The Mazda 6 has been axed in one other market, however the firm says there aren’t any plans to discontinue it right here.
The mid-sized sedan and wagon vary has been discontinued in the UK market, with an organization spokesperson telling Autocar the choice was made due to dwindling gross sales and the growing recognition of SUVs.
It will stay on sale, nonetheless, in choose markets throughout the Channel.
“[The] Mazda 6 stays an vital mannequin in the Mazda Australia combine,” stated a spokesperson for Mazda Australia when requested what the mid-sizer’s future appears to be like like right here.
“We’re trying ahead to the launch of the upcoming twentieth anniversary mannequin this yr, together with an replace to the Mazda 6 line up.”
The Mazda 6 was axed in the US and Canadian markets in 2021, however continues to be offered in markets like New Zealand, Japan and China.
A rumoured rear-wheel drive substitute on Mazda’s new Large Architecture, which underpins the CX-60 and upcoming CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 crossovers, hasn’t eventuated.
Such a mannequin would have seemingly had a extra premium positioning than the present automotive, probably elevating it to the identical degree because the Genesis G70 and, in different markets the place they’re nonetheless offered, the Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50.
Japanese outlet Best Car Web reported final July the Mazda 6 substitute wouldn’t be coming in spite of everything.
It’s unclear for a way for much longer the Mazda 6 might be round. It’s the oldest mannequin in the dwindling mid-sized passenger automotive phase in Australia and one of many oldest automobiles on the Australian market total.
It was launched late in 2012 however was the recipient of a reasonably substantial facelift in 2018. The subsequent oldest in its phase is the Volkswagen Passat
While it’s outsold significantly by the Toyota Camry, the Mazda 6 is usually Australia’s second best-selling mid-sizer in the non-premium market. Its phase has been hollowed out in latest years, with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Kia Optima and Subaru Liberty all being discontinued.
For 2023, it has obtained a particular twentieth Anniversary version with new paint finishes and a novel tan suede-and-leather inside.
Touring and up get wi-fi Apple CarPlay, albeit nonetheless with the previous 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system working MZD-Connect, whereas GT SP and Atenza fashions get the model’s Cruising and Traffic Support semi-autonomous help system.
Mazda additionally says the six-speed automated has additionally been up to date to “present a extra direct upshift response and thrilling driving really feel” whereas the “reactive drive of the accelerator pedal has been elevated to present extra direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque”.
The wider vary additionally will get an up to date energy steering system for 2023.
The obtainable turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine has additionally seen a slight bump in energy of 3kW, to 173kW. Peak torque stays at 420Nm.
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.
MORE: 2023 Mazda 6 gets wireless Apple CarPlay, 20th Anniversary Edition
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