New Mazda 6 Estate revealed

The 2013 Mazda 6 Estate has been revealed in a ceremony at the start of production of the all-new model.

Pictures of the new Mazda 6 saloon have already been released, but this is the first look at the estate version, which will go on sale at the same time. Both are due on sale in the UK in early 2013.

One of the images shows a view of the new Mazda 6's side profile, which appears sleeker than the current model's.

A video on Mazda's official You Tube channel also shows moving footage of the two new 6 Estate models, although the quality of the footage makes them hard to see clearly.

The front of the estate will be identical to the saloon's

The front of the car is clearly visible, however. It's identical to the new 6 saloon's, with a swooping look that's strongly influenced by the Takeri concept car's.

Mazda has confirmed the new 6 will be sold only as a saloon or estate, unlike the current car, which is also available in hatchback form.

New 6 Estate is expected to be lighter than the current car

New Mazda 6 Estate has a sleek look, influenced by the Takeri concept car

The new 6 uses Mazda's Skyactiv technology, which combines lightweight construction with an efficient new range of engines and gearboxes. Mazda's i-Eloop brake-energy regeneration system makes its debut on the new 6, too; it stores the kinetic energy created when braking and uses it to power the car's electrical systems, thereby reducing strain on the engine and improving fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

More information on the new Mazda 6 will be released at the 2012 Moscow motor show later this month. Full details are expected when it makes its European debut at the 2012 Paris motor show in September.

Leo Wilkinson