Mazda6 revealed

Mazda has continued its slow-burn pre-reveal campaign for the third-generation Mazda6 ahead of its world debut at September’s Paris Motor Show by releasing two new videos that reveal the vital new model’s full side profile for the first time.

Together with two previous videos issued by Mazda UK’s YouTube channel, the fourth video in particular shows exactly how close Mazda’s new-generation mid-sizer will resemble the sleek Takeri concept that previewed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

In fact, the sporty new Mazda6 and Takeri are so similar we wonder if Mazda has skimped on its motor show spend by presenting the production model as the Mazda6 concept.

Adhering to the Kodo design theme first seen on the CX-5, the Mazda6 will borrow a range of unique features from the Takeri, including its sweeping headlights, long front overhang, pumped rear wheel-arches and the low-slung coupe-like roofline.

The biggest difference we can see thus far is that the production vehicle has a shorter – and dare we say sportier? – bootlid, which is consistent with Mazda’s admission that the showroom version will be shorter overall than the Takeri.

Mazda says the new model is designed to “push the edge of the envelope in terms of proportion and stance,” and it's clear from the latest imagery that it's not fibbing.

As the drip-feed campaign continues, Mazda is keeping mum on nitty-gritty details, but we know the new Six will be based on a variation of the CX-5’s all-new SkyActiv chassis and should also offer the same SkyActiv-D 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, as well as a new 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine.

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

Sedan and wagon models will be offered, though the current hatch body style has been canned and may be replaced by something more radical, like coupe or even ‘shooting brake’ designs.

Stop Press: The new Mazda6 has been unveiled ahead of its official launch at the Paris Motor Show in late September, and it's evident from this first official photo that Mazda's new mid-sizer is going upmarket.

Chrome detailing on the grille's lower lip flows up into the headlight cluster, drawing the eye towards the headlights and providing a premium look. The grille and headlight shape is also similar to those seen on the CX-5, however the Mazda6 gets LED 'angel-eyes' a la BMW, surrounding the main xenon projector beams - another upmarket touch.

The image was initially published by Mazda Russian website, Mazda.ru.

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