Mazda’s fastest saloon, the Mazda6 MPS, goes on sale before the end of this month.

It is powered by a Euro IV 2.3i 258bhp, which is mated to a six-speed manual gear box.

Standard equipment includes a Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser, front side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC and TCS. The new car also has a Premium BOSE audio system.

A choice of four body colours will be available – one mica (black mica) and three metallics (Graphite Silver, Titanium Grey and Velocity Red) – and 18-inch diameter, 7-inch wide 15-spoke aluminium alloy wheels will be standard.