2022 Mazda 6: What we know so far about Australia's new rear-wheel-drive sedan - including pricing, launch timing and six-cylinder engines

The fourth-generation Mazda6 mid-size cars is coming soon, and its significance cannot be understated. After all, it will usher in a new era for Mazda, one which will well and truly bring back the fun factor.

And with the next Mazda6 drawing closer, what can we actually expect to see? Well, Mazda hasn’t been shy about talking about it in recent times, so we already know some of the key details.

That said, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, but that’s not to say there isn’t anything to look forward to, because there sure is. Read on to find out what.

Platform

When it comes to the Mazda6, the big news is all but confirmed to have the distinct honour of debuting Mazda’s new ‘large vehicle’ architecture.

While a new platform is hardly earth-shattering news, it is in this instance because the Mazda6’s fresh underpinnings will support rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts.

That’s right; the series is moving away from economical front-wheel drive and embracing a much sportier future, but more on that in a moment.

Again, this change has far-reaching consequences, with the next-generation replacements for the CX-5 mid-size SUV and CX-8 and CX-9 large SUVs all set to go the same way.

And there’s also plenty of talk that Mazda will further deepen its ties with Toyota with a now-appropriately next-generation Mazda6-based Lexus IS sedan and – possibly – RC coupe. Watch this space.

Engines

A new line-up of 3.0- or 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engines are also on the way.

Mazda could’ve played it safe with the Mazda6 and continued to offer it with a range of four-cylinder engines, but given it’s already making a significant shift on the drivetrain front, it should come as no surprise that it’s doing the same when it comes to engines.

In fact, the Mazda6 revolution keeps getting more extreme, with a new line-up of 3.0- or 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engines also on the way, including diesel as well as regular and SkyActiv-X compression-ignition petrol options.

Better yet, electrification is also on the menu, with a 48V mild-hybrid system set for the entry-level powertrains, while at least one plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will assume the flagship responsibilities.

Needless to say, the Mazda6 is set to offer better efficiency and higher performance than its predecessors, so much so that fans might stop longing for a successor to the hi-po MPS of yesteryear – maybe.

Styling

A lot of the Vision Coupe concept’s design flourishes are yet to make production.

Mazda’s Kodo design language is well-established, and it’s likely to continue with the next Mazda6, so expect more of an evolution than a revolution on the styling front.

The closest thing we have to a preview thus far is the Vision Coupe concept from the 2017 Tokyo motor show. Ironically, it served as a precursor to the current Mazda6’s most recent facelift, which was revealed weeks later.

Nonetheless, a lot of the Vision Coupe concept’s design flourishes are yet to make production, so there is a strong possibility the next Mazda6 will allow them to become a reality.

Pricing

The Mazda6’s pricing (currently $34,590 to $51,390 plus on-road costs) is going to go up – and by some margin.

Without a crystal ball, it’s difficult to guess how all of this will affect the Mazda6’s pricing (currently $34,590 to $51,390 plus on-road costs), but needless to say, it’s going to go up – and by some margin.

In fact, Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told local media in January 2021: “We have publicly stated that Mazda is pursuing into the premium territory – not luxury, premium.

“And we believe as the brand grows, as the portfolio grows, as the next generation arrives, we potentially will be offering things that are above what we do currently.

“But at the same time, we will offer mainstream value propositions to private buyers. So, we are expanding the business, as opposed to just moving.”

You hardly need to read between the lines to know the Mazda6 is moving upmarket, but how close it goes to BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 territory remains to be seen.

Timing

The next Mazda6 is rumoured to be revealed by the end of 2022, with its Australian launch therefore likely to take place in 2023, possibly in the first half of the year.

While we’re still in for a bit of wait, there’s plenty to play out between now and then, so stay tuned. And all going well, the Mazda6 will deliver.