New-generation Mazda 6 in development as four-door coupe with inline-six power: report

In yet another confusion twist, fresh reports that a rear-drive straight-six Mazda 6 may be back on the cards yet again

Not long ago, details were firming for the next-generation Mazda 6. Tragically, such dreams were seemingly killed off in 2022 with the project having been put on hold.

However, fresh reports from Japan’s Best CarWeb indicate that the next Mazda 6’s development is underway, with the model set to feature straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive as originally planned.

The project initially fell short due to shifting consumer interest to the SUV market, but could have been revived after recent local and global sales successes with the model.

Mazda 6 Vision Coupe 2017-3 Front 3/4 — The Mazda 6 Vision Coupe from 2017

For sales so far in 2023, the Mazda 6 (1091) has been the number two pick in its segment, only falling under the reigning Toyota Camry.

However, the model sold a lot less than the very popular Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV (15,004 units year-to-date).

What can we expect from a ‘new’ Mazda 6

Mazda 6 20th Anniversary 2023 front 3/4 2 — The current Mazda 6 20th Anniversary wagon

Likely to feature Mazda’s new Kodo design exterior styling and shaped as a sleek four-door coupe, the next Mazda 6 could turn out to be quite the driver’s car.

The Vision Coupe concept from 2017 brought a sporting look to the Mazda 6 shape, and could be influential for the next 6.

Although we can’t talk much on exterior styling just yet, the next Mazda 6 could take inspiration from the new CX-60 and 90 vehicles, too, with the model likely to sit on Mazda’s large product architecture shared with these 60 and 90 SUVs.

Mazda CX-60 P50E GT 2023 driving front — The next Mazda 6 could use engines from the CX-60

Expect more news to come regarding Mazda 6 early in 2024.

PHEV and mild-hybrid engines likely to feature

Best Car reports that the 6’s powertrain options are set to follow very closely to the current CX-60, which means that the new 6 sedan will gain the 3.3-litre mild-hybrid straight-six engine and the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with plug-in hybrid technologies.

Looking at the related CX-60 figures, the 3.3-litre petrol six produces 209kW/450Nm, while the turbo-diesel engine produces 187kW/550Nm. The plug-in hybrid engine produces figures of 241kW/500Nm.

Mazda CX-60 P50E Azami SP 2023 engine — Reports say that straight-six engines will come to the Mazda 6 in its next generation

It’s expected that the eight-speed automatic transmission will feature for the new 6, however a manual is also possible, but unconfirmed.

The Mazda 6 currently competes against models such as the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and even the Skoda Octavia. Mazda has sold 1091 6s so far in 2023, up from the 897 sold up till this time in 2022.

The current Mazda 6 range is available in either sedan or wagon body styles and is powered by either a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 140kW/252Nm, or a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 173kW/420Nm.