Mazda Releases Facelifted Atenza in Japan; 2.0L Engine Models Qualify for Japan's Eco-car Tax Breaks

Hiroshima, Jan 26, 2010; Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of the facelifted Mazda Atenza (known overseas as the Mazda6) for the Japanese market. Available in three body styles - Sedan, Sport (five-door hatchback) and Sport Wagon - Mazda's globally acclaimed mid-size car has been refined and evolved, and it goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The Mazda Atenza has attracted a wide range of customers with its sporty styling and exceptional driving performance. The enhancements for the freshened Mazda Atenza are based on the Zoom-Zoom evolution development concept, and include improvements to its environmental and safety attributes, driving performance, interior and exterior design, and quality levels.

The 2.0-liter engine Atenza models, available in both the Sedan and Sport Wagon body types, have been updated with Mazda's direct injection MZR 2.0L DISI* gasoline engine. This engine provides plenty of power as well as outstanding fuel economy that exceeds Japan's "2010 fuel economy standard plus 15%." All grades equipped with a 2.0-liter engine qualify for Japan's eco-car incentive program and are subject to 50 percent less tax under the government's eco-car tax reduction program. Additionally, the entire Atenza range, including front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) grades, qualify as Super-Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SU-LEV) by achieving exhaust emissions that are at least 75 percent lower than the levels set in the Japanese Government's 2005 exhaust emissions standard.

Improvements to driving performance include updated power steering and suspension settings that have resulted in better handling and straight-line stability at high speeds. With newly optimized front and rear suspension, the freshened Atenza also realizes a stable, more premium quality ride and enhanced comfort.

The exterior of the facelifted Atenza adopts the new Mazda family face with a five-point front grille and other spirited design elements that enhance its sportiness. Both the 17-inch and 18-inch aluminum wheels have new designs, and the range of eight exterior body colors has been augmented with new tints. The brand new colors are Clear Water Blue Metallic and Midnight Bronze Mica, which expresses a premium identity.

Inside, the center panel stack has a smooth, glossy, piano-black finish. Beautiful and tactile chrome plating adorns the climate control and audio dials, and other parts. This color combination in the interior conveys a refined and high quality atmosphere.

The manufacturer's suggested retail prices (including sales taxes) range from 2,100,000 to 2,500,000 yen for the Sedan body type, 2,450,000 to 2,750,000 yen for the Sport model, and 2,250,000 to 2,750,000 yen for the Sport Wagon model. The target sales volume is 800 units per month.

*Direct Injection Spark Ignitio

About Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.com .