Mazda executives have poured chilly water on rumours a next-generation Mazda 6 may use the corporate’s new rear/all-wheel drive Giant Platform.
“All Mazda stated was to supply a CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. Simply to supply 4 SUVs,” stated Mitsuru Wakiie, program supervisor for the CX-90, CX-5 and CX-9, by way of an interpreter.
Wakiie-san is program supervisor for the CX-90, with every of the opposite Giant Platform fashions having their very own supervisor who experiences to an general program supervisor for the platform.
Experiences in Japanese media had advised a Giant Platform-based Mazda 6 was in growth, however a report from Finest Automobile Net final July stated such a mannequin wouldn’t be coming in any case.
Such a mannequin would have seemingly had a extra premium positioning than the present automobile, doubtlessly leading to a aggressive set comprising the Genesis G70 and, in markets the place they’re nonetheless bought, the Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50.
With the Giant Platform not out there, that may imply Mazda must use an present front-wheel drive platform or develop a brand new platform.
The latter appears particularly unlikely, given the rising reputation of SUVs and Mazda’s sharper concentrate on these. Japan has historically been a robust marketplace for sedans however the variety of three-box choices there from native automakers is shrinking, and China – the place the 6 can be manufactured – has been embracing SUVs.
The US, traditionally a robust marketplace for mid-sized sedans, has additionally been turning away from them. The Mazda 6 was axed there in 2021, and it’s been a part of a major exodus from the section there that has included the Ford Fusion and Volkswagen Passat.
All this casts doubt on a successor to the present mannequin, given Mazda has been phasing out the 6 globally. Along with axing the 6 in Canada and the US in 2021, it was axed within the UK this 12 months and is obtainable solely in a single variant in New Zealand.
For its half Mazda Australia has dedicated to providing the present mannequin for so long as attainable.
“From our standpoint, as long as we make them, and as long as there’s a buyer base that claims it’s my alternative, then it’s our job to make it out there,” stated Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.
The mid-sized sedan and wagon vary acquired a sequence of tweaks for 2023, headlined by a particular twentieth Anniversary version mannequin celebrating three generations of the nameplate.
Touring and up get wi-fi Apple CarPlay, albeit nonetheless with the outdated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system operating MZD-Join, whereas GT SP and Atenza fashions get the model’s Cruising and Visitors Assist semi-autonomous help system.
Mazda additionally says the six-speed computerized has additionally been up to date to “present a extra direct upshift response and thrilling driving really feel” whereas the “reactive power of the accelerator pedal has been elevated to supply extra direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque”.
The broader vary additionally will get an up to date energy steering system for 2023, whereas variants with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine get a 3kW bump in energy, bringing the full output to 173kW.
We’re one of many vanishing few markets to nonetheless get the turbocharged engine, together with New Zealand. It was simply discontinued in Japan, although that market nonetheless receives the two.2-litre twin-turbo diesel, together with an all-wheel drive possibility by no means supplied right here within the third-generation 6.
It’s unclear for a way for much longer the Mazda 6 will probably be round. It’s the oldest mannequin within the dwindling mid-sized passenger automobile section in Australia and one of many oldest autos on the Australian market general.
It was launched late in 2012 however was the recipient of a reasonably substantial facelift in 2018. The following oldest in its section is the Volkswagen Passat, launched regionally in 2015.
Whereas it’s outsold significantly by the Toyota Camry, the Mazda 6 is often Australia’s second best-selling mid-sizer within the non-premium market. Its section has been hollowed out lately, with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Kia Optima and Subaru Liberty all being discontinued.
MORE: Every part Mazda 6
