First (official) look: MkII Mazda6 finally revealed

AFTER the week in which the redesigned Mazda6 was revealed in all its glory via images of the entire range flooding the internet, the Japanese constructor has now unveiled official material of the hotly-awaited mid-size sedan, hatch and wagon range as it makes its global debut at tonight's Frankfurt motor show opening and its Australian release around May 2008.

The next Six sits on a longer 2725mm wheelbase (current: 2675mm) and in broad terms is slightly bigger overall, lighter (although actual figures are still to be provided), and more spacious inside.

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The sedan and hatchback measure 4735mm in overall length, 1795mm in width and 1440mm in height. The wagon has the same width but stretches the tape measure to 4765mm end to end, and to 1490mm from road to roof.

The drivetrain highlight is a revised a 2.5-litre version of the current (2.3-litre) MZR engine. Outputs climb to 125kW at 6000rpm (up 3kW) and 226Nm at 4000rpm (up 19Nm).

Vehicle dynamics should improve with revisions to the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension. The front brakes are bigger and the steering now has electric (rather than hydraulic) assistance.

The safety package includes up to six airbags, stability control, adaptive front lighting and active head restraints.