The larger and more sophisticated Mazda6 is aimed squarely at the other Japanese family sedans that dominate the mid-size car segment in North America.

Buyers can choose between two engines, a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 272-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. The 2.5 can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic, while the V6 is bolted exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety equipment includes tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, while a blind spot monitoring system is standard on Touring Plus and Grand Touring trims.

For 2010, a new Touring Plus trim joins the line-up, and a new Technology Package is available on the Grand Touring.