THE latest version of Mazda's flagship Saloon and Tourer, the Mazda6, will cost from £23,195 when it goes on sale later this week.

Featuring an upgraded cabin, revised styling and enhanced technology, plus the UK debut of Mazda's cylinder deactivation SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, the updated Mazda6 also sees the popular SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel engine benefit from a power upgrade to 184PS.

Priced from £23,195 to £33,585 the combined Saloon and Tourer range features 25 models across four trim levels: SE-L Nav+, SE-L LUX Nav+, Sport Nav+ and GT Sport Nav+.

Matched exclusively to the new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ trim, Mazda's 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine makes its UK debut in the new model.

With a cylinder deactivation system, this direct-injection four-cylinder engine switches between four and two-cylinder operation to improve fuel economy at no cost to performance.

Already fitted in the large Mazda CX-9 SUV and CX-5 in certain global markets, the 2.5-litre unit makes its UK debut in the new 'Six' where it is paired with Mazda's SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic gearbox in both Saloon and Tourer models.

There's also no mistaking the visual enhancements that mark out the latest Mazda6.

The 2018 car adopts a fresh front design focused around a new grille, which has the mesh positioned deeper within the surround to create a more muscular face.

The car's LED headlamps have been revised and the lower bumper features a sleeker profile, while both models get a cleaner rear bumper style with more body coloured areas.

That's in addition to new alloy wheel designs and the arrival of Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, which thanks to Mazda's three-layer Takuminuri painting technology increases brightness by around 20 per cent and depth by 50 per cent.

Inside there's a larger eight-inch centre display screen plus a colour windscreen projected Active Driving Display and both the dash and door trim designs have been restyled.

With an increase in safety equipment across the range, all models now feature advanced i-Activesense technology including Blind Spot Monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Advanced Smart City Break Support.