Mazda 6 2023: Toyota Camry rival scores more power, luxurious new grade

More standard safety equipment and a plethora or luxury materials have been added to the Mazda 6’s arsenal

Mazda is celebrating 20 years of its flagship sedan and wagon by rolling out a new update for 2023 that includes more power and even a special edition grade.

Pricing and the exact grade line-up for the Mazda 6 is yet to be outlined for the 2023 range, with the current line-up consisting of the entry-level Sport, followed by the Touring, GT SP and range-topping Atenza.

Mazda 6 2023 20th Anniversary interior 2 — Mazda 6 is celebrating two decades of the Mazda 6 with a 20th Anniversary

Mazda has offered the third-generation 6 in Australia since 2014 where it competes against the likes of the Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Arteon in the shrinking large passenger vehicle segment.

The aptly named Mazda 6 20th Anniversary is based on the top-spec Atenza and is available finished in either Artisan Red metallic or Rhodium White metallic body colours.

Mazda 6 2023 20th Anniversary seats headrest — Tan nappa leather upholstery can be found inside the cabin

The exterior paint is complimented by a high-gloss silver grille with matching 19-inch alloy wheels and other exterior accents.

Mazda has equipped the tan-coloured interior with a combination of Leganu synthetic suede and nappa leather upholstery featuring ‘20th Anniversary’ lettering on the headrests to match the external badging.

Mazda 6 2023 GT SP rear 3/4 — The GT SP receives black roof rails for 2023

Mazda 6 to score new features in 2023

Other changes across the wider grade line-up include a wireless phone charger and wireless Apple CarPlay on the Mazda 6 Touring grade, while those who step up to the GT SP and Atenza net adaptive cruise control with low-speed functionality.

In addition, the GT SP receives lower gloss black trimmings on the front and rear bumper with matching roof rails on the wagon variant only. Nappa leather will also now come standard on the Atenza.

More power for 2.5-litre turbo

Mazda’s 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has been given a bit of a spruce up for 2023 with peak power improving by 3kW to 173kW at 4250rpm.

Mazda 6 2023 20th front 3/4 — Peak power has improved on the 2.5-litre turbo

The peak torque claim remains an ample 420Nm at the 2000rpm mark, but engineers have retained an additional 8Nm once the engine is rung out to 4250rpm.

Mazda has also fettled the six-speed torque converter automatic to provide a more “direct upshift response and exciting driving feel” with additional changes made to the throttle calibration to make acceleration feel more immediate.

Unlike other previous generations, as well as more recent Mazda models such as the CX-5 midsize SUV and CX-9 large SUV, the Mazda 6 isn’t available with all-wheel-drive, with the sedan/wagon sending all its power through the front wheels exclusively.