A progression of the Mazda 626 series, the Mazda 6 was released in 2002 to be their new entry into the mid-size class. Following a decline in popularity of the Mazda 626, Mazda introduced a newly designed car in keeping with their new design thinking to provide stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. Still based on the G platform of the 626, it adopted Mazda's new branding scheme in marketing this series as an entirely new model.
With fuel prices and full-sized cars ever-increasing in price, the Mazda 6 was a cheaper alternative without sacrificing space, comfort, handling, or looks. The design and size closely resemble the successful BMW 3-series, which was a huge success worldwide.
First Generation (GG1), 2002-2008
Introduced in Japan in 2002 as the Mazda Atenza, the Mazda 6 was offered worldwide as a 4-door sedan, a 4-door hatchback and a 5-door wagon. The exterior was stylish and had a sporty look with its raked windscreen and high bonnet. The interior projected a sense of luxury, even on the base models.
All variants in Australia were powered by a 2.3L MZR L3 petrol engine (122 kW / 207 N⋅m) with an option to go with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. On its introduction, the trim levels for the hatchback were offered as the Classic, Luxury and Luxury Sports. The sedan variants were the Classic, Limited and Luxury while the wagon was only available in Classic trim.
For the 2005 model year, Mazda started marketing the Mazda 6 MPS sedan powered by a turbocharged 2.3L MZR DISI Turbo L3-VDT (196 kW / 380 N⋅m) petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox and available in either Base or Leather trim variants. Diesel-powered variants, the Hatchback Diesel and Wagon Diesel were offered in 2006 powered by the 2.0L MZR-CD (105 kW / 360 N⋅m) with the 6-speed manual gearbox. In 2007, the Sports trim was available for all body styles which had the same 2.3L powerplant but sported an exterior sports body package including body kit, spoiler, driving lights and either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the trim.
Additional engine options worldwide were the 1.8L MZR L8 2.0L MZR LF (107 kW / 185 N⋅m) and the 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 (149 kW / 262 N⋅m), which Mazda marketed in North America as sport sedans, 5-door hatchbacks and sport wagons.
Second Generation (GH1), 2008-2012
Debuting in the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the second-generation Mazda 6 was now on a revised GG chassis to be known as the GH platform. Dimensions of the body did not change dramatically, but the new styling produced a seemingly low attitude and broader body, making the Mazda 6 look more like a sports car. The interior was plushier and quieter than previous and handling and safety features were upgraded.
All of the new Mazda 6 petrol body and trim levels were now powered by the 2.5L MZR L5 (127 kW / 226 N⋅m) with either a 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual gearbox. Hatchback trim levels came as the Classic, Luxury or Luxury Sports. The sedans were available as the Classic, Limited and Luxury variants with the wagon only available in Classic trim. A Touring Wagon variant joined the lineup in 2010 after the Touring trim appeared in hatchback and sedan body styles.
The diesel-powered variants were offered as the Sport Diesel Hatchback and Diesel Wagon, powered by a 2.2L MZR-CD (136 kW / 400 N⋅m) and came with a 6-speed manual gearbox. A touring version was added to the Diesel Wagon line up in 2010.
Internationally, the Mazda 6 was powered with petrol engines from their MZR series with displacements of 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.5L depending on the region. For the diesel-powered vehicles, the MZR-CD was available in either 2.0L or 2.2L. The North American market removed the wagon from its offerings. It continued selling only the sedans and hatchbacks starting in 2009 with an additional variant powered by Ford 3.7L Duratec 37 V6 petrol engine (203 kW / 365 N⋅m).
Third Generation (GJ1 and GL), 2013-Present
This generation is now only available as either a sedan or a wagon. Becoming a finalist for the “2013 World Design of the Year”, this generation has a body style that hasn’t changed much from the last generation but remains aggressive enough to showcase Mazda’s new technology innovation, the SkyActiv family of engines and gearboxes.
The interior offers excellent comfort and roomy headroom even with its sportier exterior lines. It has one of the largest boot in its class, and more cargo space can be had by folding down the rear seats. Safety features, on the other hand, earned only three stars for frontal impact but received a four-star overall rating from NCAP. Still, third-generation Mazda 6 is one of the most popular choices for the mid-size class for its price, comfort, interior features and mechanical innovations.
In Australia, the Sedan and Wagon Atenza, GT and Touring are available with either a 2.2L SkyActiv-D SH-VPTS diesel (129 kW / 420 N⋅m) or a 2.5L SkyActiv-G PY-VPS petrol (139 kW / 252 N⋅m) coupled to a 6-speed automatic. The Sport trim comes with just the petrol-powered 2.5L. In 2015, the "Safety" trim also became available in all variants.
Elsewhere in other regions, a 2.0L SkyActiv-G PE-VPS (116 kW / 200 N⋅m) was also offered as an engine option. The SkyActiv technology gave fuel consumption savings of about 26% for the petrol versions and about 9% for the diesel engines.
In 2018, the Mazda 6 received new front and rear fascia, new aluminium wheel designs available in 17" and 19" depending on trim levels and modern interior upholstery finishes. The 2.5L turbocharged SkyActiv-G was also released this year and boosted, and could now produce a peak power of 170 kW and torque of 420 N⋅m with fuel consumption advertised at 7.6L/100km. The diesel 2.2L SkyActiv-D now has twin turbos capable of generating 140 kW of power and torque of 450 N⋅m.
More Coming for the Mazda 6
With the incorporation of numerous safety features and mechanical technology advancements, the Mazda 6 is now one of the most popular mid-size cars not only in Australia but in other parts of the world. From its first release in 2003 to the present models, these cars prove their durability and reliability.
To keep them working in perfect shape, however, they need proper maintenance and high-quality parts. Visit Carpart.com.au for technical guides, informative blogs, directory of car parts sellers, and the full range of products we offer.
-Jarad