Production stepped up as Mazda readies 626 estate

The new estate will go on sale in the UK next March and while UK engines and trims are still to being finalised it is understood it will be similar to the five-door line-up. Prices are expected to be about £1,000 above five-door models.

Next June Mazda will bring the Demio MPV into the UK and prior to that the new MX-5, which debuts at this week's Tokyo Motor Show, will arrive in Britain. In the meantime future projects at Mazda are working to a design theme called Contrast in Harmony. This has so far resulted in two concept cars, a Mazda 323-sized SW-X compact MPV offering one to seven seats and a super-low floor, and a Mazda 626-sized MS-X four-door saloon with interior space and versatility enhancements.