Next-gen Mazda6 confirmed

The upgraded Mazda6 sedan and wagon with 170kW 2.5-litre turbo power for top-spec models may have been confirmed for Australian release by mid-2018, but the popularity of SUVs is slowly but surely killing off traditional car types – especially the family sedan.

In the face of sliding mid-size passenger car sales globally, it was thought Mazda may kill off its flagship sedan, but the Mazda6 is neither down nor out for the count.

That's the word from Mazda's North American design director, Julien Montousse, who told motoring.com.au at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show that an all-new Mazda6 is currently in development.

The timeline for the new Mazda6, which could look like the Mazda VISION COUPE revealed in Tokyo in October, is not clear but the strategy certainly is, explained the French-born car designer during a round-table interview.

"It's within the plan, but I can't really talk about the time line," he said, confirming there will be a new-generation Mazda6, even if it arrives later than expected.

"We've been putting strategy around the whole current direction for Mazda6. We’ve been working on it for a long time, but I can't reveal any more about our work."

The existing, third-generation Mazda6 was released in 2012 and, apart from turbo power for the first time, another major facelift will next year bring more upmarket exterior design, equipment and refinement.

Premium Japanese timber inlays, redesigned Nappa leather seats, a quieter, new-look interior and more driver assist technology unite with a new front-end design to give the facelifted vehicle a modern look.

It's all very civilised, but the next Mazda6 will go even further upmarket and its next-generation flagship car will move into premium territory as a Volkswagen or Volvo rival.

The design will also be more upscale, says Montousse, but after more prodding he conceded the car's styling was still in flux.

"It's not defined yet, to be honest. It's something we're working currently on. I can't say more, but I know that Mazda is moving into the premium space. Real premium. I'm talking about silhouette, appeal and performance -- it will be premium."

Montousse's boss, Masahiro Moro, who is the head of Mazda North America, provided another hint as to the next-generation Mazda6's performance boost – all-wheel drive (AWD).

The USA is one of the car's biggest markets and Moro understands the necessity for AWD in the east and north of the country, where snowfall is prevalent. He acknowledged that to take the next step into prestige territory, AWD is a must.

"I believe there is a huge demand on the east coast of the USA [for AWD sedans]. Eighty per cent of premium sedans there have AWD. I always ask how we can accommodate AWD capability in the future," stated Moro-san.

Turbocharging is now on the Mazda6 menu but another possible performance upgrade could come via hybrid and EV technology, with which Mazda is working closely with Toyota as part of a joint-venture.

"Right now I can't speak about powertrains, but Mazda is looking at electrification," said Montousse. "We're looking at all types of powertrains."

So the Mazda6 will not be killed off and will in fact become an even more luxurious flagship in the future, potentially a technology leader for the brand.

But where does this leave the Australian market? The Mazda6 sells in relatively small numbers, between 200 and 250 vehicles per month. Even so, Mazda Australia's managing director told motoring.com.au the medium car market is still "sustainable" locally.

"I don’t think there are any plans for retirement — there's no talk of retiring that car," he added, before cautioning that for medium cars to compete with the strength and variety of SUVs available today, they have to bring their A-game — they must be special.