Mazda 6 (Japan, 2012-present)

Mazda revealed the new, third generation Mazda 6 at the Moscow Motor Show 2012 in Russia. Mazda teased the car relentlessly over the summer, but finally revealed its technical specs including a new 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine and regenerative braking.

Mazda rolls out the new 6 throughout the world through the year 2013. It has not announced regional pricing yet.

The new Mazda 6 is the second of Mazda's new cars carrying its Kodo design language. That leads to a striking front end with a grill with a shape inspired by Mazda's rotary engines. From the side, it has accentuated fender flares and chrome to draw the eye. It is also the first time that Mazda has used LED running lights on any of its cars.

The wheelbase is 100mm longer to reduce overhangs and improve handling. It also helps to improve rear legroom and knee space. It is also slightly wider to increase shoulder room and allow for a larger trunk opening.

Mazda says that it has tried to boost interior quality by crafting every part that a driver will touch to make it comfortable.

Mazda is also debuting technology on the new Mazda 6. It will be the first of its cars to get i-Eloop regenerative braking and a new version of the Skyactiv-G engine. It will also have stop/start, which first came on the Mazda 3.

Like recent Mazdas, the new Mazda 6 is using its new Skyactiv engines, but Mazda is debuting the new Skyactiv 2.5 on the new car. It produces 189hp and 256Nm of torque. It will also offer the Skyactiv 2.0 with 148hp and 210Nm of torque. The Skyactiv diesel will also be available in some markets. The 2.5 is only available with a six-speed automatic, and the 2.0 has either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The 2.0 consumes 6.0l/100km with the manual or 6.1l/100km with the automatic. When equipped with stop/start it uses 5.9l/100km. The 2.5 uses 6.4l/100km and comes standard with start/stop and regenerative braking.