Before there was Kodo, Mazda practiced Kansei Engineering — engineering based on human feelings. It still resonates today, trickling down to even the CX-30‘s heartbeat-like LED turn signals. Back in 1993, design DNA from the flagship FD RX-7 trickled down to perpetuate the low, wide stance and flowing lines of the MX-6.
With its design language being a departure from its angular predecessor, the GE MX-6 shifted towards the abstract. The side panels, doors and greenhouse are flush-mounted to the body, all while concealing the B-pillar, giving it a seamless profile. With a wide, sleek front fascia that would make a Nissan S14 jealous, Motorweek denotes that “This MX-6 is on the prowl.”
And on the prowl it was, evidenced by a 0-60 of 7.7 seconds; munching on the Celica GT-S for lunch. Held responsible is the test LS model’s 2.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6, outputting 164 horses and 160 lb-ft of torque, which managed a decent 21 city, 27 highway mpg. Just as responsive as the V6 was the handling, which was touted as “well-tuned for stalking the competition.”
The cabin matched the exterior for its elegance with an “artistic” dash and comfortable, supportive sport seats. The base model 4-cylinder started out at $15,500, while the $17,825 Motorweek LS-trim press car added the V6, alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and fog lamps.
The Mazda of today is still able to stir our emotions, just as they did in 1993. This retro review is a reminder of the marque’s relentless passion for making cars that drive so damn good. The MX-6 for its time was overlooked and often lived in the shadow of other sport coupes like the 240SX and the Prelude. Though its performance didn’t exactly stand out, we think the Mazda’s sumptuous styling has stood the test of time, and has cemented the MX-6 as a classy alternative to it’s futuristic-looking-blue-oval-cousin.
It’s a nice car that aged very well. That’s a fact. But for some reason i think it does not have the charisma of it’s predecessor – GD 626 Coupe/Capella, called in my country “The Iron”.
I bought my 2013 CX-5 cause it makes delightful noises! When we were looking for a replacement for a wrecked car, I test drove a Prius wagon. Cause of my injuries in the car wreck I needed something that would be easier to get in and out of than a low slung sedan or coupe, but still had some utility. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the Prius, but it was the dullest cat I’ve ever driven on my life! I literally felt my blood coagulating with every mile! The CX-5 while not fast made noises and took turns that gets me excited every time I drive it! It honestly reminds me of the 86 MR2 I used to own. (I know they are two totally different vehicles)
Why is it called “The Iron”?
For two main reasons:
#1. It was incredibly reliable car – so the word spread among mechanics that most of it’s parts (including engine internals, suspension and body) are made from cast iron.
#2. In Poland cars where always quite expensive in comparision to our salarys, so most new cars sold here where (and still are) the base versions with smallest engine possible. The base 2.0 engine wasn’t any performer, and due to our market’s speciffic many users swaped the engine to even smaller ones sourced from 323/Familia, or put a diesel from 4-dour/wagon versions. All this made most of 626’s only look sporty. They were just slow like a brick of iron…
One for sale in my state:
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kingston/cars-vans-utes/1995-mazda-mx6-manual-coupe/1269913819
This is one of two cars that come to mind where a shared platform looks so different: the Mazda MX-6 versus Ford Probe & the Mazda B series versus Ford Ranger trucks. I think the Mazda versions are by far more attractive.
For me, the 90’s was the golden age of Mazda car design.
Almost every car was beautiful, from saloons like the Sentia and Eunos 500 to coupes like the RX-7 and MX-6.
And of all of them, I think the MX-6 is the best of them all.
If this car wasn’t rare, and didn’t require expensive maintenance costs due to the V6 engine and 4WS system, I would have definitely bought this car.
The yellow MX-6 from the cover of mischief is still iconic to me!
I agree the styling has aged well and looks like a car that could be sold today. If it were not for the varied and strong competition (Eclipse/Talon, Probe, Prelude, NX2000, 240SX…) it may have sold better and been remembered by more for what a great car it was.
I still love this design exercise.It’s smooth and simple.If it’s one thing Mazda is damn good at, is capturing emotion.If I could find one, I would buy one of these in an instant(along with the MX-3*wink**wink*)
I love this generation of MX-6. They so good looking. I’ve always been a fan of these and the MX-3.
I am in a few groups and follow a few owners on IG with this car. They fly under the radar of the mainstream, which is great as I could probably snag one for a rebuild