The 2012 Mazda6 leads the way toward offering midsize sedan shoppers with a desired alternative to the cookie-cutter norm.

The Mazda6's sleek body style offers bold strokes that sculpt from the front fascia, through the headlamp, over the top of the front-wheel opening and into the side surfaces just before reaching the front doors.

The Mazda6's interior instills a striking first impression with its mostly black canvas accentuated by bold statements of elegant wood, satin silver and polished chrome. Multiple design elements flow as one, from the T-shaped instrument panel to the similarly shaped triple-spoke steering wheel.

Blacked-out instrument faces with bright metallic markings, needles and trim pieces give the Mazda6 interior an exquisitely detailed look, creating a desired contrast between sporty masculinity and demure beauty. Seats are highly refined with soft-look volumes combined with supportive seat cushions and highly effective side bolsters.

Mazda's reputation for providing world-class powertrains is deeply rooted. Quick throttle response, strong acceleration and outstanding flexibility are core to Mazda's spirit of engineering.

The MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the standard engine on all Mazda6 i models. Delivering 170 horsepower, its peak torque of 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm tops nearly all competitors' four-cylinder engines. This engine is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission on the i Sport models with an available electronically-controlled five-speed Sport automatic transmission.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is the standard engine for Mazda6 s models. With a stirring 272 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, the V-6 is one of the most powerful in its class and offers best-in-class torque.