[Merc1]

This looks pretty cool. Mazda's designers are certainly pushing out the boat...

You're not wrong. This is the first and only official picture of Mazda's new 6 that we'll see before it bows in at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. Sharing much of its architecture with the new Mondeo, the 6 is bigger, lower and wider than its predecessor for increased passenger and boot space. But unlike the new 2 supermini that benefited from Mazda’s ‘gramme strategy’, the new 6 is heavier than its predecessor, albeit only marginally.

It’s quite a looker in this front shot, taking cues from the RX-8 and – to our eyes, at least – hints of Lexus IS in its coupe-like profile and squat stance. It’s the product of all three of Mazda’s design centres in America, Japan and Germany. Beneath its eye-catching metal sits a chassis, suspension, brakes and steering matrix that has, according to Mazda, been honed for outright athleticism – a riposte to its softer French and German rivals. The saloon arrives first in December 2007, followed by hatch and estate versions early in 2008.

Headline news will be the introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel that replaces the existing 2.0-litre unit. The Euro V-compliant common-rail unit is expected to deliver around 160bhp and a punchy 280lb ft for overtaking punch. The current line-up of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3-litre petrols is tweaked to boost economy and lower emissions. They’re hooked up to six-speed manual and five-cog automatic transmissions.

As we’ve come to expect from Mazda, specification on the 6 will be high with eight airbags, climate control, auto wipers and headlamps, alloy wheels, portable sat-nav and an alphabet soup of safety acronyms likely as standard. Despite the long kit list, prices are expected to remain largely unchanged, so expect the cheapest model to start at £18,500, structured with the now-familiar TS, TS2 and Sport badging.

And the best news is that an MPS performance version will arrive in late 2008. That’s earlier than expected to fully capitalise on sales, a trick the outgoing model missed by arriving well into the second half of the 6’s lifecycle. The all-wheel-drive saloon-only rocket will be powered by a revised version of the same blown 2.3-litre four-pot, tuned to deliver around 280bhp. At £25,000, it should be an attractive if softer cut-price alternative to Mitsubishi’s upcoming Evo X.


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The front end looks like a CL!!!

M

[Monster]

I have always been a fan of the Mazda 6. I think it is the first of the previous generation mid size sedan to mix good handling dynamics, nice styling, quality into one very appealing and affortable package. The Mazda 6 kick start the popularity of mid size sedans in the Australian market, and it has been a consistant top seller in Australia. This new Mazda 6 looks even better. I agree the flare front wheel arch does remind me of the CL, but I am sure the Mazda designers are getting their inspiration from the RX-8. Honda and Subaru better be worried, the new Mazda 6 looks good enough to destroy the current competition.

[RICHBOY]

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Thursday 6 September 2007


The new Mazda6 has been revealed in all its glory ahead of its unveiling at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The new model, once again available in sedan, five-door hatch and wagon bodystyles, brings a new sense of style and design that we predict will lure away customers of more expensive makes. The pictures reveal a dynamically styled model that make rivals like the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy look like design school rejects.
Mechanically, the new Mazda6 shares much in common with Ford’s Mondeo range but its dimensions are smaller and its kerb weight will likely be less as well. Officials have revealed that one of the key goals in designing the new Mazda6 was to keep weight low. Not surprisingly, the car weighs less than the outgoing version but also offers more interior space and performance. Less weight also leads to correspondingly lower fuel-economy figures and less carbon-dioxide emissions than the current too.
Some of the new features of the Mazda6 include xenon headlights, LED detailing, active cruise control and parking sensors. Inside, there’s dual-zone climate control, an engine starter button, heated seats, voice-activated controls and a Bose stereo system. Though we suspect many of these features will be only available as an option, it’s still impressive to see a carmaker offering such lavish features in one of its mainstream models. We’ll post up a story with all the official goodies once the car makes it debut in Frankfurt but until then enjoy all the stunning pics.
Gallery after the jump.
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[Bruce]

Reminds me of a Chrysler Sebring mixed with a Lexus IS. Honestly, I'm not sure whether I hate it or like it at the moment.

[Alx]

Looks good, the Mazda 6 line always had a nice sporty touch too it. Really nice...

[shonguiz]

This is what i call a nice break:

[hu§eindesign]

Very nice sculptural design.. I really like it!
well done Mazda

[Anisc]

excellent exterior design.....quite proportional, looks classy and does not have any of the retro stuff....wonder what the interior is like..

[Yannis]

This car confirms in my mind the position of Mazda as the design leader of all Japanese brands.

[RICHBOY]

Originally Posted by Anisc

excellent exterior design.....quite proportional, looks classy and does not have any of the retro stuff....wonder what the interior is like..

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Just for you!