Mazda’s large sedan and wagon become the latest model to ditch diesel, with production ending this month.
Mazda will cease production of its 6 large sedan and wagon in diesel form this month, with the model moving to naturally-aspirated petrol power only in Europe. THe model is already petrol only in Australia.
It’s believed that the long-standing 2.2-litre diesel unit would need redesigning in order to meet ever-toughening emissions legislation. The investment required to do would not be met with sales volumes significant enough to justify it.
A number of makers have, in recent years, slimmed down or entirely axed their diesel offerings for models where the fuel was previously a popular choice. Environmentally-friendly customers are now moving to choose hybrids, plug-in hybrids or EVs rather than oil-burners.
Mazda still offers the 2.2-litre diesel in the CX-5 and CX-8 SUV, and it’s unclear if that will soon face the axe too.
Lawrence Allan