Mazda has brought the release date of its upgraded Mazda6 model forward to meet popular demand.

The models are now in Mazda showrooms across the country and feature refreshed exterior and interior styling, additional equipment and a host of technical enhancements.

Fuel economy has been improved by up to 6.4 per cent, with CO2 emissions cut by 6.1 per cent. Prices for the upgraded Mazda6 range from £16,995 to £23,445.

There are two body styles on display (hatchback and estate), and six engines types, split evenly between petrol and diesel, while there are four equipment levels.

Mark Cameron, sales director for Mazda UK, said the amendments to the car were "more than just a cosmetic exercise" and it remained among the best-in-class for CO2 emissions.

"The car has more aggressive front styling, while the engines, suspension and steering have been fine-tuned, enhancing refinement," he added.

In the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year, Mazda UK broke the 50,000 sales figure for the second time in history.

Mazda has brought the release date of its upgraded Mazda6 model forward to meet popular demand.

The models are now in Mazda showrooms across the country and feature refreshed exterior and interior styling, additional equipment and a host of technical enhancements.

Fuel economy has been improved by up to 6.4 per cent, with CO2 emissions cut by 6.1 per cent. Prices for the upgraded Mazda6 range from £16,995 to £23,445.

There are two body styles on display (hatchback and estate), and six engines types, split evenly between petrol and diesel, while there are four equipment levels.

Mark Cameron, sales director for Mazda UK, said the amendments to the car were "more than just a cosmetic exercise" and it remained among the best-in-class for CO2 emissions.

"The car has more aggressive front styling, while the engines, suspension and steering have been fine-tuned, enhancing refinement," he added.

In the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year, Mazda UK broke the 50,000 sales figure for the second time in history.

Mazda is set to recall nearly 90,000 of its vehicles in Japan and China, but has not yet announced whether UK customers will be affected.

A company statement released yesterday (April 15th) revealed the recall of its Mazda 3 model had been triggered by an issue relating to the model’s oil hose.

The Japanese manufacturer discovered that the car’s radiator shroud panel and the oil hose are too close together, which could prove hazardous over bumpy terrain if there is a leak.

Cars produced between January 2006 and March 2009 will be recalled, with 54,000 owners of the popular model being affected in China and a further 35,000 in Japan also subject to the recall.

"The company has received two cases of complaints due to the problem, both in China," a Mazda spokesman said. "No accident because of it has been reported."

No comment has been made on whether any of the UK distributed models will be recalled.

Fellow Japanese car manufacturers Toyota this week suspended sales of its Lexus GX 460 model due to safety concerns.

Car manufacturer Mazda has moved delivery of its vehicles for Scotland out of Grimsby and into Rosyth, prioritising customers in the country and reducing the firm’s CO2 emissions.

The move makes the company the biggest car importer to Scotland, with a forecast of over 6,000 cars transiting through the port of Rosyth in 2010.

David Rodriguez, head of sales planning and distribution for the group’s British operations, said that Scotland is the firm’s most successful market in the UK.

"With an increasing volume of Mazdas in Scotland we were faced with having to increase the number of lorry journeys which in turn would have led to a greater CO2 footprint, and it was these three factors that were the catalyst for change," he said.

This week, Mazda and US giant Ford denied reports they are planning to dismantle or restructure their joint venture in China with Chinese partner Changan Automobile.

A car manufacturer has come up with more than Mazda car spares for its drivers as the benefits of a Mazda Accident Aftercare programme are outlined.

The programme is to be a driver’s first point of call in the event of an accident or a theft, according to the brand.

Mazda boasts 171 authorised repairers at present along with 177 approved accident repair centres, with the care programme launched in August.

Steve Jelliss, aftersales director for the company’s UK operations, said: "A vehicle accident or theft is a very stressful time and our new Mazda Accident Aftercare Service helps to ease the burden for Mazda drivers, by managing the whole post-event process."

The company’s Call First number means that by phoning Mazda they will deal with matters with the insurer and sorting out a courtesy vehicle – for free.

Mr Jelliss added that it is Mazda’s belief that by having such an aftercare service, when experiencing a theft or accident, the situation can prove less stressful as a result.

And with some Mazda motors offering an additional £5,000 on top of a government £1,000 scrappage, in the case of the RX-8, it could be worth taking a look at the motor more closely when buying your next car.

If you have a crash you may need Mazda car spares but the manufacturer states you are likely to remain safe after its recent award.

The Zoom Zoom brand has been issued five-star status in Euro NCAP safety tests, it reported yesterday (November 25th).

It was the Maszda3 model that came up trumps for the manufacturer in the European New Car Assessment Programme.

This does not mark the first vehicle in the Mazda range to receive the award as the Mazda6 has been able to boast the title since February of this year.

NCAP’s evaluation system scores vehicles in a number of key areas including adult occupant protection, pedestrian protection, safety assist and child protection.

Jujiro Matsuda established the Mazda brand back in 1920, making tools.

It celebrated 75 years since the making its first three-wheel truck in 2006.

The firm’s first car – the Mazda R360 Coupe two-door passenger – was not released until 1960 with a four-door car being produced two years later.

The current Mazda line-up is the best ever, according to the manufacturer.

Speaking as the launch of the Mazda2 in North America was announced, chief executive officer and president Jim O’Sullivan said the range spanned all significant areas of the market.

He said the upcoming model to be introduced in the States was good value, lots of fun and stylish to boot.

"It will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom," he added, referring to the company’s branding.

The Mazda2 is set to be unviled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, which takes place from December 4th to 13th.

Since its original launch in 2007, it has won 48 awards.

News of the Mazda2 follows success for the Mazda3 earlier this week.

It was named as the best family car of the year at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards.

Factors such as its comfort, style and economy were noted as contributing to the win.

The Mazda3 stands head and shoulders above its rivals, a panel of experts recently said.

Judging at the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) Scottish Car of the Year Awards last week, a team of journalists named the vehicle as the best in the family car category.

They noted that while there was lots of competition this year – in all shapes and sizes – the Mazda3 "pushed the boundaries" and met the needs of its users with style and quality.

Bill Caven is president of the ASMW and said the motor was "a new version of an old favourite".

"It is no wonder that the all-new Mazda3 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to families making an informed choice regarding their car purchase," he added.

The manufacturer’s joy at winning the award may have been shared by Volkswagen, which saw its Polo model given the award for best small car of the year.

Engine options and a wide range of trim levels were two reasons cited by the judges as to why the vehicle took the prize.

Mazda has unveiled the latest edition Mazda3 MPS super-hatch.

The 2.3-litre vehicle is said to reach speeds of up to 155 mph.

The latest edition has won approval from CAP, the used car valuation professionals, as its staff commended the motor’s look and sport styling – awarding it a benchmark upping of three years.

Jeff Knight, forecast manager at CAP, said: "The all-new Mazda3 MPS looks the part. It has the right styling cues and a more aggressive stance, which are important on a vehicle in the performance car bracket."

He added that the previous model did not have the same "visual appeal" which makes the alterations to this latest addition help drive the brand forward.

Celebrating 30 years in business this year, having been founded in 1979, CAP supplies data relating to future and used values for the automotive sector.

For all of your Mazda spares, visit 247 Spares.

Mazda has drawn attention to the fact it is currently working on a range of car parts designed to help keep drivers of its vehicles safe.

The manufacturer pointed out most accidents are caused by mistakes made by the person at the wheel.

It stated: "Mazda’s research and development programmes aim to produce measures to counter such human errors when they occur and even to eliminate the causes of human error altogether."

One device the company has already created in a bid to protect its customers is the Emergency Signal System.

This technology automatically activates the hazard lights when it detects sudden and heavy braking at speeds of above 50 mph in order to alert drivers following behind the car that there is a problem.

In addition, the group has developed a Rear Vehicle Monitoring System to ensure motorists do not move into busy lanes.

Meanwhile, it was recently announced the new Mazda CX-7 is due to arrive in UK showrooms at the beginning of November.