The Mazda 6 saloon body style will be seen for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Further highlights at Detroit have already been presented in Tokyo, a five-door fastback version, the production models of the Mazda RX-8 sports car and the 3.0-litre V6-version of the Mazda MPV, which are to have their US premiere in Detroit.

Mazda says the new cars satisfies the highest safety standards. A stiff body with above average crumple zones forms the basis of the design.

Front airbags, side airbags and new window airbags protect the occupants during an accident. The front seats are fitted with belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters, and the three-point seat belts are even available for rear seat passengers. The newly-designed front seats help to significantly reduce the risk of whiplash during rear impact.

The Mazda RX-8 will be presented to the American public for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show. It houses a high-performance rotary piston engine in a dynamically aggressive sports car, four reverse-direction opening doors and lots of room for four people.