In March 2025, news that stirred countless automotive enthusiasts swept the globe—the Mazda6, hailed as the "Japanese BMW," officially ended production worldwide. This iconic model, carrying 23 years of illustrious history, drew its final chapter amid the wave of electrification, yet simultaneously began scripting a new era for the brand.
Since its debut in 2002, the Mazda6 has captivated global markets with its distinctive design and exhilarating driving dynamics. The first-generation model, with its sleek coupe-like silhouette and reputation as the "Prince of Corners," shattered the dominance of business-oriented sedans at the time, becoming synonymous with the "dream car" for young drivers. Its front double-wishbone independent suspension and meticulously tuned chassis transformed every curve into a seamless dance, while the SKYACTIV naturally aspirated engine delivered linear yet spirited power—a combination still celebrated by loyal owners today. In China, the Mazda6 achieved mythical status with 800,000 units sold, weaving itself into family stories from its domestic launch in 2003 to the discontinuation of the Atenza in 2021. One owner nostalgically shared on forums: "Thirteen years together—my 'Mawa' carried me across mountains and seas without fail, sipping just 7-8 liters per 100 km. Truly a steed that eats little but runs tirelessly!"
Yet the wheels of progress never stall. Confronted with the shift toward electrification and smart mobility, the Mazda6’s steadfast adherence to tradition began to show strain. A decade without generational updates, the technical constraints of naturally aspirated engines, and lagging smart features left the classic model struggling against the tide of turbocharging and hybrid systems. As industry analysts noted, "The Mazda6’s farewell is no accident—it’s the inevitable collision between the fossil-fuel era and technological revolution."
But farewells birth new beginnings. Mazda has pledged ¥200 billion to accelerate its electrification strategy, announcing plans to launch the all-electric J90K and range-extended hybrid J90K-REEV by 2025, alongside collaborative EV developments with Changan Automobile. The brand’s iconic KODO design language and driver-centric DNA may soon find fresh vitality in the electric age.
The Mazda6’s retirement marks a truce between heritage and modernity, a baton passed from legacy to innovation. As the final unit rolls off the assembly line, the purity of its handling, the obsession with design, and the philosophy of Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) remain etched into the brand’s soul. When electric Mazdas someday grace the highways, we’ll still remember that flash of red—a silhouette dancing through corners, forever immortalized in automotive legend.