Mazda6 GT SP revealed

Mazda has created a sporty new Mazda6 GT SP variant as the headline act of a 2021 upgrade for the Japanese brand’s mid-size sedan and wagon range.

Arriving in Australia from March 2021, the new Mazda6 GT SP essentially replaces the Mazda6 GT and gains a variety of sports-oriented features including metallic black 19-inch alloy wheels and black mirror caps, red leather seat upholstery and exposed red stitching for the inside door panels and around the instrument panel.

It also carries extra brightwork for the door handles, around the air vents and along the instrument panel, while front and rear seat heating is also included.

As sales of mid-size passenger cars continue to dwindle in Australia, the segment slumping a further 22 per cent in 2020, and with the current third-generation Mazda6 (launched in 2012) showing some grey hairs, the car-maker is hoping the sporty new GT SP will rekindle interest.

Sales of the Mazda6 dropped by 34 per cent to 1727 units in 2020, placing it third in the segment behind the Skoda Octavia (2111) and the dominant, fleet-friendly Toyota Camry (13,727).

The current Mazda6 will soldier on for the time being, but Mazda is currently developing a more luxurious version of the car to compete with BMW and Audi luxury sedans, complete with rear-wheel drive and a new inline six-cylinder engine that could belt out up to 260kW.

Apart from all models in the Mazda6 range now offered with Polymetal Grey metallic exterior paint, there are no other changes to the range, except for price rises of between $100 and $700.

The two carryover 2.5-litre petrol engines continue to power the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Entry-level Mazda6 Sport and Touring models are paired with the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (140kW/252Nm) with claimed fuel economy of 7.0L/100km.

The new Mazda6 GT SP and range-topping Atenza get the more potent 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (170kW/420Nm) with claimed fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km.

The latter two variants also now feature new ‘turbo’ exterior badges.

Entry-level model grades are fitted as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/tail-lights, power-adjustable and heated wing mirrors, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning with rear vents, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via an 8.0-inch colour touch-screen display.

Cloth seats, an electric park brake with auto hold and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter are also standard, as are steering wheel-mounted paddle gear shifters.

Standard safety features include lane keep assist, radar cruise control with stop and go traffic function, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beam control, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and traffic sign (speed limit) recognition.

Step up to the Touring model and LED daytime running lights are added along with power-adjustable front seats, black leather upholstery, front parking sensors and advanced keyless entry.

As well as the aforementioned items, the Mazda6 GT SP adds adaptive front headlights, while the top-shelf luxury Atenza model gains a sunroof, ventilated front seats and the choice of Walnut brown or Pure white Nappa leather upholstery.

It also adds a 7.0-inch central digital instrument display, ambient LED interior lighting, frameless rear-view mirror, timber door and dash trim inserts, a 360-degree surround view parking monitor and a heated steering wheel.

How much does the 2021 Mazda6 cost?
Sport sedan – $34,590 (+$100)
Sport wagon – $35,890 (+$100)
Touring sedan – $38,890 (+$200)
Touring wagon – $40,190 (+$200)
GT SP sedan – $46,690 (+$700)
GT SP wagon – $47,990 (+$700)
Atenza sedan – $50,090 (+$200)
Atenza wagon – $51,390 (+$200)
* Prices exclude on-road costs