JEDDAH, 20 June — The newly introduced all-new Mazda6 has potentials to set a new global benchmark in the midsize segment for driving performance, package, styling and quality, visiting Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC) delegation members said here yesterday.

"This car symbolizes the future is here. Its powerful performance and linear, responsive handling take it to an entirely new level of driving pleasure," MMC Managing Director Tsuneo Matsubara, delegation leader, said at a press conference held at Laylaty Hall, following its launch the previous night.

Ali Alireza, director and general manager, Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., Mazda’s sole Kingdomwide dealer, hoped that Mazda6 could achieve 10 to 15 percent of about 40,000 cars sold in the midsize segment of the local market.

"The new car is competitively priced, holds a competitive edge in the Kingdom’s midsize market segment and assures the best value for money. We’re optimistic," Alireza said

Seiichi Ohmoto, program manager, platform & program management at Hiroshima-based MMC gave a presentation highlighting Mazda6’s design, dynamics, safety, craftsmanship and packaging features.

Describing it as the "redefinition of the midsize sedan," Ohmoto said the new car was part of Mazda’s "Zoom-Zoom" corporate philosophy. "Its bold, athletic face with predatory headlamps is an instant classic, telling of the astonishing driving pleasure within. Its sculpted body surfaces emphasize its dynamic balance while the wraparound tail lamps maintain the stylish sporty flow. Quality and craftsmanship are evident in even the tiniest details. And in the cabin, form follows function in an elegant statement of both style and utility."

According to him, Mazda engineers have paid special attention to provide the new car with world-class safety features. Its new dual-stage front airbags and an advanced crash zone sensor at the front of the vehicle are meant to determine the type and severity of the frontal impact and then signal a sensor control module unit inside the vehicle. Its insightful engineering is designed to meet or even exceed crash safety standards in all major world markets.

Ohmoto said Mazda6 is available in a 2 or 2.3 liter capacity aluminum engine. "The innovative power train makes the launch of the new Mazda much more than a new midsize car platform. The engine is connected to a front-wheel drive 5-speed gearbox with a short response time to give the driver a real sporty feel," he said.