Mazda6 pulled from Australia, one of the few places

Mazda has announced it will officially phase out the Mazda6 sedan and wagon from the Australian market, citing compliance issues with upcoming regulations, a move that echoes Mitsubishi’s recent decision to ax three of its five models for similar reasons echo. Australia is one of the few markets where the aging Mazda6 is still available, as the car was discontinued back in 2021 in most regions, including North America.

Although the AU-spec Mazda6 sedan and wagon are equipped with features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), these systems still fall short of Australian Design Rule 98/00 standards, which require the regulation The barriers will take effect on March 1, 2025. The regulatory hurdle seals the fate of the Mazda6 in Australia, joining a growing list of discontinued models from other carmakers facing similar challenges.

Demand barely maintains

While Mazda6 production has ended, the company says it has secured a “healthy supply” of all trims for the Australian market. That means if you’re feeling nostalgic, or just bucking the SUV takeover, you can still buy one while stocks last.

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Mazda6 has had a solid performance in Australia for 22 years. Since its launch in 2002, the three generations of models have sold nearly 150,000 units. Peak sales reached 15,000 units in 2005, but the story has been different in recent years. as pointed out car expertJust 1,354 Mazda6s were sold in Australia in 2024, underscoring dwindling demand for mid-size sedans in a world increasingly dominated by SUVs.

The official announcement made no mention of a successor, saying only that the brand “shifts its focus to further refine its multi-solution strategy,” offering models with ICE, mild hybrid and PHEV powertrains.

Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director of Mazda Australia, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Mazda6 for helping the Mazda brand get to where it is today… While we have seen a shift in market preference towards SUVs in recent years, the Mazda6 has always been – and will continue to be – – particularly highly regarded by loyal enthusiasts and keen drivers… As we say goodbye to the Mazda6, its legacy will live on as we enter the next phase of our strategy going forward.”

The twilight years of the midsize sedan

The current-generation Mazda6 debuted in 2012 and was subsequently facelifted in 2015 and 2018. Despite the updates, the midsize sedan became another casualty of the SUV craze, exiting the U.S. and Canada in 2021, the U.K. in 2023, and Japan in 2023. 2024.

After leaving Australia, the aging model is still sold in a number of markets around the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, although its days are undoubtedly numbered.

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Rumors of a six-cylinder engine in the rear-wheel-drive Mazda6 successor have been circulating for years, but have yet to materialize. Instead, Mazda put its energy into strengthening its SUV lineup,

In 2024, Mazda launched the EZ-6 sedan in China, which is based on Changan and offers pure electric and range extender powertrain options. The all-electric Mazda6e was recently launched in Europe and the UK as an indirect alternative to the ICE-powered sedan and a competitor to the Tesla Model 3. It’s unclear if and when it will be launched. It will reach the Australian coast.