If you're thinking of buying the Mazda MPS6 to rival the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STi you may want to reconsider your purchase.

True, the MPS6 has four doors, a permanent four-wheel drive system, manual transmission and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces more than 250bhp, but when Mazda designed the MPS6, it had a specific group of customers in mind.

While the Evo and WRX battle fiercely to win the hearts of boyracers, Mazda targets the MPS6 at drivers who are a little more mature. Drivers who consider themselves a bit too old to be seen in a hardcore rally replica, but who still love driving and want something practical, fast and affordable.

Take one good look at the MPS6 and it should become clear that this car isn't fighting for the same audience as the Evo and WRX. Mazda has refrained from slapping on sky-scraping wings and deep bonnet scoops. Instead, the boot is fitted with a subtle lip extension and the bonnet has a more pronounced bulge than those on lesser 6's. The front fenders have been widened also, while both the bumpers are chunkier to allow better airflow and improved aerodynamics at high speed.

Other differences include fog lights are embedded in black plastic, black head and tail lamp surrounds, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

DRIVING IT

The MPS6's powerplant is based on the same four-cylinder unit as the one found in the 2.3-litre 6. A turbocharger with a top-mounted intercooler, reworked internals and the application of Mazda's in-house direct fuel injection and spark system (DISI) make up the enhancements.

The 260bhp powerplant is well muffled, but makes a nice sporty roar when on the boil. Bring the revs to 3,500rpm and beyond, and the MPS6 transforms from a gentlemanly sedan into a street warrior, ready to munch up anything that comes its way.

The steering is reasonably quick, but it could do with more feedback. A little less body-roll would be nice, too. Otherwise, the MPS6 corners with great gusto whatever the road conditions.

To achieve this impressive handling prowess, Mazda engineers have firmed up the spring and damper rates, and fitted a thicker pair of anti-roll bars. The 18-inch alloys and meaty tyres also contribute significantly to the MPS6's excellent cornering stability and grip.

On the tech side, the MPS6 is equipped with the company's Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. It uses real-time input data on steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G-forces and engine revs to determine driving conditions. Engine power is electronically transferred from the front to the rear axle as it is needed so the driver can exploit the car's performance to the fullest at all times.

The six-speed manual transmission feels positive and slick, while the clutch is not overly heavy. We think the brakes could be more powerful, though, and less dead-travel on the pedal would be welcome.

In the ride department, the MPS6 shares different characteristics from the Evo and WRX. When travelling on bad roads, the rally wannabes can be harsh and unforgiving to your spine whereas the MPS6 always feels supple and well composed.

INSIDE IT

The interior is the same as the "normal" 6, except for aluminium rings around the tacho and speedometer, and dark grey paint on the centre console and door trims.

This also implies the MPS6 shares the same practicality as its lesser siblings, boasting generous cabin space for five people and a boot that's large enough for at least two golf bags.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

At $126,988 with COE, the MPS6 comes with six airbags, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, climate control and a leather interior.

VERDICT

The MPS6 is not an Evo or WRX pretender. It feels too grown up and refined against the former two car, and therefore less hardcore. Subaru Legacy GT buyers would likely be in the MPS6's radar, but the lack of an auto gearbox option is likely to turn most of them off.

The other car that comes to mind after tasting the MPS6 is the Volvo S60R. Although the Swede is more luxurious and about $55,000 dearer, the Mazda feels pretty close to it and provides better handling.

Again, the lack of auto box will probably cripple sales. However, for enthusiasts who still love to shift gears manually, and who want a stealthy looking car with plenty of power that can also double handily as a family runabout, the MPS6 is exactly what they need.

NEED TO KNOW

Mazda MPS6
Engine Type 2261cc 16V turbocharged in-line 4
Max Power 260bhp at 5500rpm
Max Torque 380 Nm at 3000rpm
Gearbox six-speed manual
Top speed 240km/h
0-100km/h 6.6 seconds
Price $128,988 with COE
Warranty 3 years/ 100,000km
Contact Mazda Motor (S) Pte Ltd
Telephone 6395-8888

SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN

Subaru Legacy GT, $113,500 with COE
More affordable than the MPS6 and comes with automatic transmission. Both cars feel as quick and nimble, but the Mazda offers better practicality in the form of a more spacious cabin.

Volvo S60R, $184,000 with COE
Big price difference and more luxurious than the MPS6. However, both cars share a similar concept. Like the Mazda, the S60R is a sleeper that will eat sports cars for breakfast.