Japan celebrates Mazda 6's 20th anniversary with limited-edition model, gets unique red colour

Surprising as it may sound, but the venerable Mazda 6 is now 20 years old, spread across three generations.

The first Mazda 6, codenamed GG1, made its debut in 2002 under Ford’s stewardship. It offered a range of Mazda MZR engines, including a stonking 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder turbo that does 272 PS and 380 Nm, fitted exclusively to the Mazdaspeed 6.

Subsequently, the second-generation Mazda 6 debuted in 2007. Codenamed GH1, the second-generation model continued to utilized the same platform as the predecessor model, albeit updated with various improvements. The stonking Mazdaspeed 6 was discontinued upon the release of the second-generation model.

Also Read: Mazda lets enthusiasts down by cancelling RWD Mazda 6, focuses on SUVs

The current-generation Mazda 6 was first previewed as the Takeri Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and has underwent several updates throughout its 10-year lifecycle.

To commemorate the occasion, Mazda has released a “Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition” version of its D-segment sedan.

Also Read: Used (GJ) Mazda 6 for under RM 80k – Still beautiful after 10 years; how much to maintain and repair?

Starting from the exterior, the limited-edition Mazda 6 is finished in a new shade of red called Artisan Red Premium Metallic, itself far darker than Soul Red Crystal. This limited edition Mazda 6 can also be had in Rhodium White Premium Metallic.

The interior also gets updated, with the dashboard and seats receiving Nappa leather upholstery. The latter gets headrests engraved with the 20th anniversary logo. In addition to the Nappa leather upholstery, this Mazda 6 also gets bespoke carpet mats and Artisan Red Premium Metallic-finished key fob.

Power for the Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition comes from a 2.2-litre turbodiesel that churns out 200 PS and 450 Nm, mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Drive is routed either to the front wheels (2WD) or all four wheels (4WD), depending on variant.

Said Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition will retail for JPY 4.42 million (~RM 143k), a slight increase in price over the XD L variant it’s based on.

Moving forwards, the outgoing Mazda 6 could still be offered for a foreseeable future, as Mazda has shot down the idea of a rear-wheel drive replacement model, citing that the “Large Product Group” platform is mainly designed for SUVs. Said “Large Product Group” platform currently underpins the Mazda CX-60.

Also Read: Plans for RWD, next-gen Mazda 6 canned, CX-60 platform not suitable