Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 in North America in May 2021, but the model continued to be available in other markets around the world. Just recently, the UK division of the automaker announced that the Mazda6 would no longer be available in Britain due to slow sales and ever-increasing demand for crossovers and SUVs. But there are a few other markets where the Mazda6 will continue to settle for the time being.
CarExpert reports that Australia will not lose the Mazda6. A local spokesperson for the automaker told the publication that the vehicle still plays an important role in Mazda’s Australian lineup. “We look forward to the launch of the next 20th anniversary model this year, as well as an update to the Mazda 6 lineup,” the spokesperson added.
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In December last year Mazda celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Mazda6 – the original model launched in 2002 – with a special edition model. Available as a sedan or station wagon, the Mazda6 20th Anniversary Edition comes in Craftsman Red or Rhodium White with new 19-inch wheels and a chrome grille. This special edition model is set to go on sale very soon in Australia.
In the Land Down Under, the Mazda6 generally ranks second in the midsize sedan segment after the Toyota Camry in terms of sales. There are now fewer competitors than before in this segment, as the Ford Mondeo, Kia Optima and Subaru Liberty have all been discontinued. Australia is one of the few markets that still has the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, which is no longer available in Japan.
As for the future of the Mazda6, it seems uncertain at the moment. There have been rumors of a range-topping, rear-wheel-drive successor, but last we heard Mazda said it wasn’t. We don’t know how long the current model will survive, but it’s already one of the oldest products in the automotive industry. The 2023 Mazda6 is sold in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China.
