Mazda celebrates two decades of 6 with 20th Anniversary Edition

Though it is the Mazda6 that is celebrating a birthday, it is Mazda that is gifting the world a 20th Anniversary Edition of its enduring mid-sizer.

Well, a gift you still have to pay for, though Mazda Australia is yet to reveal exactly how much commemorative car will cost.

What we do know however, is that the special-edition variant will be based on the top-spec Atenza sedan, which currently retails for $50,720 before on-road costs.

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And with the 20th Anniversary Edition car adding unique exterior badging, a gloss silver grille, bespoke 19-inch wheels, tan-leather interior and embossed headrests, expect it to come in as the most expensive Mazda passenger car.

Powering the range-topping grade will be a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

However, Mazda has tweaked the engine to deliver 3kW more power for a maximum output of 173kW, while torque around the middle of rev band (4250rpm) has jumped up 8Nm with the peak remaining steady at 420Nm.

The six-speed automatic has also been modified “to provide a more direct upshift response and exciting driving feel”, according to Mazda, while the throttle also tuned to be more responsive.

These changes to drivetrain will also filter across all applicable 2023 Mazda6 variants, while other updates include changes to the electric power-assisted steering aimed at improving feedback, as well as a wireless smartphone charger and extra safety gear on certain variants.

Over its 20-year history in Australia, Mazda has sold more than 144,000 units, but interest has waned in recent years as the market shifts preferences from sedans to SUVs and crossovers.

To the end of November this year, Mazda has found 1298 new homes for the 6, a small 7.8 per cent decrease over the same period last year.

Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said: “For many years, Mazda6 has captivated driving enthusiasts with its clever mix of dynamics and style, to the point where it was our best-selling model behind the Mazda3 in the mid-2000s.

“Mazda6 retains a loyal following of fans, and the 20th Anniversary Edition is a special nod to those customers who share our passion for driving for the fun of it,” he said.