Muscled-up Mazda6 MPS mooted

Mazda is preparing to make a significant power play with its next-generation Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5.

High-performance models, potentially including a return of the Mazda6 MPS with 260kW, are expected from its new-generation large car platform that will bring potent with electrification as well as rear- and all-wheel drive layouts.

And anticipation is building at Mazda Australia ahead of the new models’ expected launch late in 2022 or early 2023, with managing director Vinesh Bhindi telling carsales that “there’s much more to it”.

“Mazda Corporation has publicly said that in their large platform – which is CX-5 and above for the next generation – inline six, rear-wheel drive, electrification, all of those things are being talked about,” said Bhindi.

“But there’s much more to it, and when the time is right we’ll be able to talk about it.”

The Mazda Australia boss wouldn’t be drawn on further details such as whether the MazdaSpeed or MPS sub-brands will be resurrected to take on Toyota GR and Hyundai N performance models, nor how much power the new engines will deliver.

But he said he was “absolutely” excited about the new models as the Japanese brand pushes further up into premium territory while attempting to maintain some distance between volume prestige marques like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

“We’re not a luxury brand, we’re saying premium,” he said. “There’s a difference.

“We still have to demonstrate value. We’re a brand that has to offer options and choice to customers. That’s what we do.”

Mazda still has trademark protection for the MPS and MazdaSpeed monikers in Australia and other countries.

The Mazda6 MPS was sold in Australia from 2005-2007, priced as high as $54,645. But if a successor eventuates, it’ll be a more expensive proposition given its higher performance and sophistication, with the current model already beyond the $50,000 mark at the top end.

The Japanese car-maker has been coy on powertrain details beyond calling the new inline six a “high power” application. However, with mild-hybrid boosts and/or other applications – turbocharging, high compression ignition, etc – the next Mazda6 and CX-5 are set to move into genuine sports sedan/SUV territory.

Mazda Australia’s marketing director Alastair Doak said the Mazda6 remained an important part of the brand’s portfolio, despite sales of mid-size passenger cars continuing to fall and rival models quitting the market.

“I guess as long as it’s available we’ll be selling it. We can’t answer the big question, that’s one for Mazda Corporation and the guys in Hiroshima. But obviously we’re fans, we still have that vehicle, it’s done very well for us over the years,” he said.

“There is a small but very loyal band of customers who want to drive Mazda6 and we will continue to offer it as long as we can.”

As global car brands seek to downsize their combustion engine offerings or, like Volvo for instance, abolish them altogether in favour of a full-electric line-up, Mazda is going against the grain and plotting bigger, more powerful engines.

Mazda is also working with Toyota on an EV joint-venture project to deliver a new SUV in the coming years, but it’s no secret the vast majority of the Japanese brand’s engineering resource is currently absorbed developing a new large vehicle platform and accompanying engines.

It remains to be seen whether the next-generation Mazda6 and even CX-5 include flagship high-performance MPS or MazdaSpeed models, but it’s clear Mazda is not going to play follow-the-leader.