Mazda Kills Mazda6 After Two Decades

Mazda has officially called time on the much-loved Mazda6, a vehicle that graced Australian roads for over two decades. With its delicious styling, sporty performance, and timeless appeal, the Mazda6 leaves behind a legacy that helped define the brand’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy.

Following the demise of the respected 626, Mazda introduced the Mazda6 in 2002, and low, it was good. It was a revelation, earning a reputation as the benchmark for front-wheel drive handling and engaging dynamics. Its influence extended beyond the showroom, with the model achieving a stellar run of nearly 150,000 Australian sales. At its peak in 2005, close to 15,000 units found homes across Australia, cementing its place as a family favourite.

Mazda Australia’s Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, acknowledged the car’s pivotal role in shaping the brand: “We owe a lot to the Mazda6 in helping to make the Mazda brand what it is today. Its introduction marked a paradigm shift for Mazda, earning widespread praise for its front-wheel drive dynamics and Jinba Ittai philosophy.”

While SUVs dominate today’s motoring landscape, the Mazda6 has maintained its loyal fanbase, adored for its elegant design and everyday usability. The second-generation model’s grand debut at the 2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix remains a standout moment. Over the years, it’s bagged numerous awards, including Drive Car of the Year in 2013, and even joined the ranks of police patrol vehicles across the country

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With production now ceased, Mazda is pivoting to an “electrified” future. Like all Japanese carmakers, Mazda has been slow to take the pure EV route, bolstering its line-up with plug-in hybrids like the CX-60 and CX-80, alongside efficient mild hybrids and refined ICE powertrains. The short-lived MX-30 EV went on sale in 2021 with a miserable 200km range and a monumental $66,000 price. Only 131 electric versions were sold and quickly fell into a death pit alongside its petrol sisters, and the dreadful CX8.

Mazda rarely puts a foot wrong, but as good as it is, Mazda6 fell to changing tastes. “As we bid a fond farewell to the Mazda6, its legacy will continue as we move into the next phase of our strategy,” Bhindi added.

For enthusiasts keen to secure a piece of history, Mazda dealerships nationwide still have a healthy stock of new Mazda6 models available in all grades. This is your chance to own a chapter of Australian motoring history before it becomes a memory.

Raise a glass to the Mazda6, an enduring icon that leaves our roads but not our hearts. And as we always say, good cars—like good wine and great love stories—only get better with time.

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