Key Takeaways:
– Mazda has not completely ruled out a new Mazda6 with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform.
– The firm’s Large Product Group program manager suggests this could happen if there is increased demand for sedans.
– The company initially envisioned its Large Products lineup as consisting only of four SUVs—CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90.
– Mazda is launching the EZ-6, a rear-wheel-drive sedan, in China, through its joint venture with Changan.
The Fate of The Mazda6
In a world that’s growing ever more enamored with SUVs, sedan developers are in a quandary. Mazda had to withdraw its Mazda6 from Japan in early 2021, with similar discussions arising in 2022 about whether to challenge the German luxury trio. However, recent statements from the company suggest that Mazda isn’t willing to abandon the model altogether. Instead, they point to a potential resurgence if demand for sedans increases.
Exploring Potential Market Needs
Mazda’s program manager for the Large Product Group, Kohei Shibata, clarified that the end of the Mazda6 might not be as definitive as previously suggested. Shibata hinted at the possibility of a new Mazda6 with RWD underpinnings, on the condition of adequate market demand. His remarks were not confined to Mazda vehicles but applied to sedans generally.
Drawing a parallel with Toyota’s Corolla and Camry models, Shibata reaffirmed the market potential for sedans in an SUV-dominated industry. Furthermore, he urged careful contemplation of past experiences with products like the Kia Stinger, which wasn’t a commercial success. An RWD six-cylinder Mazda6 could, in theory, suffer the same fate, which explains the company’s caution.
Vision for Mazda’s Large Product Lineup
Mazda’s Large Product division traditionally included only four SUVs: the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90. A sedan or a large sports coupe—an idea incubated by Joachim Kunz, Mazda Europe’s development and engineering head—did not initially feature in this plan. Supply and demand dynamics shaping up for 2024 suggest a focus on SUVs, minimizing the presence of traditional body styles.
Mazda’s Approach to Sedans Moving Forward
However, the phasing out of sedans might not be absolute. As of now, aftermarket renderings of the Mazda6 sedan remain a design exercise, but future developments might change this picture. Interestingly, Mazda has launched a RWD sedan, the EZ-6, in China. This new model is a product of the Changan Mazda joint venture and is primarily based on the Changan Shenlan SL03. While it’s not exclusively a Mazda product, it does indicate the company’s continued interest in the sedan sector. For now, the EZ-6 will remain a China-only vehicle, but this does not rule out its potential availability in other markets in the future.
While the fate of the Mazda6 sedan hangs in the balance, Mazda’s stance towards the future of sedans remains cautiously optimistic. If the market situation evolves favorably towards sedans, there may be an exciting new Mazda6 waiting in the wings.