This Sorely Missed Japanese Sedan Could Be Making a Sporty Comeback

One of Mazda’s most beloved and desired models could be making a comeback. The small Japanese automaker just teased what appears to be a some sort of four-door coupe ahead of its conference at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Although just a teaser with few details to spare, this could possibly suggest the return of a beloved model: the Mazda6 sedan. However, Mazda is apparently calling the concept the “Vision Model,” which could mean a number of things.

Mazda’s new concept could preview future styling, or a new model

Mazda

Details might not be readily available. But when translating Mazda’s initial press release, they describe it as a preview of future things to come.

More so, it’s a precursor of what to visually expect from the brand between now and up through 2035. It’s then accompanied by the tagline: “the joy of driving fuels a sustainable future.”

Mazda USA

Rather than teasing a specific future model, the concept could provide a sample of what future, next-gen Mazda models might look like. To date, the automaker’s been utilizing its original “KODO” design language, which it first introduced in the early 2010s.

But given it’s nearing 15 years old, Mazda could be on the path to overhauling its design language. This Vision Model could be the starting point of it all.

Mazda

This wouldn’t be the first concept in a while from Mazda. More recently, the Japanese automaker gave us the Iconic SP concept and before that, the RX-Vision Concept. But neither have come to fruition in terms of production.

Fans have been clamoring for a new Mazda6

It’s been almost five years since Mazda last sold its flagship sedan. When it ended production in 2021, it had turned seven years old. Despite feeling long in the tooth, the Mazda6 sedan still proved to be a valiant contender in the fiercely competitive mainstream midsize sedan segment. Especially with its high-po turbo four-cylinder.

It’s the same segment where other stalwarts like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Kia K5 and Nissan Altima still exist. Despite the popularity of crossover SUVs rendering sedans almost obsolete, the midsize segment proves that they’re still desired.

Mazda USA

Given that the Mazda6 hasn’t been around for almost five years (except in Saudi Arabia, where Mazda recently discontinued it), its absence represents a major gap within its vehicle lineup.

At the time of discontinuation, Mazda didn’t express any desire to keep the Mazda6 going, at least in the traditional sense. That’s because the brand saw more viability and a stronger business case with its crossover SUVs, like the CX-5.

Mazda USA

Mazda did join forces with China’s Changan to produce an all-electric sedan, called the Mazda6e. It’s somewhat of a successor to the Mazda 6. But it’s not quite the same.

The Mazda6e came to life as a part of the Japanese automaker’s electrification strategy, following the industry’s trend. However, like other automakers, Mazda announced its about-face from an all-electric future a little over a year ago.

Although the all-electric Mazda6e is ready to go, Mazda admitted that it’s shifting back to developing internal combustion-powered cars. Last year, Mazda entered a joint venture with Toyota and Subaru to cooperatively develop new ICE powertrains.

While not specifically confirmed, this circumstantially could open the opportunity for a new Mazda6 sedan.

We can only hope.

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