Smooth Operator

 

Visualize the concept of a beautifully modern Alfa coupe, light, responsive, sweet and willing with a top-end rush to sing to you. This is a lovely GT. Mazda engineering has washed its hands of the tinny harshness that was the best they could manage in the 80's and learned to harmonize. The MX is a young french jazz singer, innocent, thrilling, sleek and svelte.

Look it over and over again. The lines are clean, balanced and very cute. Faint echoes of several DeThomaso and Ferrari coupes of the 60's reverberate in the styling. The MX-6 would fit perfectly into the cobblestones of an Alpine piazza . The size is trim and perfect for the urban jungle.

The interior is a Gucci loafer, fitted in Taupe hide, tucked and detailed to a T. The dash is a cascade of techno baubles that flows seamlessly into a pool of plush carpet. One of the most pleasing and comfortable interiors ever. Unless you are on the tall side, in which case legroom is a bit scant. The view is excellent thanks to the low cowl line and the seats are as well detailed and stitched as an Italian suit. The stereo and environmental controls are more prominent than the rest of the switchgear and instrumentation which says a lot about the focus of the MX-6, far more grand touring coupe than sports car. The cozy back seat is rather intimate, but usable and the 60/40 split seatback folds to augment the long weekend trunk.

Enough waxing, lets' roll! The Mazda V-6 is a jewel of a powerplant, and not unlike the body it comes in, more than a little Latin in character. Off the line yank is minimal, but wind it and she hums. Keep the tach between 4 and 7 grand and the MX-6 will squeal with delight at every nasty switchback. Acceleration is brisk, smooth and invigorating. The 5 speed slides from slot to slot and the control feel is silky and responsive. Handling is good, balance extraordinary and one can hustle without sweating the press out of that silk shirt. The comfortable ride does add a trace of softness that betrays wanton indiscretion, so one is best to treat this mistress with reserve and restrain oneself in the heat of really passionate driving.

The MX-6 is a testament to the best side of the globalization of the auto industry. The feel of a fine European GT, the best no-nonsense Japanese engineering, built in Mazda's Flat Rock, Michigan plant. A gentlemen's machine that is perfectly suited to a stylish woman's needs. A winner, fast, smooth, sleek and sexy.