A performance variant of the recently unveiled Mazda6 has a “high potential” of expanding the mid-sizer’s range past the sedan and wagon models according to those behind the project.

UK publication Auto Express reports Mazda is investigating a possible return to a Mazda6 MPS-style performance vehicle with the car’s program manager Hiroshi Kajiyama saying, “There is a high potential for this, and it would be helpful to the brand”.

Whether a new Mazda6 performance model would again wear the MPS badge, as it did in its first generation (pictured below) that also featured all-wheel drive grip, is not confirmed but according to the report the Japanese brand is considering the incorporation of turbocharger technology.

While the new Mazda6 is 130mm longer and 45mm wider than the outgoing model, at 50kg lighter it would provide a good base for improved performance – a point not lost on Kajiyama telling Auto Express, “we could lose more”.

The Mazda6 will debut locally at the 2012 Sydney motor show in mid October, following the wagon variant’s appearance at next month’s 2012 Paris motor show.