Earlier this year, rumors circulated that Mazda’s intentions to revive the 6 and produce a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sedan were being scrapped in favor of prioritizing SUVs and crossovers. However, a recent report from Japan indicates that the positive reception of these SUVs has prompted a reconsideration of the sedan.
Fondly remembered by many, the Mazda6 was a handsome, front-wheel-drive sedan that, like so many others in its fading class, was discontinued in recent years. A victim of changing consumer preferences for tall riding models, the sedan has been off the market for two years now.
Rumors have long persisted regarding Mazda’s intentions to resurrect the car, with many speculating that it might return as a four-door coupe designed for enthusiasts with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. However, in August, a source close to the company was quoted by Japanese media, stating that the latest large vehicle architecture, initially designed for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, would be “exclusive to SUVs.”
Read: The Rotary Engine Is Back In Production At Mazda
Illustrations John Halas / Carscoops
Indeed, the automaker has been focusing on getting its CX line of SUVs sorted. With the CX-50 and CX-90 now on sale in North America, and CX-60 plying its trade in Europe, the Japanese automaker is well on its way. All in, it plans to ultimately sell the CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 in varying markets around the world.
That’s a strategy that makes a lot of sense from a business point of view, considering rising SUV sales. However, Japanese outlet Best Car is now reporting that the CX-90 and CX-60 are doing so well, and cost so little to make, that Mazda can once again afford to develop a sedan.
With its eyes reportedly set on the North American market, the sedan is expected to have four doors, and to be based on the CX-60’s platform and running gear. That means that drivers can potentially expect ICE and PHEV versions of Mazda’s 2.5-liter inline four turbo as well as its 3.3-liter inline-six turbo that’s currently available in 280 hp and 340 hp variants.
Like the rest of Mazda’s refreshed lineup, the sedan would likely aim to move upmarket and compete with premium offerings from brands like Lexus and Acura. However, given Mazda’s current focus on SUVs in its product cycle, it’s improbable that we’ll see the sedan, assuming it’s indeed in the works, before 2025.
