After 22 years across 3 generations, the Mazda 6’s chapter in Japan will end as Mazda announced its D-segment sedan and wagon models will be discontinued. The Hiroshima carmaker stated that production of Japanese-spec models is scheduled to end in mid-April 2024.

Initially sold in Japan as the Mazda Atenza, the Mazda 6 is an important model that turned fortunes for the carmaker. It was the first model introduced under Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom campaign and received plenty of praise from automotive pundits worldwide.

While it had iconic sports cars like the MX-5, RX-7, and RX-8, Mazda was constantly seeing red from its regular line-up of cars with the final generation 626/Capella, the predecessor to the Mazda 6 being as exciting as watching paint dry.

By injecting a more exciting handling and a dynamic look, the first generation Mazda 6 became a literal winner for Mazda by receiving 50 awards worldwide including Car of the Year in Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, China, and Türkiye.

The second-generation GH would be introduced in 2008 and retained the dynamic essence of Zoom-Zoom from its predecessor in a smoother design. This would eventually be replaced in 2012 by the current third-generation model with the truly timeless Kodo design language.

Though around 3 million cumulative units of the Mazda 6 have been produced, only 226,437 units were sold in Japan throughout its 3 generations as of December 2023. Mazda has no plans to launch a direct replacement to the Mazda 6 with rumours of launching a rear-wheel drive successor squashed.

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

Kazuyoshi Todo, executive officer of domestic (Japanese) sales at Mazda said in a press statement that the CX series of SUVs are indirect successors to the Mazda 6. “The CX series of wagons will take over this role, and we will continue to deliver a lively experience to our customers through driving pleasure that is in tune with the times,” he said.

Also read: Review: 2023 Mazda 6 Touring 2.5G - A swansong survivor of its kind, but does it still make sense?

Meanwhile, sales of the Mazda 6 in Malaysia will continue as usual. The Malaysian-spec Mazda 6 is fully imported (CBU) from Japan and overseas production is not affected for now. Three variants are being offered here:

• Mazda 6 Sedan 2.0L – RM 180,000
• Mazda 6 Touring 2.5L – RM 230,000
• Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5L High Plus – RM 240,000

Also read: Review: 2023 Mazda 6 20th Anniversary - Timeless class and style, but is age catching up?