Mazda6 pricing announced (U.S)

One month ahead of its launch, the Mazda6 will have a sticker price of $18,550 for the entry-level SV, equipped with a 170bhp 2.5-litre I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Sport trim-level features a 273bhp V6 engine and six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission starts at $24,130. An extra $670 ($715 in Alaska) is added for destination charges.

�This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade,� said Jim O�Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. �Bringing any new car to market at a competitive price has always been critical, but seldom more-so than today. Customers are looking for that rare combination of style, dynamics, economy and a great price, and the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 delivers on all levels.�

The Mazda6 is available only as a four-door sedan in a choice of four trim-levels: SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. It is the first vehicle to incorporate Mazda�s �Zoom-Zoom Evolution� second-generation vehicles and it will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Michigan.