Mazda is on a mission. Although that badge dictates that you may be buying a reliable but not particularly premium vehicle, the brand's bold move upmarket over the last few years is clear. Just take a seat inside a new Mazda 3 or CX-30 with their premium, classy cabins to see what we mean.

But it's not only what you can see and touch that demonstrates Mazda's plans to compete with more esteemed Euro rivals. Best Car Web has shared some of the details pertaining to Mazda's next-generation vehicle lineup, and there is plenty to get excited about.

One of the most exciting prospects will be the all-new Mazda 6, which is slated to arrive in March 2022. We already know that this sedan will move to a rear-wheel-drive layout and feature an inline-six engine, both of which represent complete departures from the current front-wheel-drive model with its four-pot motor.

The new 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine will employ the brand's SkyActiv-X tech with Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, along with a supercharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. A maximum output of just under 300 horsepower is on the cards. Despite this strong output, the WLTP cycle reveals a consumption figure of around 35 mpg. If these numbers are achievable with the final product, it'll be a brilliant showing from Mazda.

Other than the Mazda 6, the new CX-5 SUV is scheduled to arrive early in 2023 sporting the same inline-six and RWD layout, which confirms an earlier rumor about the popular crossover. However, we expect it to be offered with an AWD option as well. Below the CX-5 is the next CX-3, which should be introduced in June 2022. It will also employ SkyActiv-X technology but using a smaller, 1.5-liter engine.

Besides a few early renderings, we don't know exactly what these models will look like yet. What's for sure is that the new engines and the transition to RWD on larger models will distinguish Mazda from its natural rivals and have the likes of BMW shifting a bit more uncomfortably in its seat than before.