Mazda6 - penned after the KODO design language - wins red dot design award

A 37-head jury of independent design experts honoured the Mazda6 for its high level of design innovation and bold stance after judging numerous entries according to nine criteria. This award comes after two recent accolades for the all new Mazda6 including, 'Best Upper Medium' title at the recent Fleet News Awards, and from CarBuyer website for 'Best Large Family Car' and 'Best Estate Car' for the Mazda6 Tourer.

The KODO design language is inspired by the explosive release of energy observed in animals or athletes springing into motion. KODO symbolises Mazda's distinctive energy and agility, providing the perfect complement for the company's convention defying approach to fun to drive cars.

Other prizes the design theme has won includes, the Auto Bild's 2012 European Design Award for the Mazda CX-5 and first place in the concept car category at the German Design Council's Automotive Brand Contest 2012 for the Mazda Takeri - which the Mazda6 is based upon.

"We were aiming (with the new Mazda6) to awaken the observer's senses and turn heads with an uncompromising balance and proportion that instantly makes one want to get in the car and drive. The red dot award for product design is a very prestigious testimony to what we have achieved at Mazda with the bold expressions personified by KODO," commented Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer at Mazda's European R&D Centre.

The 2013 winners will be announced at the red dot design award presentation ceremony at the Aallto-Theater in Essen, Germany, on the 1st of July.