Mazda Motor Corporation's new product offensive is forging ahead at the Geneva motor show in March with the unveiling of another two new models, hot on the heels of world debuts of the Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8 at recent Detroit and Tokyo shows.

Leading the way is the worldwide debut of the Mazda6 Sport Wagon (Japanese naming: Atenza). Alongside the sporty five-door hatchback and the elegant four-door sedan, the sport wagon completes the three-bodystyle line-up of this all-new midsize car. The sport wagon shares with its sister models athletic tension in design with the additional benefits of cargo capacity and flat-floor loading space sought by wagon customers. All Mazda6 models were designed and developed as a new global benchmark in the class in terms of styling, performance, packaging, and quality. All three-bodystyles go on sale in Japan over the early summer of this year.

Another Mazda world first at Geneva is the Mazda MX Sport Runabout. This new concept model shows Mazda's brand DNA and design philosophy in small car form. It demonstrates the standards Mazda aims to achieve in small car lifestyle packaging and driving dynamics.

Through Mazda's new brand-driven direction, the eye-catching MX Sport Runabout cleverly combines distinctive design, exceptional functionality and responsive handling and performance in-line with the attributes built into the Mazda6 and all Mazda's future production cars.

Mazda MX Sport Runabout proposes a new standard in the class through bold new styling and innovative interior quality with excellent packaging, dynamic performance, class-leading handling and ride comfort.

Three bodystyle line-up of Mazda6 (European specifications)

Mazda6
The new E-type multi-link rear suspension employed on Mazda6 Sport Wagon minimizes intrusion of suspension components into the luggage compartment. Thanks to its compact design, a spacious, low-floor, easy-to-use luggage space is attained. Mazda6 Sport Wagon also adopts 'karakuri'-inspired rear seat design as first seen in the 5 door hatchback version. A single touch on a handle in the luggage area causes the rear seat cushions to sink into the floor while the seatbacks fold forward to create an entirely flat load floor. Mazda6 is scheduled to be introduced onto the European market this summer, and MZR-CD 2.0-liter common rail diesel engine and 4WD version will follow in autumn.

New Generation Small Car Concept "Mazda MX Sport Runabout"

MX Sport Runabout
Mazda's new generation DNA in small car form
Mazda MX Sport Runabout inherits the key attributes of Mazda's new brand and product DNA. It boasts dynamic athletic styling and is instantly recognizable as a Mazda from the "family face" with its five-point grill face and distinctive light cluster, which echoes that of the Atenza. The exterior creates the right balance between emotional Mazda design and the visual communication of a world-class package. This was achieved by graphically emphasizing the cabin area while maintaining the Mazda surface language. Short overhangs and large-diameter wheels positioned well into the corners of the body, help the MX Sport Runabout convey a clear sense of stability.

Interior lifestyle environment with exceptional quality
To reflect the fun-to-drive message of the MX Sport Runabout, the concept model's bodywork is finished in bright and distinctive yamabuki orange. The interior is a lifestyle environment with quality that is exceptional in this market segment. The interior is light beige color-themed with chocolate lowlights on the upper instrument panel and door trim together with metal-coated audio panel and door trim insert to enhance chic, sophisticated, and sporty design.

Mazda Head of Design, Moray Callum explained. "MX Sport Runabout gives the occupants an atmosphere where they can literally 'feel at home'. Using architectural design principles, the interior emphasizes the efficient use of space, at the same time expressing comfort and an inviting atmosphere. This is achieved through a careful balance of form, materials, textures and colors."

"The interior has all the expected and required functions of a modern family car - however, they have been integrated with an emphasis on familiarity to what the customer uses everyday at home, such as the influence of modern audio units on the center panel."

Excellent packaging functionality
Through clever packaging, the five-door MX Sport Runabout delivers maximum space and flexibility within compact overall dimensions providing an outstanding blend of comfort, functionality and top-level safety. Even though the compact body measures just 3,900 mm in overall length, 1,720 wide and 1,550mm high, the 2,50mm wheelbase provides the spacious passenger room of a much larger car, allowing four adults to travel in complete comfort. Through flexible and easy-to-use storage space, MX Sport Runabout is capable of carrying two complete mountain bikes thanks to a non-protruding suspension tower design. It also has a one-touch rear seat double folding function, as seen on Atenza.

Dynamic performance providing class-leading handling and ride comfort
MX Sport Runabout delivers Mazda's "fun-to-drive" driving dynamics through precise handling and a high level of driving performance thanks to enhanced body rigidity and newly developed suspension. Ride comfort and braking performance are also exceptional for the small car class. MX Sport Runabout is powered by a newly-developed, state-of-the-art 1.5-liter in-line four-cylinder DOHC S-VT engine with four-speed automatic transmission. It delivers an optimum mix of outstanding performance, economy and environmental friendliness.