• Seven Mazda6 models across three body styles priced from $29,740
• Outstanding levels of safety, equipment, space and dynamism
• More practical, more refined, more powerful, more economical, better value

The new Mazda6 is the second of Mazda's second-generation Zoom-Zoom vehicles, and will again set the benchmarks the competition will be measured against.

The new Mazda6 makes significant advances in refinement and quality without sacrificing its unrivalled reputation as a practical driver's car that is great value for money.

The second-generation Mazda6 has grown in all tangible physical and performance measures, and is packed with more equipment than the model it replaces.

Yet the cost of entry to the Mazda6 range has actually dropped $250 to $29,740 for the Limited sedan with six-speed manual transmission.

Mazda will offer three body styles in Australia in a combination of four model grades:

All models are longer, wider, taller, and ride on a longer wheelbase which enhances the Mazda6's dynamic abilities. On the inside, the new Mazda6 is roomier and more inviting.

All models feature the smooth and refined MZR 2.5-litre, four-cylinder S-VT engine which produces 125kW @ 6000rpm and 226Nm @ 4000rpm, up 3kW and 19Nm on the outgoing engine. Fuel consumption of 8.4 l/100km (combined cycle) for the sedan (manual) is 4.5 percent less than the less-powerful outgoing model.

An improved six-speed manual transmission is available on Limited sedan, Classic sedan and hatch and Luxury Sports hatch. A five-speed automatic is available on Limited sedan, Classic sedan, hatch and wagon, Luxury sedan and hatch and Luxury Sports hatch.

Luxury sedan and hatch and Luxury Sports hatch automatic models also feature steering wheel mounted paddle shift control.

All Mazda6 models come with class-leading levels of active and passive safety standard. This includes driver and passenger front SRS airbags, side and curtain SRS airbags for all rows, active front head restraints, collapsible pedals and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Active safety is also class-leading. Dynamic Stability Control, a Traction Control System and antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist are standard on all models.

Mazda expects the Mazda6 to become the fourth model in Mazda's current range to achieve five stars in NCAP crash testing alongside the Mazda2, CX-7 and CX-9.

Mazda CF-Net revolutionises the Human-Machine Interface by combining a lot of secondary controls into the one simple-to-use steering wheel-mounted interface.

\* fuel consumption of Mazda6 Limited sedan with six-speed manual transmission

A sleek sports body kit with front and rear aero bumpers, rear spoiler, sports grille, and eye-catching 18 inch alloy wheels enhance the sporty appeal of the Luxury Sports hatch

Mazda6 Available in Four Flavours
The second-generation Mazda6 will be offered in four equipment grades: Limited, Classic, Luxury and Luxury Sports. All Mazda6 models are extremely well-equipped and among the best-in-class on value for money.

The Limited sedan rides on 16 inch tyres and boasts body-coloured power door mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers and an auxiliary jack, front and rear power windows, six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control, brake assist and active front head restraints.

The Classic is available in all body styles and builds on Limited's already strong equipment levels with 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, lumbar adjustment in the front seats, trip computer, 6-disc in-dash CD player with six speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The Luxury sedan and hatch add leather trim, Xenon headlamps, power sunroof, blackout instrument cluster, leather-wrapped gear knob, paddle shift gear control, electric front seats - 8-way power with 3-position memory on the driver's seat and 4-way on the passenger's - and a premium Bose® 240 watt sound system.

The top of the range Luxury Sports hatch boasts 18 inch alloy wheels, a full sports body kit which includes aero bumper with sports grille and rear spoiler, and aluminium pedals and footrest.

The flagship Mazda6 Luxury Sports hatch ensures refined performance with a full leather interior, electric sunroof, electrically-adjustable front seats, a premium Bose® sound system, dual-zone climate control and Xenon headlamps. It also gets a full sports body kit - 18 inch alloy wheels, aero bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler - to visually position it at the pinnacle of the new Mazda6 range.

Sales
Mazda expects the second-generation to build on the incredible foundations laid by the revolutionary first-generation model, which launched in Australia in September 2002.

The first-generation Mazda6 spearheaded an incredible 247 percent growth in the medium car segment from 2001 to 2007. Almost 70,000 first-generation Mazda6s were bought by Australians in six years, making it one of the most successful medium-size cars in modern Australian history.

To date Mazda has sold over 1.3 million first-generation Mazda6/Atenza models worldwide and it has won 130 awards across the globe.

Mazda expects to sell 1,000 Mazda6s per month. Of this, the sedan is expected to account for 40 percent, the hatch for 50 percent and the wagon 10 percent.

Mazda expects that of those sales, 70 percent will be automatic models initially, settling to 80 percent over the life of the car.

For further information contact:

Glenn Butler
National Public Relations Manager
Phone: (03) 8540 1961
Mobile: 0408 126 812
Email: gbutler@mazda.com.au

Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
Phone: (03) 8540 1962
Mobile: 0439 347 658
Email: lrichards@mazda.com.au