With the introduction of its 2009 Mazda 6 underway, Mazda officials candidly admit that the Japanese automaker has no plans to add a hybrid version to the new Mazda 6 model line any time soon, convinced that the redesigned fuel-efficient midsize sedan can weather high fuel costs without going the hybrid direction.

"Sure, the landscape has changed during the past six months, but a hybrid is just not something we're planning on doing at the moment," said Jay Amestoy, vice president of public and government affairs for Mazda North American Operations. "Our real-world MPG numbers will be strong, and we just think the fuel economy is pretty good the way it is."

The entry-level 2009 Mazda 6 equipped with 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a manual transmission earns an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the larger 3.7-liter V6 automatic earns a 17/25 mpg rating.

Passing on a Mazda 6 hybrid is somewhat of a surprise, since Mazda already has the Tribute Hybrid in its stable, a sister vehicle to the Ford Escape Hybrid. Both SUVs share the same powertrain, a setup that's expected to carry over to the 2009 Ford Fusion sedan next year.

via edmunds