I hadn't read that old Car and Driver article with the MS6 for a few years. Interesting that the only negatives that seemingly knocked it out of the top spots were related to noise, harshness and lack of creature comforts (such as sunroof, leather and power seats). Seems to me, many of us looking for a good, solid, fun, yet reliable and reasonably practical car would eat that up.
Maybe just bad timing for the Mazdaspeed6 before? I've got to wonder how many first generation Mazdaspeed3 owners would be looking to replace their MS3s within the next year or so with the next move-up the Mazda corporate ladder. For those folks, a MS6 now would likely fit the bill. Further, the Mazdaspeed name is starting to build more cache, thanks in no small part to the Mazdaspeed3's successes.
I know for me, looking toward a more family-oriented car for the MX5 replacement, an updated version of the Mazdaspeed6 would have been very high on my wishlist indeed. Good, powerful turbo engine, stickshift and AWD with a usably-sized interior and cargo space? Yes please!
