I think the design is a great step forward based on these pics...will hold up nicely in the segment. Maybe my favourite. In sharp contrast I was driven around the other day in a mid-level new Camry and while it wasn't ugly only the dash had any style at all (not the centre stack, just the dash). Was comfortable and quiet enough (and big) but what a blah car. Mazda has the opportunity to be a style leader...they kind of are in several segments I think.