An scoop from a Japanese publication has reported the next-gen line-up of Mazda’s most popular cars. The most interesting of the bunch would be the Mazda 6, leading the Mazda CX-5, Mazda 2 (speculated September 2021), and Mazda CX-3 (expected June 2022).

The highlight of the “upcoming” Mazda 6 would be the inline-6 SkyActiv-X engine that does 300 PS and 343 Nm. A straight-6 could only mean one really big thing, and that’s the rear-wheel-drive layout.

Mazda’s SkyActiv-X engines are equipped with a Roots-type supercharger which mainly functions to create a lean air-fuel ratio. We’ve talked about that in an earlier entry.

You will no longer be limited to an E-Class, 5 Series, or a Toyota Mark X when shopping for a big RWD saloon. We’ll have to wait until 2022 to see if the Mazda 6 will be able to put up a good fight against existing leaders of the segment.

The renders by the Japanese publication are based on the 2018 Mazda Vision Coupe. With the production Mazda 3 looking very much like its concept version, we’re hopeful that the 2022 Mazda 6 will be a stunning car to look at and fantastic to drive.