The Mazda6 faces an uncertain future. The development of a new generation of Mazda’s interesting saloon is in doubt and any possibility is not ruled out. New information arrives from distant Japan that allows us to clarify some of the doubts and, above all, to know the real state of the project.
Where is the new Mazda6? In recent times there has been speculation (a lot) about the future of the well-known Mazda saloon. A future that in the convulsive 2020 was practically guaranteed with the development of a new generation. A new generation that should be ready to storm dealerships in the first half of this year. Something that, as is obvious, has not happened.
The absence of news and, above all, of statements from senior officials of the company, has made the followers of the Mazda6 fear the worst. These are turbulent times for general saloons and the Mazda model is no stranger to the changes that are taking place in the global automobile market. The development of a new generation is in doubt and any possibility is not ruled out.
The future of the Mazda6, will there be a new generation? plans have changed
From the distant and exotic Japan, new and very interesting news has emerged that allows us to shed some light on the state of the development project for a new generation of the Mazda6 and, ultimately, what plans Mazda has for said model. Unfortunately these reports are not at all flattering.
Before going into detail, it is important to take a quick look at Mazda’s original plans for the new Mazda6. The original idea with which the company has been working since the green light was given to the project was neither more nor less than a comprehensive renovation. The new generation of the Mazda6 was going to be supported by an entirely new platform. The FR architecture for propulsion models.
The use of this platform is a declaration of intent and allows Mazda to distance itself from a good part of its competitors. We have a clear example with the new Mazda CX-60 that is ready to storm Spanish dealers. And precisely in the CX-60 is one of the main drawbacks facing the Mazda6. “SUV fever.”
SUVs weigh down the future of the Mazda6
It is one of the main challenges that the Mazda6 must face to stay alive. The rise of SUVs is unstoppable. Currently, one out of every two new cars sold in Europe is an SUV. The unstoppable rise of this type of vehicle has had, among other consequences, the virtual disappearance of general saloons from the European market. Few models continue to contend in a category whose weight continues to shrink at an alarming rate.
At Mazda headquarters a decision must be made on this, Will there be a new Mazda6 despite the popularity of SUVs? This situation has led the company to put the development of the new generation of the Mazda6 at a standstill. This is indicated by these reports that have seen the light in Japanese territory.
It is necessary for the company to get down to work to recover the costs involved in the development of the new CX-60 platform. The general idea was to release this architecture for the first time in the Mazda6 under the premise of repositioning the brand in North America. Moreover, the development of a two-door coupé variant was even contemplated to expand the offer and, to a certain extent, recover the legacy of the Mazda Cosmo.
The change of course that the company has established has meant that, according to this information, the new rear-wheel drive two-door coupe has been canceled and, although the new Mazda6 has not been given the definitive thrust, its future hangs in the balance. It is really difficult to justify the development of a new generation unless it is a completely new vehicle, more luxurious and offers a large profit margin per unit sold. Something that, a priori, would not fit in the market.
In short, we can say that the development of the new Mazda6 is at a standstill. However, this does not mean that the project has been cancelled. These are not good times for traditional sedans.
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