The Mazda 6 Sedan is expected to receive some significant changes, including the long-rumored 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine option that's currently only available in the Mazda CX-5. However, China has already made the Mazda 6 even better. What you're looking at here is the new premium Hongqi H5 sedan that's sold exclusively in China, and while the styling has been tweaked as part of a recent facelift, it's built on the same front-wheel-drive chassis as the Mazda 6. Compared to the Mazda 6 sold in the US, China's Hongqi H5 is more powerful, faster, and more economical than the car it's based on.

In terms of styling updates, the Hongqi H5 features a revised grille and hood design. Under the hood, the 1.8 gasoline turbo engine has been paired with a 48-volt starter-generator.

Thanks to this electrical assistance, the total power output has increased from 180 horsepower to 197 hp, while torque has increased from 184 lb-ft to 236 lb-ft. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. For comparison, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the Mazda 6 in the US generates 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, although the turbocharged version increases the output to 250 hp and 310 lb-ft.

Thanks to the car's electric assistance, the Hongqi H5 is more efficient and consumes 6.4 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers (62 miles) in the combined cycle, which is 0.6 liters less than the naturally-aspirated Mazda 6.

An entry-level version of the Hongqi H5 is also offered with an entry-level 169-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four paired with a seven-speed automatic along with naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter variants, with the former generating 192 hp and the latter developing 150 hp. The 1.5-liter version accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds, while the 1.8-liter version completes the same sprint in eight seconds. The 2.5-liter version, on the other hand, will do 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds, while the 2.0-liter variant takes 10.8 seconds.

Inside, the restyled Hongqi H5 features an improved infotainment system, advanced voice control, and wireless charging. In Chinna, the Hongqi H5 with the electrified 1.8 engine ($23,265), while the range-topping version will cost 190,800 yuan ($27,266).