Gallery: 2023 Mazda 6 – is a Japanese D-segment wagon the ultimate unicorn?

Jun 28, 2024 10:54 am

The Mazda 6 got its latest refresh in Malaysia in October last year, with three variants on offer. This includes the Mazda 2.0L Sedan, Mazda 6 2.5L Touring, and the Mazda 6 2.5L High Plus Sedan “20th Anniversary Edition”. Featured in this gallery article are the two latter 2.5L variants, which can be yours at RM230,848 and RM240,848 respectively.

On the outside, the Mazda 6 is as recognisable as it has ever been, with not too many changes made to it. The 2.5L Touring variant is fitted with a black grille and a set of 19-inch black alloys to go with it.

The High Plus Sedan “20th Anniversary Edition” variant is, as its name suggests, made to celebrate 20 years since the first-generation Mazda 6 was introduced back in 2002. Thus, it gets special equipment such as the 20th anniversary badge on its front fender, a set of 19-inch wheels finished in Bright Metallic, as as well a s Gunmetal radiator grille.

A new Artisan Red Premium colour option has also been made available for the top-of-the-range Mazda 6. This paint uses Mazda’s Takuminuri painting technology, which is said to create a “precise, high-quality paint finish as if applied by the hands of a skilled craftsman”. As expected, the Mazda 6 in Malaysia comes with standard exterior kits such as LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED taillights.

Powering the Mazda 6 2.5L Touring and 20th Anniversary Edition is the same 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G inline-4 engine that makes 192 hp and 258 Nm. Paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, power is sent to the front wheels only. This results in a rated top speed of 218 km/h and 223 km/h.

Moving inside the Mazda 6 Touring, you get a black and burgundy leather upholstery. Fitted as standard with both the 2.5L variants of the Mazda 6 are the Bose 11-speaker sound system, a coloured head-up display (HUD), a powered sunroof, and a 360-degree surround view monitor.

The two variants also get Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced driver assistance (ADAS) suite, which now comes with front and rear autonomous emergency braking, Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with stop and go functionality, and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS). All variants of the Mazda 6 get a Qi wireless charging pad and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

New equipment included with the Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition is the new 7-inch multi-info display in the instrument cluster, rear window sunshades, and ventilation for the front-powered seats. There are also the tan-coloured leather seats, along with 20th-anniversary embossment on its front seat headrests. The tan-coloured leather can also be found on the sedan’s dashboard and door trims.

When the third and current generation of the Mazda 6 first made its debut, D-segment sedans were still very much relevant, while the Touring was especially unique due to it being a wagon, which already started to become a dying breed, especially in Malaysia. This segment served as a good option for those who want an upgrade from something like a Civic, especially in terms of comfort, but are not ready to splurge for a luxury car just yet. However, a decade has passed and SUVs are now all the rage, resulting in many consumers looking past and even forgetting the wagon and D-segment sedan category.

The Mazda 6 has been discontinued in Japan. Although a rear-wheel drive (RWD) inline-6 version is reportedly being developed now, the Mazda 6’s future is still a question yet to be answered. In China, the sedan has been succeeded by what is known as the EZ-6, an all-electric sedan based on Changan’s Deepal SL03. Its successor Would you still pick the Mazda 6, especially the Touring variant, over other SUV options out there? Do share your thoughts with us.

GALLERY