Mazda 6 official images revealed

We've been drip-fed tidbits of the new Mazda 6, but a leaked image early today gave a clearer view, which was followed by Mazda releasing three official images.

The new Mazda6 will be unveiled in Russian spec at the Moscow motor show in late August, and star again at Paris motor show in September. But  these photos -- the leaked one let out of the bag by Russian website AutoWP -- show almost full details of the nose.

Despite Mazda titling the four teaser video snippets of the car "Not the Takeri", the photo shows the design draws cues from the Takeri show car concept, which are likely to spread across the range replacing the aging Nagare' design language.

The Mazda CX-5 compact SUV was the first to use the Takeri cues, and also spearheaded the complete implementation of Mazda's Skyactiv powertrain technology -- which is likely to appear in the Mazda6 in the form of 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinders with six-speed transmissions.

The new Mazda6 will also be the first in Mazda's range to get the brand's new brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP. The new technologies will combine to offer economy benefits over the 8.3-8.9L/100km achieved by the current 125kW/226Nm 2.5-litre petrol and the 8.5L/100km of the 136kW/400Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel.

More information on spec, fit-out and equipment for Australia will be released closer to the car's official launch here next year.