The Mazda 6 has been axed in one other market, however the firm says there are not any plans to discontinue it right here.
The mid-sized sedan and wagon vary has been discontinued within the UK market, with an organization spokesperson telling Autocar the choice was made resulting from dwindling gross sales and the growing reputation of SUVs.
It can stay on sale, nevertheless, in choose markets throughout the Channel.
“[The] Mazda 6 stays an essential mannequin within the Mazda Australia combine,” mentioned a spokesperson for Mazda Australia when requested what the mid-sizer’s future seems like right here.
“We’re wanting 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 within the US and Canadian markets in 2021, however continues to be bought in markets like New Zealand, Japan and China.
A rumoured rear-wheel drive substitute on Mazda’s new Massive Structure, 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 automobile, probably elevating it to the identical stage because the Genesis G70 and, in different markets the place they’re nonetheless bought, the Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50.
Japanese outlet Finest Automotive Net reported final July the Mazda 6 substitute wouldn’t be coming in any case.
It’s unclear for the way for much longer the Mazda 6 can be round. It’s the oldest mannequin within the dwindling mid-sized passenger automobile 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 following oldest in its phase 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 phase has been hollowed out lately, with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Kia Optima and Subaru Liberty all being discontinued.
For 2023, it has acquired 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Touring and up get wi-fi Apple CarPlay, albeit nonetheless with the outdated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system working MZD-Join, whereas GT SP and Atenza fashions get the model’s Cruising and Visitors Assist semi-autonomous help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 automated 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.
The accessible 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.
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