2021 Mazda 6 pricing and specs detailed: Toyota Camry, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat rival gets sportier with update

Mazda Australia has released pricing and specification details for the updated Mazda6 range ahead of its launch in March, with the mid-size car getting a sporty new grade.

Replacing the previous GT grade, the GT SP (from $46,690 plus on-road costs) commands a $700 premium but adds unique 19-inch alloy wheels, which are finished in black metallic paintwork alongside the side-mirror caps to create a sportier aesthetic.

Inside, the GT SP stands out from the Mazda6 crowd with burgundy leather upholstery, red stitching and bright trim as well as heated front and rear seats.

Read More About Mazda 6

Mazda 6 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

The GT SP also features fresh ‘Turbo’ badging alongside the flagship Atenza grade, which now costs $200 more, just like the mid-range Touring grade. Meanwhile, the entry-level Sport grade is $100 dearer.

As such, the Mazda6 line-up now starts from $34,590 and reaches $51,390 (see full pricing table below), with a sedan the standard body-style, although a wagon can be had for an extra $1300.

Inside, the GT SP stands out from the Mazda6 crowd with burgundy leather upholstery.

As before, the Sport and Touring grades are powered by a 140kW/252Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, while the GT SP and Atenza grades are motivated by a 170kW/420Nm turbocharged version of that unit.

Either way, a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission is standard, with the Toyota Camry, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat rival sending drive to the front wheels.

Standard equipment in the Sport grade includes LED headlights and tail-lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, dual-zone climate control and black cloth upholstery.

Read More About Mazda 6

The future of Mazda performance: 2023 Mazda 6's inline six-cylinder engine revealed - and it could be set for the CX-5's successor

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, driver attention alert, tyre pressure monitoring a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Sitting below the GT SP grade, the Touring grade adds LED daytime running lights, auto-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats, black leather upholstery and front parking sensors.

Meanwhile, the Atenza also picks up bright 19-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a 7.0-inch multifunction display, a heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, Pure White or Walnut Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a black headliner, wood trim, Ultrasuede accents, ambient lighting and surround-view cameras.

Of note, Polymetal Grey metallic paintwork is now an option for all grades.

2021 Mazda6 pricing before on-road costs