The sporty Mazda6 comes in a wider range of body styles than most mid-size cars for 2007-sedan, wagon, and five-door-and with three different engines that cover a wide range from frugal to high-performance.

The five-door model especially stands out from most mid-size sedans. It offers a gently sloped rear hatchback design that, combined with the folding rear seats, cargo tie-downs, and very wide cargo opening, allows some of the benefits of the wagon in a sleeker overall package. There are also two additional hidden compartments in the side panels of the cargo area on the five-door. In all, it has 22 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly 50 percent more than the sedan.

The wagon brings even more cargo space, to a degree that's competitive with smaller SUVs. With the rear seats folded nearly flat, there's more than 60 cubic feet of cargo space. The arrangement includes a retractable cargo cover and a barrier net.

Models with the base 2.3L four-cylinder engine, making 156 horsepower, are denoted "i" and come with a standard five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. The "s" models step up to a 3.0L V6 engine making 212 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. At the top is the high-performance Mazdaspeed6, powered by a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 270 horsepower and hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission. An all-wheel-drive system is standard on the Mazdaspeed6 to help deliver the power smoothly.

The Mazda6 has a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup for a good ride and sharp sport-sedan handling, along with a variable-assist, quick-ratio steering setup that affords just over two and a half turns, lock-to-lock. Side air bags and side curtain air bags are standard on all Mazda6 models, along with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

Both i and s models are available in Sport VE, Touring, and Grand Touring models. The four-cylinder model is also available in a base Sport trim. The Sport VE model is new this year and adds to the base Sport model alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, a six-disc CD changer, leather trim inside, and other appearance extras outside. The Touring model brings a moonroof, heated mirrors, and heated front seats, while Grand Touring models include V-rated performance tires, fog lamps, and leather upholstery.

Along with the powerful engine, the Mazdaspeed6 adds a retuned suspension, stability control, 18-inch high-performance wheels, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, alloy pedals, aerodynamic enhancements, and appearance extras inside and out.

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The 2007 Mazda6 is one of the sportiest mid-size sedans, and available in a wide range of prices and equipment levels. In its most basic form, the 6 makes a very economical yet fun-to-drive sedan, while the top Mazdaspeed6 sedan is in a much more exclusive sports-sedan category. The unique five-door model provides an alternative for those who can't decide between a sedan and a wagon.

Mazda says that the V6 models are the only ones to offer a six-speed automatic transmission for 2007.

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