the Mazda6 isn’t meant for conservative drivers.  A choice of four- or six-cylinder power is offered, with 160 horsepower from the 2.3 liter four-cylinder and a very assertive 220 from the 3.0 V6.  We drove the V6, of course, and when hooked up to the standard five-speed manual transmission, this is a family car that loves to go out and play.  Continuously variable valve timing allows the V6 to be smooth at low speeds but lets all the horses loose when power is demanded.  Playing in Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 territory is not a problem for the Mazda6.  Automatic transmissions are available too; a four-speed for the four-cylinder and a five-speed for the V6.

Between the engine and its road manners, we’d prefer the Mazda6 to most other family sedans for a day trip.  A double-wishbone front suspension (instead of the struts used on most mass-market cars) helps to ensure that this car can really dance.  The multi-link rear suspension is compact and tuned for handling.  On the road, the Mazda6 feels a bit more taut than the average family sedan, but it’s still comfortable enough for a day-trip.  Steering is quick and responsive, and big four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard.  Like most high-zoot sports sedans, the Mazda6 is also equipped with electronic brake distribution and ABS-based traction control.

The only down point is the interior, which seems to be a year or two out of fashion already.  The steering wheel is much thinner than in your average sports car, and the dash and door panels don’t live up to the slick exterior.  The rotary air conditioner controls look cool and work well, and there’s a handy dash-top cubby.  Chrome accents around the red-backlit gauges are standard Mazda fare.  The Mazda6 is comfortable for four, cozy for five, and the console takes inspiration from race cars rather than rental cars.  The audiophile crowd will be well served by the optional subwoofer-equipped Bose audio system.

Mazda’s newest sedan is priced nicely, too.  It will run with the expensive Europeans, but our V6 equipped test car stickered for just $25,345 with amenities like a leather interior, side-curtain airbags, the Sport package, a moonroof and the loud sound system.  Expect less option-heavy versions to go out the door for $21,000 or less.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Mazda Mazda6, which we tested.
Length:     186.8 in.
Width:        70.1 in.
Height:        56.7 in.
Wheelbase:    105.3 in.
Curb weight:    3243 lb.
Base price:        $21,100
Price as tested:        $25,345
Engine:     3.0 liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Drivetrain:     five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:     220 @ 6300
Torque:     192 @ 5000
Fuel capacity:    18.0 gal.
Est. mileage:    20/27