For a new model in its final development phase, Mazda sure did one helluva job keeping the near-production prototypes of its next ‘6’ far away from the prying eyes of spy photographers over the last year.
But all that came to an end this week when our man with the long lens finally scooped the actual Mazda6 in station wagon form, which will likely join the four-door sedan model for its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The two cars will share the same design language so what you see here sans the roofline and the shape of the rear-end can be applied to the saloon.
The black and white wrap can’t hide the fact that the next Mazda6 draws heavily on the sassy styling of the Takeri concept car displayed at last fall’s Tokyo motor show, softened up, of course, for mainstream consumption.
Notable design features include the non-smiley front grille that sits in an upright position, the ‘angry’ looking headlamps and the swoopy lines of the pronounced front fenders. The estate model seen here also features a sleek roofline that ends with a slanted rear window.
Our spies were lucky enough to snap a picture of the Mazda6’s interior, which borrows some elements from the Takeri study such as the steering wheel shape and trim, and the three deeply set instrument panel gauges. Mazda has also positioned an infotainment – navigation system up high on the center console.
Beneath the sheetmetal, the new Mazda6 will be the second production vehicle after the CX-5 CUV to employ a full suite of SkyActiv technologies.
As a result, the new model is expected to drop as much as 100kg (220 pounds) over the current Mazda6, with most savings coming from the new chassis and mechanical components as well as the bonding techniques.
Mazda’s mid-size model will likely launch with two engines, the new SkyActiv -G gasoline unit and the SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with a fuel-saving ‘i-stop’ system, both with a choice of two transmissions, the SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.
While we already know that Mazda has plans to offer the diesel engine at some point down the line in the States, chances are the station wagon model will not be sold in North America.
Mazda officials have also said that they don’t intend to develop a Skyactiv version of the V6 offered on the current CX-9 and Mazda6 models and instead are contemplating the production of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the range topping powerplant.
The new Mazda6 will go on sale worldwide during the first quarter of 2013.
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