Mazda6 Discontinued In Australia After 22-Year Run

Mazda has axed the Mazda6 from the Australian market recently, and the move was prompted by the model not meeting a tightened new safety regulation.

After a 22-year run, the Mazda6 mid-sized saloon and estate (wagon) has been discontinued by the Japanese automaker in the Australian market recently. The model’s axing was prompted by several key factors, and a tightened safety legislation was one of which.

Regarding the latter, the model does not meet with Australian Design Rule 98/00 that takes effect from March 1, 2025 onwards. This ruling requires the standard fitment of car-to-car autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in all new vehicles sold in the country.

More specifically, the Mazda6 does not meet Australian Design Rule 98/00 (ADR 98/00) that made car-to-car AEB function standard equipment in all new cars.

Considering which, Mazda confirmed that the Mazda6 has not been certified to ADR 98/00 despite the model being standard equipped with AEB. Besides Australia, the Mazda6 has also been dropped in several key overseas markets in recent years.

The Mazda6 was dropped from North America back in 2021, followed by the United Kingdom in 2023, as well as China and the brand’s Japanese home market last year (2024). Presently, the Mazda6 is marketed in select markets across Europe, Africa, and Asia – Malaysia included.

Another key driver to the Mazda6's discontinuation in Australia likely stems from its low demands. Just 1,354 units were shifted in Australia last year.

Besides tightened safety legislations, the Mazda6 was also likely dropped out of the Australian market due to low demand. Sales for the nameplate peaked in 2005 with 150,000 units sold. In contrast, just 1,354 units were sold throughout last year.

Perhaps what also doesn’t help is the fact that the current Mazda6 first debuted globally way back in 2012. It has undergone two facelifts – one if 2015 and another in 2018 – but has largely remained unchanged for the most part.

No successor was named for the Australian market, and it is widely believed that the model's continued availability in a a handful of markets now will soon come to an end too.

Moreover, Mazda Australia did not name a successor to the Mazda6 in its official announcement. Instead, the firm noted the brand “shifts its focus to further improving its multi-solution strategy” offering models with ICE, mild-hybrid, and PHEV powertrains.

Given that the Mazda6 has been axed from a slew of critical markets, it production has also slowed and is presumed to come to its conclusion soon. With that, perhaps its availability in other markets should end very soon too – perhaps sometime this year.

Locally, Bermaz Motor (BAuto) still has both the Mazda6 sedan and Mazda6 Touring listed for sale still, though it remains uncertain for how long more.

Closer to home, local Mazda importers and distributors Bemaz Motor (BAuto) still has the Mazda6 officially listed for sale on its website currently. The model sees two petrol engine options plus two bodystyle choices available – traditional sedan and ‘Touring’ estate (wagon).

As for price, the sedan variants are tagged at RM180,359 (2.0 Mid) and RM240,848 (2.5 High Plus). The Touring variant, offered solely with a 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol powertrain, commands RM230,848 instead. All prices include a 5-year or 100,000 KM warranty and free service package.