In October last year, Bermaz quietly updated the Mazda 6 for the Malaysian market. While the introduction was fairly quiet, most of the attention was given to the 20th Anniversary Edition Mazda 6 that was introduced alongside the regular Mazda 6. The Mazda 6 has been on the market for close to 12 years. If you ever checked out pictures of this model from 12 years ago, you would notice how much this vehicle has changed over the years. With these multiple updates, I will review both the Mazda 6 Touring and the 20th Anniversary Edition side by side and see if these changes still make the Mazda 6 relevant in 2024.
Starting with the Mazda 6 Touring, it comes with the Ignite Edition package. The Mazda 6 looks really sporty, especially when most of the chrome parts come in gloss black. However, the window surrounds have been left in chrome, which is a little disappointing. If they were in gloss black, it would further enhance the sportiness of the vehicle. The 19-inch rims are also painted black, giving the car a more athletic vibe. These rims are wrapped in 225/45 R19 tires that suit the vehicle really well. 
Returning to the exterior, the Mazda 6 gets a brand new front grille with a new 3D pattern on it. This is the same design as the CX-8, making the vehicle look more upmarket. Other than that, the exterior is pretty much the same as the pre-facelift vehicle. Stepping inside, the overall layout of the Mazda 6 has largely remained untouched. For this Ignite Edition, it comes with burgundy-colored seats matched with black trim. This creates an overall sporty-looking cabin, giving the elegant executive estate a different vibe. This color pairing matches the grey exterior really well.
In terms of updates, the latest Mazda 6 gets a slightly larger infotainment screen, similar to the CX-3 and CX-5. It now measures 8 inches and features a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an 11-speaker Bose sound system to complete the whole infotainment system. Also similar to other Mazda models with this infotainment system, the screen resolution is on the lower side, which doesn’t match the stature of the vehicle that well. For this Touring variant, the instrument cluster is similar to the one found in the 2.0L CX-5. It comes with a 4.6-inch digital display to accommodate the updated ADAS system that the Mazda 6 gets. 
In contrast, the 20th Anniversary Edition Mazda 6 is a lot more elegant and luxurious when compared to the Touring variant. Starting with the paint job, the 20th Anniversary Edition comes in a beautiful Artisan Red. Under the sunlight, this paint job looks more like a deep metallic burgundy, and I quite like it. This paint job matches all the chrome pieces around the vehicle, distinguishing it from the Touring. The front grille is also painted in gunmetal silver, blending well with the overall look of the vehicle. The 20th Anniversary Edition model completes its look with bright silver 19-inch rims, wrapped in the same 225/45 R19 tires found on the Touring variant. 
To add icing on the cake, the Mazda 6 20th Anniversary Edition also comes with a special badge located around the vehicle. In case the paint job is not enough to indicate how special this model is, the interior will definitely make you feel special. The interior is wrapped in tan fine Nappa leather, which instantly exudes a sense of luxury. This fine Nappa leather is complemented by suede-like materials on the dashboard, door trims, and, of course, the seats. With the use of this material at the touchpoints, it makes the vehicle feel more expensive than the Touring variant. 
While there’s no change in the design of the seats, the seats in the Mazda 6 are very comfortable. To further differentiate it from the Touring variant, the 20th Anniversary Edition comes with an aluminum piece fitted onto the seats. To top it all off, there is the 20th Anniversary badge embossed onto both the front seat headrests to remind you that you’re sitting in something special. While the 20th Anniversary Edition shares many of the updates with the Touring variant, there are still some added features in the 20th Anniversary Edition that the Touring didn’t get. 
Starting with the instrument cluster, it comes with an even larger 7-inch digital screen that sits in the center of the instrument cluster. This is the same instrument cluster that Mazda uses on their newer models like the Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-30. Apart from that, the 20th Anniversary Edition Mazda 6 also gets seat cooling, which suits the hot Malaysian weather really well. Other than that, all the features in this 20th Anniversary Edition are similar to the Touring. But with the use of different materials, it really gives this edition a different feel. 
Alongside the updated model, Mazda Malaysia also streamlined its powertrain availability for the Mazda 6. Mazda Malaysia has dropped the 2.2L diesel engine, leaving just the 2.0L and 2.5L SkyActiv engines. For the two models that I’m reviewing, both vehicles are powered by the same 2.5L petrol engine. This engine has the ability to produce 192 HP and 258 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and power is sent to the front wheels. This engine suits the Mazda 6 very well, as you’re supposed to waft along rather than push it to the red line. The car wants you to take things easy, giving it a more relaxed manner. By driving smoothly, I still managed to get an average fuel economy of 11 km/L for both vehicles. 
In terms of handling, the Mazda 6 is a sharp-handling vehicle. Even though the powertrain expects you to drive in a relaxed manner, when you’re on some twisty roads, the Mazda 6 still manages to shine in the corners. You will get decent feedback from the steering wheel, but you still have to be aware of the softer suspension the car is equipped with. This suspension setup is meant to keep all occupants onboard comfortable while on the move. While driving the Mazda 6, I also noticed that it has the same character as the Mazda CX-3, where it tends to push out wide when entering a corner at higher speeds. This indicates that the car is a little heavier in the front. But it’s much better than the CX-3 as the low center of gravity and longer wheelbase stabilize the vehicle much better. 
As the Mazda 6 has changed a lot compared to when it was launched, the prices have definitely seen a bump as well. The Touring variant is now priced at RM 230,848, and the 20th Anniversary Edition will set you back around RM 240,848. At this price point, the competition is very fierce. But the Mazda 6 is still a charming sedan to own, considering this segment is slowly being eaten up by the SUV market. As an owner, you will have the option to choose the more practical Touring variant or the luxurious sedan variant. For me, I would choose the 20th Anniversary Edition over the Touring variant. Even though I like the practicality of the Touring, the attention to detail that Mazda put into the 20th Anniversary Edition Mazda 6 lingers in my heart even now. 
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