Mazda Atenza / Mazda6 Photos Show Kodo Design Philosophy Running Strong

The Paris Auto Show has seen a ton of exciting new concepts from leading Japanese car companies but one that has really stood out is the new Atenza / Mazda6 sedan and wagon models. (The Atenza is known outside Japan as the Mazda6).

Having just released an enormous photo gallery of the two versions, Mazda reiterated that their latest designs follow their corporations design philosophy of Kodo (soul of motion) to the purest element it’s been yet.

They sure aren’t kidding. The wing grille streams into each flowing line that carries the eye back over the coupe-like roofline. In fact, the roofline has been set towards the back of the car by 100mm which gives a surprisingly sporty look to the mid-size cars. The Mazda6 is certain to make a big hit in the European D-segment of the car market, a place where the company currently sells 6.2% of the total passenger cars already.

A Roomier Atenza / Mazda6

Promising to provide more space in the cabin, Mazda gave the sedan a 2,830 mm wheelbase but in an odd move, made the wagon version of the Mazda6 only 2,750 mm. The wagon is also smaller, coming in at 4,800 mm total, 65 mm under the typical Mazda saloon (which is a standard size according to Mazda reps).

But even with that length difference, the wagon beats out the sedan in boot capacity as with the rear seats in place, the wagon is 522lt while the sedan only 489lt. Either way, both versions of the Mazda6 are constructed over a more rigid but lighter chassis that boasts a front strut and multi-link rear suspension. This should provide the agile yet comfortable ride as well as high-speed stability that the company is promising in both the Mazda6 sedan and wagon versions.

Zoom Zoom Engine Options

When the sales begin at the end of this year in Europe, drivers will be able to pick between two different versions of the Skyactiv Mazda: the three petrol and the two diesel power versions. The petrol Skyactiv-G comes with a 2.0 liter in both 143 horsepower (145PS) and 163 horsepower (165PS) options. If the buyer wishes for even more power in a petrol, they can also opt for a 2.5 liter that boasts a 189 horsepower (192PS) engine.

For those who prefer diesel, options are available as well with the Skyactiv-D 2.2 diesel coming in either a 147 horsepower (150PS) or 173 horsepower (175PS) variety.

The obvious attention to choices is part of a new Japanese automaker trend to provide variety to their customers, something which is partially responsible for their strong sales as of late. Mazda’s new line is looking to follow suit.

More Safety Options Standard in Europe

But what’s even more intriguing is that while the European models will have features like radar cruise control, automatic braking for low and high speed collision and lane departure warning systems, the power options will shrink when the cars are released in North America in early 2013.

Offering only the sedan Mazda6 with the Skyactiv-G gasoline 2.5-liter 189 horsepower engine, Mazda seems to know that Americans want more power. And with the promise of a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine possibly in the works later on in the line, it looks like Mazda really have their fingers on the pulse of each geographical market.