2023 Mazda 6 overview | CarExpert

The Mazda 6 vary launched in Australia 20 years in the past, and the current-generation mannequin has been round for greater than half of that point.

Having debuted late in 2012, the Mazda 6 sedan and wagon line-up stays a pretty proposition – fairly actually – for patrons who’re in search of a automobile, not an SUV or ute.

And with this refined replace to the ageing vary, the model has added a flagship twentieth Anniversary Version which has just a few fancy thrives, together with the eye-catching new Artisan Crimson paintwork at no additional price. That hue is unique to the top-spec 6, however you’ll be seeing extra of it quickly because it’s the hero color for the brand new flagship CX-90.

The Mazda 6 possible isn’t lengthy for this world, given it’s so lengthy within the tooth, nevertheless it nonetheless presents rather a lot for patrons who’re after this form of automobile – maintain studying to seek out out all the small print.

How a lot does the Mazda 6 price?

The 2023 Mazda 6 vary consists of 5 grades, every with the selection of sedan or wagon, and admittedly it’s wonderful that the model can justify such complexity for such a distinct segment mannequin in 2023 and past.

I’m no product planner, however I reckon they may simply trim it again to 2 grades and nonetheless simply meet the calls for of the market.

Pricing ranges from $35,540 to $54,395 earlier than on-road prices – which means rivals are fairly few and much between.

When you’re okay with a sedan, the Toyota Camry – which remains to be probably the greatest sedans you may get – begins at $32,490 and tops out at $48,490, and it comes with hybrid energy obtainable throughout nearly all of the line-up.

And if that’s not fairly your type, then there may be the Skoda Octavia, which may be had as a sedan or wagon, with pricing beginning at $39,290 for the 110TSI Type sedan and topping out with the favored RS wagon variant, at $53,090.

2023 Mazda 6 pricing:

2023 Mazda 6 G25 Sport Sedan: $35,540 (+$300)
2023 Mazda 6 G25 Sport Wagon: $36,840 (+$300)
2023 Mazda 6 G25 Touring Sedan: $40,210 (+$570)
2023 Mazda 6 G25 Touring Wagon: $41,510 (+$570)
2023 Mazda 6 G35 GT SP Sedan: $48,440 (+$1000)
2023 Mazda 6 G35 GT SP Wagon: $49,470 (+$1000)
2023 Mazda 6 G35 Atenza Sedan: $51,840 (+$1000)
2023 Mazda 6 G35 Atenza Wagon: $53,140 (+$1000)
2023 Mazda 6 twentieth Anniversary Sedan: $53,635 (NEW)
2023 Mazda 6 twentieth Anniversary Wagon: $54,935 (NEW)

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Mazda 6 like on the within?

Anticipating large modifications? Sorry. Not right here, champion.

Nicely, that’s except you’re sitting within the twentieth Anniversary mannequin, which does have quite a few new trim components that may enchantment to some patrons, however I discovered them a bit, er, senior. That matches with the “Mature Class” design idea for the Mazda 6 particular, however like I mentioned, it received’t be to all tastes.

These trim modifications embody the tan Nappa leather-based seat trim, Leganu artificial suede throughout the dashboard and on the doorways, tan-coloured inside stitching and timber-look inserts within the instrument panel.

Together with the embossed headrests, it gives the look that this automobile is designed to enchantment to a really particular buyer. In all probability a white dude who likes to play golf, who thinks he’s too intelligent to purchase a ‘actual’ luxurious sedan.

I spent most of my time within the G35 GT SP, which now has burgundy leather-based trim that appears nice, and has good soft-touch finishes which can be a bit extra, let’s say, youthful.

Both method, one factor that’s mature is the media system, which is the previous MZD Join unit from, properly, a decade in the past, however it’s got some respectable connectivity choices together with wi-fi and wired Apple CarPlay (wired just for G25 Sport), and wired Android Auto.

It has that old-school method from Mazda which meant that, at a standstill, you might use the display screen as a touchscreen, which is beneficial for smartphone mirroring.

However in case you’re driving, controls have to be performed utilizing the rotary dial or voice instructions. There are some shortcut buttons close to the controller to leap between menus, nevertheless it nonetheless isn’t as easy accurately.

Nonetheless, I’m a fan of the opposite guide controls for the local weather system and media unit, that are so a lot better than all the things having to be routed by way of a display screen as is the case in lots of different vehicles as of late.

As for storage, there are cup holders between the seats, a small centre console field with two USB ports, bottle holders within the doorways and – in all however the base grade – there’s a wi-fi cellphone charger, too.

As for rear seat house and luxury, the sedan stays a barely extra nice selection for legroom, however fashions with the sunroof (Atenza and twentieth Anniversary) have a bit much less headroom within the again.

The wagon’s shorter wheelbase does play a component in again seat house for adults, with a smidge much less on provide, nevertheless it has a barely extra ethereal feeling because of its less-sloped roofline.

There are rear air vents in all grades, map pockets on the seatbacks, and bottle holders within the doorways. Plus all variations have a fold-down armrest with two extra USB cost factors, plus within the high-grade fashions there are outboard seat heater buttons in that drop-down, together with cup holders.

The again row options ISOFIX youngster seat anchors within the window seats and three top-tether factors, too.

In relation to boot house, the extra sensible selection would be the wagon. It presents an even bigger opening for loading gadgets in, and a bit extra cargo capability besides.

Mazda claims the boot quantity is 506 litres, versus 474L within the sedan (which has a good-sized opening that’s little question designed to simply accommodate straightforward loading for a set of golf golf equipment). Fold down the 60:40 split-fold seats and also you open up 1648L of cargo house.

All grades have a space-saver spare wheel fitted below the boot ground.

What’s below the bonnet?

There’s a selection of two engines for the 2023 Mazda 6 vary, with the entry-level variations scoring the G25 atmo petrol, and high-spec fashions coming with the – ahem – a lot better G35 turbo petrol motor.

The G25 is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 140kW of energy (6000rpm) and 252Nm of torque (4000rpm).

The G35 is a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 173kW of energy (4250rpm) and 420Nm of torque (2000rpm). For these taking part in alongside at dwelling, you may discover that this engine has seen a 3kW bump, and Mazda claims its engineers “optimised engine management and turbocharger enhance stress” to eke out the additional energy.

Each engine selections come completely with a six-speed computerized transmission and all Mazda 6 fashions in Australia are front-wheel drive.

How does the Mazda 6 drive?

Don’t go considering you’ll be capable of really feel the additional three kilowatts whenever you drive the G35 mannequin, however what you’ll really feel is a reasonably easy and highly effective engine doing its work.

The G35 mill is definitely the choose of the pack right here, with a nice willingness to rev and a very good quantity of low- to mid-range urge below throttle, too. Hit the Sport button, and it’ll genuinely push you again in your seat, with nice acceleration response.

The six-speed computerized transmission does a very good job of selecting gears for you, and it didn’t get it fallacious as soon as over just a few hundred kays of driving within the turbo mannequin on the launch occasion. The shifts are fairly fast and easy too, even in Sport mode.

The Mazda 6 has at all times been a good factor to drive, albeit with a firmer edge to its suspension that isn’t helped whenever you select one of many higher-grade fashions on 19-inch wheels with low-profile tyres. Even so, it’s by no means clumsy or disagreeable, just a bit busy.

The shorter wheelbase of the wagon does have a slight impression on its experience consolation, nevertheless it’s marginal.

In any other case, street manners as we’ve come to anticipate from Mazda merchandise of this classic, with a reasonably keen driving nature, with good steering that provides a very good quantity of really feel – although can exhibit some steering wheel kickback over mid-corner bumps.

It’s nonetheless a pleasant automobile to drive, although perhaps beginning to really feel rather less spectacular than it did within the early 20-teens, as a result of there’s been a variety of progress made when it comes to automotive dynamics since then.

There are some SUVs which have a bit extra driving prowess than the 6 these days, however not the identical form of low-slung, sporty nature.

I didn’t get to drive a non-turbo mannequin on the smaller wheel package deal, but when earlier expertise in a Sport grade is something to go by – to not point out different experiences with the G25 powertrain I’ve had in CX-5 and CX-30 in latest occasions – then patrons who need the very best engine must fork out for the G35.

The G25’s character is a little more torpid, and it has to depend on the transmission shifting gears a good bit extra for the very best outcomes.

Nonetheless, I additionally recall the experience being a bit extra cosseting… so, placing my product planning hat again on, a lower-spec mannequin with the turbo engine can be good.

What do you get?

Mazda 6 G25 Sport highlights:

17-inch alloy wheels
Heated, power-adjustable mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Automated LED headlights
Automated high-beam
Material upholstery
Keyless begin
8.0-inch MZD Join infotainment system
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired)
DAB+ digital radio
Satellite tv for pc navigation
6-speaker sound system
Head-up show
Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
Tilt, telescopic steering wheel adjustment
Paddle shifters
Twin-zone local weather management
Electrical parking brake with auto maintain
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
2 x 12V energy retailers
3 x USB retailers

Mazda 6 G25 Touring provides:

Auto-folding exterior mirrors
LED daytime working lights
Keyless entry
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
11-speaker Bose premium sound
Leather-based upholstery
Energy entrance seat adjusment

Mazda 6 G35 GT SP provides:

Adaptive Entrance Lighting (lively turning beam)
Black 19-inch alloy wheels
Heated entrance seats
Heated rear outboard seats
Burgundy leather-based upholstery

Mazda 6 G35 Atenza provides:

Adaptive LED headlights incl. adaptive high-beam
Vibrant-finish 19-inch alloy wheels
Single-pane sunroof
Heated steering wheel
7.0-inch digital instrument show
Black Nappa leather-based upholstery
Ventilated entrance seats
Encompass-view digital camera
Visitors jam assist

Mazda 6 twentieth Anniversary provides:

twentieth Anniversary logos
Tan Nappa leather-based, artificial suede upholstery
Embossed twentieth Anniversary headrest logos
Rhodium White metallic or Artisan Crimson* paint

*Artisan Crimson unique to twentieth Anniversary Version

No-cost paint choices for the primary vary embody Sonic Silver metallic, Jet Black mica, Deep Crystal blue mica and Platinum Quartz metallic.

Select any of the next metallic choices and also you’ll need to pay $795 additional: Rhodium White, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Soul Crimson Crystal.

Is the Mazda 6 protected?

The up to date Mazda 6 was put by way of ANCAP testing in 2018 and it achieved a five-star security ranking.

It scored of 95 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 91 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 66 per cent for susceptible street customers and 73 per cent for security help.

There have been updates to the protection equipment for 2023, however solely very minor changes for high-spec fashions.

Normal security tools contains:

Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
AEB incl. pedestrian detection (ahead)
AEB in reverse
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane-keep help
Driver consideration alert
Visitors signal recognition
Clever Pace Help
Rear parking sensors
Reversing digital camera
Tyre stress monitoring

The bottom Sport misses out on entrance parking sensors that are commonplace on Touring and above.

The GT SP, Atenza and Anniversary fashions add Cruising and Visitors Help, which might principally act as a visitors jam assistant. Select the range-topping Atenza or Anniversary mannequin, and also you get a surround-view digital camera, too.

How a lot does the Mazda 6 price to run?

Mazda presents a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee throughout its line-up in Australia, and there’s 5 years of roadside help included, too.

There’s additionally a capped-price servicing program that spans 5 years or 75,000km, which means intervals are 12 months/15,000km – higher than they as soon as have been (10,000km).

The common price per service for the G25 fashions is $422, whereas the G35 variations are a bit costlier to keep up, at $501.

Mazda 6 G25 fashions have an official mixed cycle gas use determine of 7.0L/100km, whereas G35 fashions use 7.6L/100km.

Over the launch drive of primarily nation roads in rural Victoria, the journey laptop of the G35 GT SP sedan was studying 9.4L/100km. Not a lot of an opportunity for the engine start-stop tech to do its factor over that loop.

All fashions have a 62-litre gas tank and even the turbo fashions can run on 91 RON common unleaded gas.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda 6

There aren’t many different selections on the market for this type of cash that look this good and drive in addition to the Mazda 6.

And, whereas it’s feeling its age in just a few key methods – specifically that old-school media system – it undeniably nonetheless has an essential function to play for the model in Australia.

For a way lengthy? Time will inform. However for these wanting a luxurious sedan or wagon that appears pretty much as good at this time because it did the day it launched – even when it has been 3818 days after the preliminary critiques got here out.

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