The venerable Mazda 6 sedan and wagon range will received some mild upgrades in the new year, headlined by a new 20th Anniversary edition, wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as more grunt for turbocharged models.
The anniversary special, officially dubbed the 2023 Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition, commemorates two decades and more than 144,000 sales of the Japanese brand’s flagship passenger car in Australia.
It’s based on the top-spec Atenza, and is available in the brand’s newest premium paint finishes; Artisan Red metallic and Rhodium White metallic. Other distinguishing exterior features include 20th Anniversary badging, a high-gloss silver wheels, and high-gloss silver 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Mazda 6 20th Anniversary special uniquely offers a tan interior trimmed in Leganu suede and Nappa leather. The front headrests are also embossed with 20th Anniversary logos.
Under the bonnet is the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which for 2023 now develops 173kW (up 3kW) at 4250rpm. Peak torque remains at 420Nm (2000rpm), but Mazda says the motor will make an additional 8Nm at 4250rpm compared to before.
Mazda says the six-speed automatic has also been updated to “provide a more direct upshift response and exciting driving feel”; while the “reactive force of the accelerator pedal has been increased to provide more direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque”.
For the wider range, the 2023 model year will bring an updated power steering system.
GT SP Sedan 
GT SP Wagon
Mazda 6 GT SP and Atenza models now get the brand’s Cruising and Traffic Support semi-autonomous assistance system, while Touring grades and up now feature wireless Apple CarPlay (albeit still on the old MZD Connect infotainment system).
The 2023 Mazda 6 GT SP will also get “black gloss signature wings front and rear”, with the wagon version also getting gloss black roof rails. Atenza models will now come standard with black Nappa leather as well.
Further pricing and specification details for the enhanced Mazda 6 range – including the 20th Anniversary Edition – will be announced closer to its early 2023 launch. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
20th Anniversary Edition
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MORE: Everything Mazda 6
