Grab This Four-Wheel Drive Mazda6 MPS While You Can

The Mazda6 is a thoroughly underrated car, but that’s relatively easily remedied because there are a load of them for sale on the used market, going back a couple of generations.

This one, however, is much rarer. The Mazda6 MPS was the performance version, with extra power, extra fun and four-wheel-drive to rocket you off the line faster than you can say “jinba ittai”.

We’ve found precisely one for sale at the moment, but it looks like a pretty decent one. With just 8,508 miles on the clock and just two previous owners, this 2006 model has a full Mazda service history, has always been garaged and, as the mileage suggests, has hardly ever been driven. On the one hand, what a massive waste, but on the other, great news for the buyer that’s prepared to stump up the £15,995 asking price.

The car is in Kirkcaldy, Scotland and is being sold privately, so caveat emptor and all that. But on the face of it, at least, it looks in tip-top shape with a proven history of careful ownership, save for a few MOT fails for not checking the condition of the tyres. The last test, in May 2024, failed for a broken spring, but once that was replaced it sailed through with no advisories.

So why not delve in a Mazda world that's radically different to the (probably) forthcoming Mazda EZ-6. Your money will get you a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-pot engine with 256bhp when new, which promises a 6.6-second sprint to 62mph. Sure, it’s not an Impreza or an Evo, but how much will they set you back these days? Especially a low-mileage, unmolested example. Beside, they’re ten a penny compared to this. Go on, experience the joy of horse and rider as one. Zoom zoom, and so on.