Frankfurt motor show 2007 - Mazda 6

The previous 6 was one of Mazda's biggest sellers, with more than 450,000 sales in Europe, so this new 6 is an important part of the company's future plans.

As before, hatch, saloon and estate models will be available, while the 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols and the 2.0-litre diesel engine are carried over from the current car.

However, Mazda says fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions in the two petrols have been improved, while NOX and particulate emissions on the diesel are also cut.

The big news is the arrival of a new 2.5-litre petrol engine. This has been developed from the company's 2.3-litre engine and develops 170bhp.

A six-speed gearbox is standard across the range and the current hydraulic power steering system has been replaced with an electronic one.

Some of the most interesting features in the cabin are the functions on the steering wheel. Mazda calls this CF-Net – Cross Functional Network – and it controls the navigation, audio, air-con and other systems.

Also new are Mazda's first active head restraints, which thrust forward in a rear-end collision and can help reduce whiplash injuries.

There's a new feature in estate models, too, where the tonneau cover automatically moves up with the boot door is opened.

The car will go on sale here next spring with the estate a few months later. Prices will start at £15,500, about £500 more than the current car.

RX-8 - 40 years of the rotary engine
Also on the stand is a limited-edition RX-8 coupe that the company says celebrates the 40th anniversary of the rotary engine.

Fitted with a 228bhp engine, the car has sports suspension for improved handling and 18-inch alloy wheels.