SOTW: Mazda Xedos 6

Can you pronounce Xedos? Shed can't...

Remember how Mazda went a little bit mad in the early 1990s? It bunged tiny V6s into front-wheel-drive coupes, decided that it ought to have a four-tier range of sports cars (MX-3, MX-5, MX-6 and RX-7), and prepared to go after Lexus, Infiniti and Acura, with its very own luxury brand.

This was to be called Amati, and it was due to be launched towards the end of 1993. Unfortunately, a recession-embattled Mazda cancelled the project, and the car brand was never born. It did leave two legacy products, however, in the Xedos 6 and Xedos 9.

As well as being distinctly different in style from - and better built than - more mundane Mazda fare (no doubt a result of being intended for a different name badge), the Xedoses were also possibly the most unpronounceable cars available on the market. We're told that you're supposed to say Ker-say-dos, but that still sounds weird to us...

Be that as it may, The Mazda Unpronounceables were interesting, unusual cars, and to find that they've dropped into Shed land makes them most appealing.

Even though it's based on the humble Mazda 626, the Xedos 6's 145bhp 2.0-litre V6 made it an interesting alternative to a 3-series or Mercedes C-class, and the curvy looks were either pretty or quirky, depending on your perspective.

The one we've picked out is a late-model 1998 car up for the pocket-change price of £590 and, although the seller lists neither mileage nor condition, it looks straight enough. Provided it hasn't had 68 previous owners who have clocked up half a million miles, it seems like quite a bargain.

Shame it's got 90s-grade velour seats though...

Advert is reproduced below:

1998 MAZDA Xedos 2.0i V6 Sport £590

4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Petrol, Metallic Red, MOT-03-2011. Power assisted steering, Air conditioning, Radio/CD, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Passenger airbag, Driver airbag. Insurance Group:16, GREAT VALUE!.TRADE SALE.NOW ONLY. £590

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