The Mazda 6 was introduced in the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Mazda 626.
When side airbags are optional, as in this vehicle, the Institute conducts the test without this option. If a manufacturer offering optional side airbags requests the Institute to conduct an additional test of a vehicle with this option and agrees to reimburse the cost of the vehicle, a second test is conducted. Mazda did not request such a test.