First launched in 2012, the is the oldest model in Mazda’s product line-up. Sure, it has several updates but despite its age, the Mazda 6 is surprisingly competent against younger rivals like the , , and .
The refreshed interior hides the Mazda 6’s age very well and makes the 10-year Mazda’s cabin the most expensive-looking of all. The updated GVC Plus vehicle stabilization measure makes the ride so much more comfortable ride for the passengers, especially when going over twisty stretches.
But there’s only so much you can do to extend the competitive lifespan of an aging product before rivals catch up and you run out of tricks.
That time is probably near, assuming the latest announcement by Mazda Japan can be interpreted this way.
Mazda has announced that it is no longer accepting orders for the Mazda 6 in Japan. Given the current shortage in automotive parts, such announcements are not unusual but the fact that Mazda also chose to emphasize that sales would stop completely once existing inventory is exhausted piqued our interest.
Mazda ended its short statement by saying that it will notify the public once sales resumes.
That brief statement, combined with the fact that a replacement for the Mazda 6 is overdue, makes us think that a new generation Mazda 6 is near.
A rear-wheel drive transmission and a 6-cylinder diesel engine have been hinted, but it’s still too early to say for sure if the next generation Mazda 6 will switch to a FR (front engine, rear-wheel drive) platform.
Latest information suggests that the FR-type Large Vehicle Architecture will only be used for higher pricing power SUVs like the Mazda CX-60.
Lower volume potential sedans are a lower priority. Note that the Mazda 6 has already been discontinued in USA.
The outgoing generation Mazda 6 is currently selling in Malaysia for:
- 2.0-litre Sedan: RM 176,159
- 2.5-litre Sedan: RM 214,648
- 2.5-litre Touring: RM 218,648
The model is imported from Japan.
Keyword: Mazda 6 no longer on sale in Japan - making way for all-new RWD 2023 model or parts shortage?