Mazda Mazda 6 · GJ (GL)
Generation 3 2012–2023
Mazda's Kodo-design 6 with the full SkyActiv package: high-compression naturally aspirated petrols, a conventional 6-speed automatic and a low-compression 2.2 diesel. The petrol 2.0 165 and especially the 2.5 with the 6AT are among the most trouble-free D-segment drivetrains of the decade; early 2.2 diesels (2012–2015) had soot, injector and oil-dilution problems that were largely engineered out by the 2018 update. Three visual phases (2012, 2015, 2018) and a Kombi that is one of the best-looking estates on the road. Discontinued in Europe in 2023, which keeps late cars firm in price.
Photo: Clément Bucco-Lechat · CC BY-SA 3.0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Pre-facelift (2012–2015): smaller grille with a thin chrome bar, halogen or xenon lights, dashboard with a separate 5.8-inch screen and no head-up display
- •First facelift (2015–2018): grille with a thick chrome wing flowing into the LED headlights, MZD Connect screen on top of the dash, rotary controller on the console
- •Second facelift (2018–2023): wider grille with horizontal mesh, slimmer LED lights, new dashboard with a wider screen and a horizontal wood/Ultrasuede band, windscreen head-up display
- •Kombi (estate) has a sloping tailgate and a shorter rear overhang than the sedan; no hatchback in this generation
2015 facelift (MY2015) and 2018 facelift (MY2018)
- 2015: new grille with a chrome signature wing, LED headlights, MZD Connect touchscreen with rotary controller, electric parking brake, new dashboard trim and head-up combiner
- 2015: i-ACTIVSENSE expanded (radar cruise, lane keep, adaptive LED from 2016), G-Vectoring Control added for MY2017
- 2018: redesigned dashboard with 8-inch screen, ventilated Nappa seats, windscreen head-up display, 360° monitor, 2.5 with cylinder deactivation (194 hp) and the reworked 2.2 D 184 hp
- 2018: quieter cabin, retuned suspension, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto standard
Engines
Engines
2.0 SkyActiv-G · 145 hp
2013–2018
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · FWD
Entry tune of the SkyActiv-G. Identical hardware to the 165, cheaper to insure; leisurely with the automatic but very durable.
2.0 SkyActiv-G · 165 hp
2013–2023
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · FWD
The definitive Mazda 6 in Poland: 165 hp naturally aspirated petrol with a 6-speed manual or the excellent 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Not fast, but smooth, economical for its type and almost boringly reliable.
2.5 SkyActiv-G · 192 hp
2013–2018
Petrol · Automatic · FWD
Automatic only, usually SkyPassion. The most relaxed pre-2018 drivetrain; 8–9 l/100 km in mixed driving, essentially nothing to go wrong.
2.5 SkyActiv-G · 194 hp
2018–2023
Petrol · Automatic · FWD
2018 update with cylinder deactivation and the revised 6AT. The best Mazda 6 there is: quiet, quick enough, and proven. Late Kombis in Takumi/Signature-level spec are the collector-grade family cars of this class.
2.2 SkyActiv-D · 150 hp
2013–2023
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · FWD
Fleet favourite in Poland. Twin-turbo low-compression diesel; early cars (to 2015) suffered soot in the oil and injector faults, 2016–2017 cars are better, 2018+ cars have the reworked engine. Excellent economy when it has been driven on the open road.
2.2 SkyActiv-D · 175 hp
2013–2018
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · FWD / AWD
Higher tune of the same diesel; the AWD Kombi (2015+) was rare in Europe. Same early-batch caveats; a good one is an effortless long-distance car.
2.2 SkyActiv-D · 184 hp
2018–2023
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · FWD / AWD
The 2018 redesign: new injectors, revised combustion and stronger internals. Much less troublesome than the early engines while still needing highway use to keep the DPF and oil happy. The diesel to buy if a diesel is needed.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0 SkyActiv-G · 145 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.0 145 · PE-VPS | 51 | 2013–2018 | Manual / Automatic FWD | Entry tune of the SkyActiv-G. Identical hardware to the 165, cheaper to insure; leisurely with the automatic but very durable. | ||
2.0 SkyActiv-G · 165 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.0 165 · PE-VPS | 209 | 2013–2023 | Manual / Automatic FWD | The definitive Mazda 6 in Poland: 165 hp naturally aspirated petrol with a 6-speed manual or the excellent 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Not fast, but smooth, economical for its type and almost boringly reliable. | ||
2.5 SkyActiv-G · 192 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.5 192 · PY-VPS | 84 | 2013–2018 | Automatic FWD | Automatic only, usually SkyPassion. The most relaxed pre-2018 drivetrain; 8–9 l/100 km in mixed driving, essentially nothing to go wrong. | ||
2.5 SkyActiv-G · 194 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.5 194 (2018+) · PY-VPS | 21 | 2018–2023 | Automatic FWD | 2018 update with cylinder deactivation and the revised 6AT. The best Mazda 6 there is: quiet, quick enough, and proven. Late Kombis in Takumi/Signature-level spec are the collector-grade family cars of this class. | ||
2.2 SkyActiv-D · 150 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 D 150 · SH-VPTS | 73 | 2013–2023 | Manual / Automatic FWD | Fleet favourite in Poland. Twin-turbo low-compression diesel; early cars (to 2015) suffered soot in the oil and injector faults, 2016–2017 cars are better, 2018+ cars have the reworked engine. Excellent economy when it has been driven on the open road. | ||
2.2 SkyActiv-D · 175 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 D 175 · SH-VPTS | 83 | 2013–2018 | Manual / Automatic FWD / AWD | Higher tune of the same diesel; the AWD Kombi (2015+) was rare in Europe. Same early-batch caveats; a good one is an effortless long-distance car. | ||
2.2 SkyActiv-D · 184 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 D 184 (2018+) · SH-VPTS | 4 | 2018–2023 | Manual / Automatic FWD / AWD | The 2018 redesign: new injectors, revised combustion and stronger internals. Much less troublesome than the early engines while still needing highway use to keep the DPF and oil happy. The diesel to buy if a diesel is needed. |
Versions
What the badges mean
SkyGo
uncommonbase
2013–2021
Polish entry trim: 17-inch alloys, air conditioning, cloth, basic audio; no MZD screen on the earliest cars. Rare because most buyers stepped up.
SkyMotion
commonequipment line
2013–2023
Volume trim: dual-zone climate, cruise, reversing camera and navigation (2015+), keyless, LED lights on facelift cars. The fleet specification and the best value used.
Watch out: Frequently listed as 'SkyPassion' by sellers who confuse leather-look seats with leather; check for BOSE and electric memory seats.
SkyPassion
commonequipment line
2013–2023
Top Polish trim: leather, BOSE, electric memory seats, 19-inch wheels, xenon or adaptive LED, head-up display, full i-ACTIVSENSE on later cars. Not a mechanical difference.
Sports-Line / Exclusive-Line (German imports)
uncommonequipment line
2013–2023
German-market trim names that appear on imports: Exclusive-Line is roughly SkyMotion, Sports-Line is the top spec with BOSE, leather and 19-inch wheels.
Watch out: 'Sports-Line' is often read as a sport version; it is an equipment line, and 'Sport Kombi' in older German adverts just means estate.
Signature / Takumi (2018+ top package)
rarespecial edition
2018–2023
Post-2018 flagship interior package: Nappa leather, Ultrasuede dash, Sen wood trim, ventilated seats, 360° monitor and 7-inch digital cluster. Naming varies by market (Signature, Takumi, Sports-Line Plus).
Watch out: Some sellers call any 2018+ SkyPassion 'Signature'; the Ultrasuede dash band and ventilated seats are the tells.
100th Anniversary Edition
very rarespecial edition
2020–2021
Centenary edition in Snowflake White with burgundy leather, 100th Anniversary badges and floor mats; based on the top trim with the 2.0 165 or 2.5 194 (and the 2.2 D in some markets).
Options
Options that matter
uncommon
BOSE surround sound (11 speakers)
Standard on SkyPassion, absent on lower trims; the quickest way to spot a top-spec car.
uncommon
Leather upholstery (black, white or 2018+ Nappa)
SkyPassion cars have leather; white leather and Nappa/Ultrasuede (2018+) signal the highest trims.
uncommon
Radar cruise control (MRCC)
Part of i-ACTIVSENSE on higher trims; stop-and-go capable from 2018.
rare
Ventilated front seats (2018+)
Only on the 2018+ facelift top trims; a genuine luxury detail at this price.
common
LED headlights (2015+) / adaptive LED (ALH)
Facelift cars have LED lights; adaptive LED with matrix-style dimming (ALH) came on top trims from 2016.
uncommon
Active Driving Display (head-up)
Pop-up combiner from 2015, windscreen-projected from 2018; top-trim marker.
rare
360° view monitor (2018+)
Only on 2018+ top trims; rare and useful on the Kombi.
very rare
i-ACTIV AWD (Kombi 2.2 D, 2015+)
All-wheel-drive Kombis were a niche European offer; rare and popular in the mountains.
common
Blind spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross traffic
Common from the facelift; cheap insurance on a long estate.
uncommon
Lane keep assist (LAS) and lane departure
Bundled with i-ACTIVSENSE on SkyPassion.
common
Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
Heated wheel (2015+) and heated rear seats (2018+) show a full spec.
uncommon
Electric driver seat with memory
SkyPassion standard; memory (2015+) is a trim marker.
rare
Electric sunroof
Optional on SkyPassion; rare in Poland.
uncommon
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Factory-fitted from 2018; retrofittable to 2015–2017 MZD Connect cars.
common
Reversing camera
Standard on mid trims from 2015; missing on SkyGo.
common
MZD Connect navigation (SD card)
Navigation is an SD card; check the card is present and maps updated.
common
Keyless entry and start
Standard from SkyMotion up.
common
19 inch alloy wheels
SkyPassion look; 17s ride better and are cheaper to tyre.
uncommon
Tow bar
Common on diesel Kombis; inspect the wiring and mounting.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +SkyActiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 petrols with the 6AT are among the most reliable drivetrains of the 2010s
- +Handsome, well-assembled body with far better corrosion protection than the GH
- +Real-world economy close to the diesels for the petrol 2.0 in mixed driving
- +Comfortable long-distance seats, huge Kombi boot, mature chassis after 2017 (G-Vectoring)
- +Strong Polish dealer network and cheap servicing; many cars have full dealer history
Expensive when they fail
Diesel injectors and DPFi-ELOOP capacitor / DC-DC converterAdaptive LED headlampsMZD Connect display unitElectric parking brake actuators
Polish market
Deep supply in Poland: Mazda Poland sold the GJ heavily to companies, so SkyMotion 2.0 165 and 2.2 D 150 Kombis with Polish dealer history are common, plus German imports in Exclusive-Line/Sports-Line. Petrol automatics hold value best and sell fastest; early diesels are noticeably cheaper because of their reputation, which is fair. The 2.5 is uncommon and worth seeking out. Since the model left the European range in 2023, 2020–2023 cars have barely depreciated.
Known weak points
- seriousEarly SkyActiv-D: soot in oil, injectors, oil dilution (2012–2015)The low-compression 2.2 D built carbon in the intake and on the injectors, leaked soot past the injector seals into the oil, and diluted the oil with fuel during DPF regeneration. Symptoms: rising oil level, rattly cold start, misfire, warning lights, in the worst cases turbo or engine damage. Mazda issued software updates, new injectors and extended warranties; 2016+ cars are better, 2018+ cars are a different engine in practice.Check: Check the oil level against the X mark, ask for injector and software-update records, insist on a cold-start video and a motorway drive; avoid early cars without documentation.
- moderateOil dilution and DPF on city-driven diesels (all years)Even the 2018+ engine puts diesel into the oil when regenerations are interrupted. City-only cars need shorter oil intervals and eventually a new DPF.Check: Ask about the driving pattern and oil-change intervals; look for a DPF light or an 'oil level too high' message.
- moderatei-ELOOP capacitor and DC-DC converterThe regenerative-braking capacitor system (on 2.2 D and 2.5 cars) can fail with charging warnings and a dead 12-volt system; the converter and capacitor are expensive dealer parts (3,000–6,000 PLN).Check: Check for i-ELOOP or charging warnings, ask whether the 12V battery has been replaced repeatedly.
- moderateRear brake calipers and electric parking brakeRear calipers seize, especially on low-mileage cars; 2015+ electric parking brake actuators can stick or fail.Check: Feel for a hot rear wheel after driving; cycle the electric parking brake several times.
- noteMZD Connect 'ghost touch' and CMU faults (2015–2017)The touchscreen's bonding layer fails and the screen starts pressing its own buttons; the head unit (CMU) can reboot or lose Bluetooth. Screens were replaced under warranty; out of warranty it is 1,500–3,000 PLN.Check: Watch the screen for a few minutes with the car idling; ask whether the display was replaced.
- noteMinor corrosionSurface rust on the rear subframe, rear arch inner seams and exhaust hangers on early cars; nothing like the GH but check salt-belt imports.Check: Look under the rear of the car and at the rear arch lips from inside.
- noteFront suspension and steering knocksAnti-roll bar links, lower arm bushes and strut top mounts wear from 120,000 km; the electric steering column can develop a light knock over bumps.Check: Drive over broken tarmac and listen; cheap fixes but worth a price adjustment.
- notePaint chips (Soul Red) and i-stop batterySoul Red and Machine Grey chip easily on the bonnet and sills; i-stop cars need a specific EFB/AGM battery, and a tired one disables the start-stop system.Check: Look at bonnet edges and sills; check that i-stop actually engages once warm.
- moderate6-speed manual (diesel) clutch and DMFManual diesels wear the dual-mass flywheel; the petrol manuals are light-duty and last.Check: Listen for idle rattle, feel for judder; ask for clutch invoices above 150,000 km.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 533 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0 Petrol · 165 hp 2.0 SkyEnergy | 38% | 56 900 PLN | 145 700 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
2.5 Petrol · 192 hp 2.5 Skypassion I-ELoop | 19% | 59 900 PLN | 167 172 km | Automatic / Manual · FWD |
2.2 Diesel · 175 hp 2.2 D Skypassion I-ELoop | 16% | 32 999 PLN | 208 000 km | Automatic / Manual · FWD / AWD |
2.2 Diesel · 150 hp 2.2 SKYACTIV-D Center-Line | 13% | 28 900 PLN | 218 454 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD / AWD |
2.0 Petrol · 145 hp 2.0 SkyMotion | 9% | 53 300 PLN | 161 633 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
2.5 LPG · 192 hp 2.5 SKYACTIV-G Sports-Line | 1% | 49 900 PLN | 158 203 km | Automatic / Manual · FWD |
2.2 Diesel · 185 hp Sport 2.2 CD DPF Exclusive | 1% | 32 900 PLN | 248 000 km | Automatic / Manual · FWD |
2.0 LPG · 165 hp 2.0 SkyEnergy | 1% | 39 900 PLN | 190 000 km | Automatic / Manual · FWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- Skypassion I-ELoop55
- D Skypassion I-ELoop32
- SkyEnergy22
- SkyJoy20
- SkyMotion18
- SkyPrestige13
- SKYACTIV-G Sports-Line11
- SkyPassion11
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Radio 91%USB socket 91%Heated driver seat 91%Heated passenger seat 91%Rain sensor 91%Electric front windows 91%Electric rear windows 91%Heated door mirrors 91%Light sensor 91%Bluetooth 82%Hands-free kit 82%Front armrest 82%Leather steering wheel 82%Tinted rear windows 82%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
2.0 SkyActiv-G 165 with 6AT, 2015–2018 facelift, SkyPassion
The rational Mazda 6: LED lights, MZD Connect, leather, and a drivetrain that simply does not break. Kombi or sedan.
2.5 SkyActiv-G 194, 2018–2023, top spec
The best Mazda 6 ever made: quiet, quick enough, ventilated Nappa seats, 360° camera. Costs more than a German equivalent to buy, far less to own.
2.2 SkyActiv-D 184 (2018+) for 30,000+ km a year
Post-redesign diesel with the early problems engineered out; buy with full history and highway use.