Mazda begins new Six-tease

Mazda has released the first two teaser videos of its next-generation Mazda6 ahead of the all-new mid-size sedan's world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Seen here for the first time in two official YouTube videos, the redesigned Mazda6 appears to remain faithful to the edgy Takeri concept that previewed it at last year's Tokyo Motor Show.

Mazda has revealed no new information about its next Six, which will share its new SKYACTIV chassis and engines with the revolutionary new CX-5 compact SUV, but the acclaimed signature full-width chromed front feature line is clearly evident on the production version.

Mazda says it will present further videos of the new Six via its YouTube channel in the lead-up to its global premiere, but for now says only that it will feature a number of design elements from the acclaimed Takeri, including "Well-toned, lean muscles that firmly hug the road", according to chief designer Akira Tamatani.

The Japanese brand previously confirmed that all of the ground-breaking new technologies that lurk beneath the sleek Takeri concept will indeed be fitted to the next Mazda6, which will go on sale in Australia around year's end following its global launch immediately after its Paris reveal.

The Takeri concept rode on a 2830mm wheelbase that is 103mm longer than the existing Mazda6’s and measures 4850mm long (up 115mm), 1870mm wide (up 75mm) and 1430mm high (down 10mm).

If the Takeri is any guide, the 2013 Mazda6 sedan's wheelbase will not only be one of the longest in the mid-size segment , but a sizeable 130mm longer than the first model to combine all of Mazda’s SKYACTIV chassis, body and powertrain technologies, the CX-5.

However, while the Mazda6 is unlikely to be as long as the Takeri, Mazda’s redesigned mid-size mainstay will grow in all directions to fulfil its role as a single global model for all markets from 2013 - because a bespoke wide-bodied model will no longer be produced for the US in North America.

Unlike the current model, though, the new Six is unlikely to be available in five-door hatch , but as well as four-door sedan and wagon guises the next Mazda6 family could grow to comprise a third, coupe-like derivative.

The Mazda6 hatchback's imminent demise is despite the fact the hatch body style accounts for the vast majority of current-generation Mazda6 sales in Australia, followed by the wagon and then sedan, although the single biggest-selling Six variant is the entry-level Touring wagon.

The current Mazda6 is the only mid-size passenger car available in three body styles in Australia, where sedans comprise the lion’s share of the segment, thanks mainly to Toyota’s Melbourne-made, fleet-friendly Camry.

The new Mazda6 will incorporate all of the Takeri’s technologies, including its more aerodynamic ‘Kodo’ body design, its 100kg-lighter SKYACTIV chassis and its SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre twin-stage turbodiesel engine with new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and fuel-saving idle-stop system – as seen in the upcoming CX-5, but this time incorporating Mazda’s new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system.

Mazda’s new low-compression 2.2-litre ‘clean’ diesel with six-speed auto, i-stop and i-ELOOP – plus a lighter new body – is expected to reduce the Six’s combined fuel consumption to a Toyota Camry Hybrid-beating 4.2L/100km.

However, Mazda’s new mid-sizer will also be offered with the Mazda3’s new 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine in some markets – as well as a larger new SKYACTIV petrol engine, likely to displace the same 2.5 litres as the current model.

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