Quality Planning — a company that validates policyholder info for auto insurers put together this list based on data gathered between August 2007 and September 2008, using a sample size of 1.7 million vehicles.

Click "next" or select any car to learn how it made the list.

[via AOL Autos]

Photo credit: Kipp Baker

Vehicle: 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
Place: #10 (tied)
Percentage lower than average: 60% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: It's a big pickup truck. Unless you're outfitted with the entire JC Whitney off-road catalog, pickups are as good as invisible on the streets. Well, not invisible, more like moving blind spots blocking your view of traffic. Still, given the utility and apparently lower ticketing rate, the higher fuel consumption and parking woes might be offset.

Vehicle: 2009 Buick Lucerne
Place: #10 (tied)
Percentage lower than average: 60% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: It's a Buick. More accurately, it's a part of the "Old Buick." Recently we've seen signs of life in GM's tri-shield brand with the Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal, but the Lucerne is positioned staunchly in the "old-man driving 10 MPH under the speed limit in the fast lane" stereotype of Buick. This car isn't ticketed because its drivers don't break the law, well, they don't break speeding laws. Tickets for no turn signals and late turns across three lanes of traffic into Old Country Buffet are rare.

Vehicle: 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Place: #8 (tied)
Percentage lower than average: 63% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: Nothing says "I'm not worth your time officer" better than a minivan, especially a GM minivan sadly badged as an Oldsmobile. The Silhouette was GM's pity offering to Olds dealers with nothing interesting in the showroom and acted as a footnote in the last days of the brand. It's nothing if not completely invisible in the real world and the drivers are too busy trying not to be seen to go around breaking traffic laws.

Vehicle: 2007 Buick Rainier
Place: #8 (tied)
Percentage lower than average: 63% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: Platform prostitution at its finest, the Buick Rainier started life as the Chevy Trailblazer, which begat the Oldsmobile Bravada, which died with the brand, so it was rebadged as both the Saab 9-7x and Buick Rainier. A lesson in how not to manage a platform for success. The Rainier has not one but two invisibility shields: 1) it's an unremarkable looking SUV, and 2) it's a Buick. Might as well have that fancy cloaking technology the Predator used.

Vehicle: Mazda6
Place: #6
Percentage lower than average: 66% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: Despite the Mazda 6's more sporting character compared to other mid-size family sedans, it's still a mid-size family sedan. There are more than enough hot-heads in pony cars and German prickmobiles to collect revenue from.

Vehicle: 2005 Buick Park Avenue
Place: #5
Percentage lower than average: 68% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: Quite a preponderance of Buicks on this list isn't there? Of the cars on here, we've always felt the Buick Park Avenue got the short end of the stick. The final generation actually wore some pretty crisp styling but was always burdened by terrible old-fogey wheels and later boasted tacked-on ventiports. The supercharged 3800 V6 would scoot off the line but the floaty suspension and drowsy interior made the idea of breaking the law a non-issue. Plus, what cop wants to ticket the nice little grandma behind the wheel.

Vehicle: Chevrolet C1500, K1500, 2500HD, 3500HD
Place: #4
Percentage lower than average: 72% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: Same reason as its GMC Sierra twin, it's a truck and thus nothing more than an large lump taking up space on the road. With the 6.0-liter V8 they can be pretty fast and they're surprisingly agile around a corner, but nobody buys a truck for the go. As to why the Chevy has such a remarkable difference in ticketing rate we haven't a clue, perhaps since GMC buyer paid more for theirs, they feel like they should drive it faster and park in goofy places.

Vehicle: Chevrolet Tahoe
Place: #3
Percentage lower than average: 79% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: If there was a way to make the Silverado more invisible to law enforcement, it's to close up the bed, add a pair of doors and call it the Tahoe. Even the name says law-abiding-white-bread-citizen. There's an interesting paradox here in that based on anecdotal evidence a great many Tahoes are driven with reckless abandon, weaving in and out of traffic as if they own the road. And yet, with their inevitably beige, black, or maroon paint jobs, Tahoes blend into the background like a chameleon.

Vehicle: Chevrolet Suburban
Place: #2
Percentage lower than average: 84% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: Take everything about the Tahoe and add more girth. The big, bad, 'Burb has been sailing American roadways so long it's practically an institution. A last bastion for the family of eight which isn't interested in a full-size van, the Suburban is so big as to be imperceptible on a normal human scale, making it perfect for eluding the radar guns gaze. Their relative rarity these days helps out a lot too.

Vehicle: Jaguar XJ
Place: #1
Percentage lower than average: 89% less likely
Why it isn't ticketed: The Jaguar XJ has a shape almost as old as the idea of the car. Until Ian Callum came along and boogered-up the design with the 2010 Jaguar XJ, the car was so ubiquitous, and favored by such old buyers, it's practically never ticketed. The colors are generally sedate and unassuming, British Racing Green is as crazy as it gets, none of those obscene reds and yellows that draw radar guns. The trick is beneath the 40 year old skin is the possibility of an all-aluminum automobile sporting a 400 HP supercharged V8. It's a perfect sleeper and the car least likely to get you ticketed.

Hotness is relative; there's actual hot, as in Megan Fox or John Hamm, and office hot, as in someone hot compared to people you work with. Is the 2009 Mazda6 hot... or just office hot?

Since most of us don't work in the same office, I'm going to lean on the cast of NBC's The Office, which is notable for employing actors almost as unattractive as the rest of us. The 2009 Mazda6 is Pam, a.k.a. Jenna Fischer, who is smokin' hot for a receptionist from Scranton, PA but nothing special compared to the cast of most NBC programs (ahem, Chuck). In the same way, this new Mazda is fun for what it is, but that's still a FWD mid-size sedan.

The 2009 Mazda6 is the replacement for the beloved first-generation Mazda6, a sedan notable for offering a sporty ride and enough style to differentiate it from the appliance-like competition. Unfortunately, the biggest difference in the eyes of most buyers was the size. It was much smaller. This is why the little Mazda was more likely to get duty as the daily driver for a hot twentysomething than a MILF.

The only Mazda6 available with the six-speed manual gearbox is the 6i version, which comes paired with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Compared to the previous generation's 2.3-liter four-banger, power is up modestly to 170 HP and 167 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 14 HP and 11 lb-ft. The V6-powered 6s jumps stratospherically to 272 HP and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to a switch to the six-cylinder engine out of the Mazda CX-9. We wanted the manual transmission, so we opted for the heavily-optioned Mazda 6i Grand Touring.

Compared to the pudgy Toyota Camry and dated Nissan Altima, the Mazda is sleek and modern. Run into friends while driving a Mazda6 and you won't have to apologize for its looks. The front fenders flare out dramatically from the rear slope of the hood, giving it the athletic look of an RX-8 from one or two angles. From dead-on the 6 is slightly one-note, but it's attractive from most of the remaining angles. It won't stand out on Rodeo Drive, but you were going to Chili's anyways.

On the inside, the new Mazda6 has traded up from The Gap to The Limited. Though it retains the same black-with-metal trim look, the materials are much nicer and the controls are integrated into an actual theme (circles) as opposed to merely stacked on top of each other. More impressively, the designers opted for a smooth-surfaced and piano black accent pieces over cheap and fake wood. Highlighted by silver striations for the Touring models, the trim sounds cheesy but works rather well. The textured plastic on on the underside of the console is too dense and rough for a luxury car, which is just about right for this class.

The new 6 is either larger or within half-an-inch of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in terms of front and rear legroom and larger than both in terms of rear hip room. With the front seats all the way back, there was plenty of room for four adults. I picked up a couple of Mazda3-owning friends and they were impressed with the stylish look and roomy backseat. Whether a big backseat is a sign of hot or office hot is purely subjective.

Though nearly 200 pounds heavier and six-inches longer, the new 6 retains much of what makes it fun to drive. The speed-sensitive steering is feather light and perfectly matched to the sedan's carefree and fun attitude. Throw it into a corner at a reasonable speed and it won't bend or dive. You'd expect the price for such a stable ride would be a rougher ride, but even on the worst roads its as smooth most entry-level luxury cars. All of this comes from a car that starts at $24,910 in this trim and tops out with all options under $30,000. If you want to forgo all the options and luxury touches it starts at $18,500.

Attractive, fun, comfortable and affordable — what's the catch?

It's not slow, but it's a little community college. Step on it hard and the new four-in-a-line doesn't wake up until well into 3-grand in second gear, near the point where the VVT system opens up and lets it breathe. You'll feel great passing on a downshift, but If stoplight power is all you desire, the new Mazda6s slays all comers with its massive V6. Thankfully, the six-speed manual is fantastic fun, with intuitive shift points, easy throws and a clutch so light you may put your foot through the firewall. The biggest complaint, actually, is the noise. In the throes of passion the inline-four lets out an unattractive and high-pitched squeal.

In the end, the Mazda6, like Pam's status as most desirable girl on The Office, is the most desirable car in its segment . It's the best you can do when you're a salesman at a second-run paper store.

Mazda is currently struggling in the Chinese market, selling only 105,000 cars there during the first 10 months of 2008. That number puts it well behind on plans to sell at least 300,000 cars a year in China by 2010. Their solution? Bring in Phelps.

The swimmer won eight gold medals in last summer’s Beijing Games, rocketing him to instant celebrity not just in his native country, but in China too. He’ll now endorse the Mazda6 in a series of print and TV ads and public appearances. The deal is worth in excess of $1 million; making Phelps the most highly paid Western celebrity in Chinese History. [via NY Daily News]

Photography credit: Pictlux

[via CarSpyShots]

Mazda Kiyora Concept to Make its Global Debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Kiyora, a lightweight, next generation, urban compact concept car, will be revealed at the 2008 Paris International Motor Show to be held from Thursday, October 2 through Sunday, October 19, 2008.

Mazda Kiyora (meaning ‘clean and pure’ in Japanese) represents the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features aspired to in Mazda’s long-term technology development vision, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.”

The concept of “Kiyora” helped the designers to imagine a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape, with water as the design theme. Equipped with Mazda’s next generation 4 cylinder direct injection engine and featuring the company’s unique Smart Idle Stop System, the car achieves excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The improved aerodynamic performance of Nagare design also contributes to this. The new Mazda concept car is based on an all-new platform designed to maximize weight reduction and a high level of safety, in pursuit of enhanced driving pleasure. It also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle.

Joining the Mazda Kiyora concept car on Mazda’s stand at the Paris show, the Mazda MX-5 facelift will make its world debut, together with the Mazda6 equipped with Mazda’s newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine, and the Mazda2 powered by a MZ-CD 1.6-liter diesel.

[Mazda]

PRICING

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan will start at $18,550 for a MAZDA6 i SV, equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 s, powered by a 273-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission begins at $24,130. Destination charges for all 2009 model-year Mazda vehicles are $670, $715 in Alaska. The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available at dealers across the U. S. starting in late August, 2008.

The highly anticipated 2009 MAZDA6 is the first of Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom Evolution" second-generation vehicles, building on a heritage of sports sedans and sports cars that no other manufacturer can boast, and bringing a combination of sports sedan, sophistication, build quality and product insight not currently found in the market.

"This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Bringing any new car to market at a competitive price has always been critical, but seldom more-so than today. Customers are looking for that rare combination of style, dynamics, economy and a great price, and the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 delivers on all levels."

The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available as a four-door sedan and in four trim levels: SV (I-4 models only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, and with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. All models, regardless of engine or trim grade, will include as standard equipment: air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, anti-lock brakes (ABS), dynamic stability control, traction control, frontal and seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passenger, side air-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Power for the 2009 MAZDA6 will be available from an all-new Mazda-designed and developed MZR 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, as used in the 2008 CX-9, Motor Trend's 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year and the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6). I-4 models equipped with the Sport AT are certified at the ultra-clean SULEV level, and PZEV in California-emission states. All V6 models meet ULEV standards for all 50 states.

As it has been since the first MAZDA6 launched in 2002, all North American MAZDA6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

Given that the Chinese auto market has yet to cool, this is probably more a matter of the Mondeo not fairing well against the other sedans it is normally pitted against. At this price level it is competitive with the very similar 2009 Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat. Either way, Ford wants to take advantage of that thirsty market. [China Car Times]

MAZDA6 i SV
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
Vehicle features
* Independent front & rear suspension w/ stabilizer bars
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
* 16" steel wheel w/ 7-spoke wheel cover
* Halogen headlights with automatic headlight shutoff
* Power remote door mirrors, door locks, and windows
* Air conditioning with pollen filter
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible stereo w/ 6-speakers & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system
* 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, floor and cargo mats
* Center instrument panel display (A/C, audio, clock, outside temp.)
* Power door locks, windows, door mirrors and remote keyless entry
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $19,850

MAZDA6 i Sport
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i SV Model features plus:
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
MSRP: $21,250*

MAZDA6 i Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Sport model features plus:
* 17" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* 8-way driver's power seat & electroluminescent gauges
* Push button ignition start
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $22,750*

MAZDA6 s Sport
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
Vehicle features
* 17" alloy wheels
* Chrome dual exhaust finishers
* Halogen headlights
* Dual power remote side mirrors
* V6 emblems & scuff plates
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible 6-speaker sound system
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $25,150*

MAZDA6 s Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Sport model features plus:
* 18" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* Push button ignition start
* Mazda Advance Keyless Entry & Start System
* Leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* 8-way power driver's seat w/ manual adjust lumbar support
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $26,150*

MAZDA6 i Grand Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $25,850

MAZDA6 s Grand Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $29,150

[Mada6Club]

The fourbanger gets a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic while the V6 gets only the six-speed automatic with manual shift. Unfortunately, there's no wagon for North America... yet. We'll see what we can do about that. [Mazda.ca via CarScoop]

Mazda Reveals the All-New Mazda6 for the North American Market

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today revealed the all-new Mazda6 and confirmed that sales will start in late summer 2008.

Specifically developed for North America, the all-new Mazda6 inherits and evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market. Handling and comfort were also optimized for North American road conditions.

"Following the CX-7 and the CX-9, the 2009 North American Mazda6 is the third model that was designed and engineered specifically to meet the needs of our North American customers," said Daniel T. Morris, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. "The midsize sedan segment is extremely competitive and the Mazda6 will be up against some of the best vehicles in the industry.

"The all-new Mazda6 offers plenty of Mazda's characteristic Zoom-Zoom vitality and we believe it will succeed in the challenging North American market. We will continue to deliver products that reflect our customers' needs and build Mazda's brand image in order to achieve the goals set out in our mid-term Mazda Advancement Plan."

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be powered by Mazda's newly developed 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and its 3.7-liter V6 engine. The I4 engine is already available in the European and Japanese Mazda6 models and the V6 promises an exhilarating ride, coming straight from the 2008 North American Truck of the Year, the Mazda CX-9. A six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the I4 engine. The V6 will be coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The North American Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan.

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be produced at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company, as it has been since the first Mazda6 launched in 2002.

[Source: Mazda]

Also debuting is the Chinese-refreshened RX-8. Mazda will be showing off the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid that includes the hydrogen rotary engine as well. Pardon my lack of excitement for the latter announcements, but that Taiki concept is still etched into my brain. What's with those back wheels?

Mazda to Showcase All-New Mazda6 and Mazda Taiki Concept at the 2008 Beijing Motor Show

Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the European specification of the all-new Mazda6 (known as the all-new Mazda Atenza in Japan) and Mazda Taiki, the fourth concept car in the Nagare design series, at the 2008 Beijing International Motor Show* from Sunday, April 20, through Monday, April 28, 2008.

The new Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid, equipped with Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine, will be exhibited along with other future environmental and safety technologies to promote Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda's long-term vision for technology development. Around the world, the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan aims to harmonize driving pleasure with environmental and safety performance. Based on this vision, Mazda is committed to working towards a sustainable future that brings continued happiness and excitement to everyone by offering vehicles that "look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again."

Mazda will also debut the freshened Mazda RX-8 ahead of its introduction to the Chinese market. The Mazda MX-5 (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) Power Retractable Hard Top will be shown as a reference model. A total of 16 vehicles* from nine model lines will be exhibited on the Mazda stand.

Whatever the source, it makes for an interesting bit of speculation about the future of the Mazda6 and Atenza platform. (Thanks to Matthiijs of Mazda-Madness.nl for the tip)

Any guesses as to what this really is? [The Hollywood Extra]

The Atenza will also feature Cross Functional Network, or CF-Net. CF-Net is a series of buttons on the steering wheel that, when combined with a centralized display on the instrument panel, allows almost every aspect of the car to be controlled without taking hands off thw wheel. Yes, this includes air control and audio, which we are pretty accustomed to over yonder. [Fareastgizmos]

What's powering this concept is anyone's guess. As is whether or not the vehicle will be made, if it will carry the Mazdaspeed name if it is made and what countries will get the modified version. It's like Ross and Rachel, except we sort of actually care. [AutoBlog]

Press Release (partial):

Key Value One: EMOTIONAL AND SPORTY

Engaging styling and dynamic performance create a sense of delight and kizuna
(strong emotional ties) when the owner looks at or drives the new Mazda6.

Design
Chief designer Youichi Sato describes the design theme for the new Mazda6 as "Bold and Exquisite". The design is an evolved Zoom-Zoom form, which cleverly combines two seemingly contradicting ideas of strength and delicate grace through an expression of the Japanese aesthetic. While inheriting the 'athletic' design that was key to the signature Mazda look of the previous model, the new Mazda6 is yet a stronger statement of driving dynamism. Its designers also worked on a combination of playfulness and dignity to create a new expression of "cool", aimed at moving the Mazda6 to the top of its class. Youichi Sato states, "it is vitally important that the new Mazda6 confidently embodies a Japanese design identity.
And it must still look fresh in 10 years' time."

Advanced exterior styling based on Japanese aesthetics
The design theme, "Bold and Exquisite" is embodied in the new Mazda6's sporty styling that is sure to turn heads. "Japanese aesthetics give new Mazda6 its unique visual identity", says Sato. "Rather than being derived from traditional sculpted forms, it stands apart from its rivals by straightforwardly expressing the Japanese aesthetic sense to embody a new and advanced character."

The exterior has a unique character, expressed by the interplay of discreetly flowing curves and prominent edges from the front end through the fenders, and through the taut curves that lend richness and strength to the rear view. The door panel placed between the sharp top and bottom character lines convey an expression of beauty from simplicity. Then there's the exquisiteness of detail evident everywhere in the tsukurikomi (inbuilt quality). Combined, these elements of beauty create an advanced, emotion-pleasing character that could only be found in a Mazda.

As before, there are three body styles: hatchback, sedan and estate. The five-door hatchback symbolizes the new Mazda6's sporty and sophisticated nature with a flowing, coupé-style silhouette and a six side-window cabin design. The sedan plays down its three-box form with its tautly-arched cabin and short, high tail, giving it a fastback look clearly related to that of the hatchback. The estate version features three-dimensional curves that give volume and tension to the side and rear view to achieve a level of stylish design, rare in an estate.