DEEP SIX; Mazda 6 gets the MazdaSpeed treatment, and all the goodies that go with it.

Byline: NATALIE NEFF

Two years ago we let you in on a secret. We told you about a splendid little automobile that could not only fulfill familial obligations as well as any ol' Toyota Camry, but it would slake an enthusiast thirst nearly as well as the standard-bearer BMW 3 Series, and for just about half the price.

Sounded like big talk at the time, we know, but you listened. And then you blabbed. To date you've helped convince about 135,000 to take the plunge on a Mazda 6.

Well, lean in close, here's another secret: Next summer Mazda will roll out the MazdaSpeed 6.

Penned with the enthusiast foremost in mind, the newest 6 arguably looks more its part than any MazdaSpeed-specified car in the stable. Its chunky, purposeful design remains largely true to the MPS concept car from the 2002 Paris show that foretold its coming, trading in only its five-door hatchback shape for that of a stiffer-bodied four-door sedan. A supersized lower air dam dips down deep in front, gulping up volumes more air than the base-model 6, beefed-up side sills wrap around the body and its five-point grille gets accentuated by a thick crossbar. Restyled taillights highlight the rear, with new twin exhaust pipes poking out below. The biggest change inside is the addition of nicely bolstered bucket seats. It's a sleek design punctuated by forceful elements that speak to its sporting bent.

It's a far cry from the likes of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, and purposefully so. Mazda said it never considered a hood scoop or "the boy-racer look,'' instead concentrating more on using richer materials and finishes to elevate the look of the car over its stock brethren. In fact, Mazda has its sights squared more on the Subaru Legacy GT as its primary competition, a 250-horse sport sedan styled in a similar manner: sleek and sporty. Whatever the philosophy behind the design, we think the MazdaSpeed 6 looks darn good.

And that ain't even the half of it. Its conspicuously bulging hood doesn't just hint at the goodies that lie beneath, it practically screams. And why not? Mazda took the base model's four-banger, strapped it to a six-speed manual, slapped on a turbocharger and intercooler and shuttled power through the whole shebang to all four wheels. Ergo, MazdaSpeed.