MAZDA is looking to hot up the Mazda6 for the summer with a sporty new special edition - the Mazda6 Zugara - available from July 1, 2004. The model takes it name from the Japanese word for 'design' and will be priced from £19,000 on-the-road.

The Mazda Zugara, powered by the Mazda's 2.3-litre 166ps (164phb) petrol engine, comes fitted with features such as unique 18-inch alloy wheels, modified and tuned suspension, a six-disc CD auto-changer and a unique part leather, part cloth interior. Customers are also given the option of having a SmartNav global positioning system fitted onto the vehicle absolutely free, an invaluable tool for company car users or regular long distance travellers.

Mazda is releasing just 500 of the limited edition models, with 300 available in a five-door hatchback body shape at £19,000 and 200 estate cars costing £20,000 each. The Mazda6 Zugara will be available in three dynamic colours: Velocity Red, Titanium Grey or Black Mica, and also comes with a seven speaker BOSE audio system.

All the usual safety features are fitted as standard to the Mazda6 Zugara with six airbags including driver and front passenger dual stage smart airbags, front seat side airbags and full-length front and rear curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) give shorter stopping distances and safer braking control.