It is interesting to note which automakers are creating hybrid versions of their vehicles. We all know that Toyota is still in the forefront with the hybrid-only Prius and that never stopped them from developing a Camry hybrid. GM has gone bonkers on developing hybrids themselves though their current financial standing leaves their future to question.

Ford has created hybrids. Even Honda and Nissan are developing theur own. Mazda has also joined the development fray but only for selected models. They already unveiled the Tribute hybrid and are quite intent on creating some more but they have announced that there will be no Mazda6 hybrid.

Mazda believes that they can still create cost-effective mid-sized vehicles without having to resort to slapping on an extra electric motor. The 2009 Mazda6 features a diverse line of engines including a diesel and the car gets decent MPG ratings at 20/29 city/highway with the 1.8L engine.

However, it makes you wonder how they would compete with Honda and Toyota who are creating hybrid versions of their fleet just to satisfy the hybrid-lust of the market.

Mazda isn’t stopping at developing concepts to satisfy their thirst for futuristic design and developing their Zoom-Zoom philosophy. And their next concept - the Kazamai crossover - which will see some spotlight in the Moscow motor show next month.

So far, after being bombarded with the Furai, the Taiki, the Hakaze, the Kazamai seems to be another morphed rendition of the same trend of the Nagare design. The Kazamai looks to be poised as the smaller vehicle after the CX-7.

And it seems to be fitting to display this crossover in Russia. Amazingly, they don’t seem to be any worried at all by the oil crisis and SUVs actually account for a fifth in new car sales. A stark contrast to what’s happening in the US.

Source: Autocar

Call it whatever you like. Mazda6. Atenza. While the name game actually rides on whether its the Japan domestic market or elsewhere, the fully redesigned Atenza/Mazda6 offers more than just the “bold and exquisite” design. Offered in 3 different body styles, buyers have a choice between a sedan, a wagon and a sport hatch. And it’s available starting today.

The Atenza/Mazda6 comes with the newly-developed MZR 2.5L in-line four-cylinder engine that can be mated either to a five-speed automatic trannies featuring Mazda’s Active Adaptive Shift control. The new design is quite larger than the old one but weight reduction applied to the new model helped keep the weight down. The aerodynamic design also helps in giving the Atenza/Mazda6 better performance and fuel economy.

Depending on the body style, the car costs somewhere from $19,500-$24,000 converted from yen. Actual US MSRPs wouldn’t be that far.

Source: Mazda

Watch out, Tokyo. Mazda will be unveiling cars this October.

Atenza? Oh, my bad. Well since this will be about the Tokyo Motor Show, I opted to use the Japanese name for the Mazda 6. After earning good reviews from journalists in the recently-held Frankfurt Motor Show last week, the Mazda 6/Atenza (pictured, above) will be showcased again in Tokyo. But it wouldn’t be the same 6/Atenza but an all-new sportier one.

Aside from the 6/Atenza, Mazda will also be featuring a concept with an uber-futuristic look - the Mazda Taiki Concept (pictured, below). For quite some time, Mazda has been experimenting on these futuristic designs (Nagare or “flow” theme) like with what they did with the Nagare, Ryuga, and Hakaze. It combines aerodynamic principles with next-generation rotary Wankels that Mazda has been known for.

Source: Mazda

It’s still a little over a month away but the 2007 Frankfurt Motor show will definitely be a momentous occasion. For one, the all-new Mazda 6 will debut in the said event, the Japanese auto-maker announced through a press release.

The teaser image only shows the front of the car but it seems to have taken off from a few of the concept cars that they have been featuring in previous auto shows.

The all-new Mazda6 arrives as a full redesign of Mazda’s first model to embody the Zoom-Zoom product philosophy, offering a thrilling drive to all those who still remember the love of motion first experienced as a child. Following the all-new Mazda2, the new Mazda6 is the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage, further deepening the emotional connection between man and machine - Mazda calls it “Kizuna”.

Now since a lot of Mazda’s shares had been acquired by Ford and is, technically, a Ford brand, there might be a chance that the Mazda 6 will use Ford technologies. No details on the specs yet so we might just have to wait for more.

Source: Mazda