All-new Mazda6 teased

Mazda has released initial details of its all-new Mazda6 ahead of the car’s debut at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show next month.

The car will be unveiled on Wednesday 29th August although Mazda is highlighting the vehicle will be in Russian specification. This means saloon guise only: it is almost certain that the UK market will get a more practical hatchback – along with an estate – in line with the outgoing vehicle.

First Drive: Mazda6 (2010 onwards)

The new mid-size family car features the Japanese firm’s latest Kodo ‘Soul of Motion’ design language first seen on the Mazda CX-5 crossover, as well as some efficiency boosting technology debuted on the Takeri concept.

Mazda Takeri Concept

The latest Mazda6 gets the company’s i-ELOOP regenerative braking system – technology Mazda claims can save up to 10% more fuel in stop-start traffic over a similar vehicle not equipped with the device.

The recovery system harnesses otherwise-wasted kinetic energy under braking, recycling it into electrical energy for storage in the car’s capacitors. This energy source can then be called upon to power the car’s electrical systems, reducing load on the engine and therefore improving efficiency.

The Russian specification car uses the firm’s 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox: UK models should also get the 2.2-litre Skyactive-D turbodiesel engine from the CX-5 in 150hp and 175hp guise.

A 165hp 2.0-litre petrol option has also been mooted to power the 6 in the UK, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.

Expect more details on the new car closer to its debut in Moscow and subsequent UK-spec unveiling.

First Drive: Mazda6 (2010 onwards)

First Drive: Mazda CX-5 (2012 onwards)

Mazda Takeri Concept