Think large, Japanese sedan and it’s a beige assault on the senses with a hit below the belt by mundanity and slap in the face from a lack of imagination. Mazda doesn’t play by those rules though and the third-generation Mazda 6 is the anti-christ against its vanilla contemporary peers.

It drove better than it looked, which is saying a lot considering that Kodo-design language made for one suave sedan.

Unlike its peers that aged like milk, the Mazda 6 crosses into the decade-mark this year looking just as handsome as it did back during its launch. Minor revisions to the aesthetics and equipment were all it took to remain relevant, proving how solid the original product was.

Furthermore, Mazda’s SkyActiv-G tech has kept it at the forefront of ride and handling after all these years.

Nonetheless, all this has come at a cost; a perceived reputation as being pricier to maintain. We’ll delve into the mechanics behind to determine if it holds true.

For clarity’s sake, this buyer’s guide will focus on the petrol-powered 2.0L and 2.5L SkyActiv-G variants of the Mazda 6. While we love the SkyActiv-D diesel engine, it’s a whole different beast that deserves its own guide.

The Mazda 6 range in Malaysia

The third-generation Mazda 6 was launched here as a fully-imported (CBU) model in 2013 and could be had in 3 variants:

• 2.0L sedan - RM 159,455
• 2.5L sedan - RM 189,728
• 2.5L Touring (wagon) - RM 193,832

Both engines were inline-four, naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G mills. The base 2.0-litre model, you got 153 PS and 200 Nm of torque while the 2.5-litre unit punched out 185 PS and 250 Nm. Both had a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.

It also upped the ante with features such as i-ELOOP regenerative braking, adaptive headlights and autonomous emergency braking.

Mazda hasn’t messed with the formula too much, opting to introduce running model updates with mild improvements. 2018 saw the most comprehensive of those exercises that included mechanical changes as well.

The following is a quick recap of the running updates by year of the GJ Mazda 6 since its launch here:

2015 Update:

• 2.0L sedan - RM 159,158
• 2.5L sedan - RM 194,647
• 2.5L Touring - RM 198,647
• Centre console with electric parking brake (EPB)
• Gunmetal rims (2.5 only)
• LED headlights and taillights (2.5 only)
• Heads-up display (HUD, 2.5 only)

2017 Update

• 2.0L sedan - RM 165,518
• 2.5L sedan - RM 201,007
• 2.5L Touring - RM 211,006
• G-Vectoring Control (GVC)
• Revised steering wheel
• Colour heads-up display (HUD, 2.5 only)
• Colour multi-info display (MID, 2.5 only)

The 2018 update:

• 2.0L sedan - RM 156,190
• 2.5L sedan - RM 189,698
• 2.5L Touring - RM 193,472
• Engine power increased: 2.0L (164 PS / 213 Nm), 2.5L (195 PS / 258 Nm)
• Refreshed front-end
• New LED headlights and taillights
• Redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels (2.5 only)
• Walk-away auto lock (2.5 only)
• Revised dashboard and centre console
• New door trim
• Updated seat upholstery
• 360-degree view camera (2.5 only)

2019 update

• 2.0L sedan - RM173,659
• 2.5L sedan - RM211,148
• 2.5L Touring - RM215,148
• GVC Plus
• Android Auto and Apple

2021 update:

• 2.0L Sedan - RM 170,917
• 2.5L Sedan - RM 207,642
• 2.5LTouring - RM211,478
• 19-inch metallic black alloy wheels (2.5 only)
• Gloss black outer door mirrors (2.5 only)
• Burgundy red leather upholstery (2.5 only)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Walk-away auto lock for 2.0
• Paddle shifters for 2.0

Which variant to buy?

The bright side here is that, depending on the year, the engine is pretty much the primary defining factor. If you have the cash for it, go for the 2.5-litre engine. Believe us, you’ll appreciate the power and features. Plus, the extra oomph under the bonnet makes full use of the car’s sublime chassis.

As the running updates continued, the entry-level 2.0-litre model started to adopt some of the key features from the flagship variant as well.

Besides that, there’s the obvious premium in maintenance for the larger engine.

Apart from being a little easier on fuel, the 2.0L model rides on smaller diameter rims with thicker sidewall tyres that make it more comfortable.

Furthermore, the 2.0L isn’t equipped with the pricey i-Stop capacitor that can deliver a blow to your wallet if it fails. The cost for this is listed further below.

Depreciation doesn’t quite favour the Mazda 6 as it does its peers. With that in mind, a budget of around RM 60-70k puts some solid 2.0L options from 2015-16 within your reach with low mileage and a fully recorded service history.

If you’re keen on the bigger engine, pricing for a 2015 unit remains in the low RM 60k range but a facelifted unit from 2016 would be in the RM100k range. For obvious reasons, the 2.5L didn’t sell that well and demand in the used market would still favour the 2.0L.

As for the Touring wagon body, a phat derriere is very much an acquired tasted here. Nonetheless, the cost of having good taste demands a little more and ranges from RM 70k to 100k to bring sexy back.

To simplify things, your best bet would be with post-2015 models that’ve received the minor exterior tweaks and updated dashboard. While older 2013-2014 models wouldn’t be any less thrilling to drive, you’ll appreciate the post 2015 cars.

Being a somewhat sporty sedan, some owners are prone to mild modifications on their Mazda 6. This can be mild mods such as flashier wheels and grow to fitting aftermarket suspension. We recommend an original unit (aftermarket wheels are forgivable) but prioritise a comprehensive service history as the perceived pricier maintenance costs partially stems from a lack of proper periodic maintenance.

Currently, the sole Mazda 6 example on the Carsome platform is in the midst of having the purchase completed but the inventory is constantly being updated and more units might pop up.

What are the common problems and how much to maintain?

Now onto the cardinal question of cost. On a surface level, the Mazda 6 is pricier to maintain over the likes of the Honda Accord or evergreen Toyota Camry. However, that’s not due to it being troublesome but more towards economies of scale.

Mazda’s share of the D-segment is miniscule compared to Honda and Toyota. Therefore, stockists order smaller batches of parts which translates into each component being priced higher to the end user.

Nonetheless, the Mazda 6 itself is relatively problem-free. Some of the common issues that you might encounter during your ownership experience are as follows:

All that aside, you might notice that your 6 suffers from premature brake pad and disc wear. The culprit is a jammed brake pad retaining pins (moisture / debris) that limits the pad’s freedom of movement within the calliper, meaning there’s constant contact that causes increased wear.

Be sure to have your mechanic inspect the callipers every other oil change and clean the components to prevent the pin jamming.

Lastly, knocking noises from the undercarriage usually means worn suspension components. Not only is it annoying but the delightful driving experience would also be tarnished as well.

Conclusion

The Mazda 6 has good looks and better handling in its favour. You’ll definitely be making a statement when you roll up in one of these over a bland Accord or Camry, breaking the mould of boring D-segment cars without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, over its peers, the 6 boasts a much more premium feel inside that resonates throughout all aspects of being in one. The driver will enjoy the sharp ride and planted chassis while the passengers will acknowledge the solid build quality and smooth ride courtesy of GVC.

If your family has grown to need a D-segment sedan, don’t for a second believe you can’t have some fun with one.

As always, be attentive to periodic maintenance and don’t drag from having any issues inspected and rectified to avoid a higher repair cost down the road.