Upgraded 2023 Mazda6 could be the last

UPDATED 30/01/2023 NOON: Mazda Australia has announced pricing for the 2023 Mazda6 range (now listed at the bottom of this article), confirming minor price increases across the mid-size sedan and wagon line-up and the addition of two 20th Anniversary variants.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 09/12/2022: In what could be the final update for the Mazda6, which appears unlikely to be replaced by an all-new model, Mazda Australia has announced an upgraded 2023 Mazda6 range including a special 20th Anniversary model celebrate two decades of its flagship passenger model.

Mazda Australia has sold more than 144,000 examples of the popular mid-sizer since the original Mazda6 was released in 2002, followed by the second generation in 2007 and the third generation in 2012.

Sales of the decade-old current generation are down eight per cent in a mainstream mid-size car segment that has slipped another 23 per cent so far this year, although it’s still the second most popular vehicle in its class behind only the Toyota Camry with almost 1300 sales.

Pricing for the 2023 Mazda6 line-up, which brings improved dynamics and fresh styling updates, won’t be revealed closer to its local arrival in early 2023, but the 20th Anniversary special is based on the flagship Atenza variant that currently tops the sedan and wagon range at $50,720 plus on-road costs.

The 2023 Mazda6 20th Anniversary Edition will be available in just two colours including a new Artisan Red metallic or Rhodium White metallic.

Other key design tweaks include special-edition badges on each front guard, as well as a high-gloss silver grille and matching 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior features a mix of Leganu synthetic suede and Nappa leather in tan hues, while the head restraints are embossed with the 20th Anniversary logo.

As for the rest of the 2023 Mazda6 range, the Japanese car-maker says claims its SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is more refined and now boasts an extra 3kW (173kW) at 4250rpm. Mazda also says “peak torque remains a strong 420Nm at 2000rpm, but torque at 4250rpm has increased by 8Nm”.

The six-speed automatic transmission in turbo models has been updated to provide a more “direct upshift response and exciting driving feel”, aided by a more responsive accelerator pedal.

Updates to the electric power steering are said to enhance response and provide more feedback at medium and high speeds, while the active safety suite on GT SP and Atenza grades will extend to Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS).

Meanwhile, Touring variants will get Qi wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay, while the Atenza will gain black Nappa leather as standard.

Finally, Mazda6 GT SP variants come equipped with gloss-black signature wings at the front and rear, while the wagon gets gloss-black roof rails.

“For many years, Mazda6 has captivated driving enthusiasts with its clever mix of dynamics and style, to the point where it was our best-selling model behind the Mazda3 in the mid-2000s,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“Mazda6 retains a loyal following of fans, and the 20th Anniversary Edition is a special nod to those customers who share our passion for driving for the fun of it.”

How much does the 2023 Mazda6 cost?
G25 Sport sedan – $35,540
G25 Sport wagon – $36,840
G25 Touring sedan – $40,210
G25 Touring wagon – $41,510
G35 GT SP sedan – $48,440
G35 GT SP wagon – $49,470
G35 Atenza sedan – $51,840
G35 Atenza wagon – $53,140
20th Anniversary sedan – $53,635*
20th Anniversary wagon – $54,935*

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au