Mazda 6

The disguise is being lifted from the next Mazda 6. And judging by these spy shots, the family model is getting a sleek new look.

Our pictures, taken of a prototype undergoing testing in the US, reveal how the car has grown up. Based on the same platform as Mazda par­ent firm Ford’s latest Mondeo, the 6 is set to be much bigger than the current generation.

The newcomer also gets a fresh, sporty look, with a swooping low nose, bold grille and large headlights at the front. Enhancing the stylish look, the roofline is rakish, and runs down smoothly to meet the high tail. This, combined with a wide track and low stance, gives the 6 a sharp appearance, and will help broaden its appeal in the ultra-competitive family car market.

Inside, we can reveal there will be a similar leap forward in terms of quality. Classy chrome-ringed instru­ment dials dominate the dashboard, and the centre console is disting­uished by a circular motif on the stereo surround – this is inspired by that of the RX-8 sports car.

The model in our pictures is the flagship version, and is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine – the big giveaways are the large exhaust tailpipes, which are integrated into the rear bumper, as on the Honda Civic. However, buyers will also be offered the option of smaller engines.