Celebrating two decades of Zoom Zoom, Mazda will release a special edition 20^th Anniversary Mazda6 in 2023, alongside a series of dynamic, design and connectivity updates to the line-up.

Chalking up more than 144,000 sales in its 20 years in Australia, the flagship passenger car that helped launch the brand’s iconic slogan continues to embody Mazda’s joy of driving ethos.

Through five major updates, Mazda6 has matured in tandem with the brand on its journey to Mazda Premium, with the commemorative model showcasing a new level of refinement and quality.

Based on the range-topping Atenza, the commemorative model can be specified in either the newly developed Artisan Red metallic or Rhodium White metallic body colours. The special edition features a 20^th anniversary badge on each front fender, alongside a high-gloss silver grille, which is complemented by high-gloss silver 19-inch alloy wheels.

Mazda’s Takumi craftsmanship is on show inside where a tan colour palette accentuates the sophisticated cabin space, including luxurious amounts of high-quality Leganu® synthetic suede and nappa leather to give the entire cabin a rich, dignified feel. The front seat head rests are also embossed with the 20^th anniversary logo.

Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the special edition model is a tribute to the significance of the Mazda6 nameplate.

“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 20^th Anniversary Edition is a special nod to those customers who share our passion for driving for the fun of it.”

The prodigious Skyactiv-G 2.5 litre turbo-petrol engine has also been refined, with improvements lifting power output to 173kW at 4,250pm. Peak torque remains a strong 420Nm at 2,000rpm, but torque at 4,250rpm has increased by 8Nm.

For turbo models, the Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission has also been updated to provide a more direct upshift response and exciting driving feel, and the reactive force of the accelerator pedal has been increased to provide drivers with a more direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque.

Across the range, all models benefit from improved dynamic performance. Updates to characteristics of the electric power assisted steering enhance response and provide more tactile feedback at medium and high speeds.

The active safety suite on GT SP and Atenza models is enhanced with the addition of Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS), while Touring and above benefit from new Qi wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.

The sporty aesthetics of the GT SP grade are extended with the addition of black gloss signature wings front and rear, while the wagon also gets black gloss roof rails to complete the performance-oriented look.

Finally, Atenza models will now come standard with black nappa leather.

Pricing for the 20^th Anniversary Edition and the updated Mazda6 will be available closer to vehicle arrival in early 2023.