US premiere of Mazda 6 in January

17 December 2001: The Mazda 6 saloon body style will be seen in the metal for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A newly developed car body platform and styling, which clearly differentiates the Mazda 6 from its predecessors, mark the beginning of what Mazda say will be 'a broad product offensive' in the hotly contested middle range.

The Mazda 6’s chassis is characterised by a wide track and low centre of gravity. Its handling characteristics will be dictated by a double front wishbone and a multi-steering rear axle construction. The vehicle will have four-piston disc brakes with four-channel ABS, electronic braking force distribution (EBD) and in critical situations the DSC, a dynamic stability control, provides further active safety.

Passive safety elements include two-stage front airbags, side airbags and new window airbags. Newly designed front seats help to significantly reduce the risk of whiplash during rear impact.

Contrary to previous speculation, the new Mazda is now said NOT to be based on the Mondeo's platform, and in fact will be a larger car than the Ford. It replaces the long-running 626. BB