Had a reply from customer services:
"Thank you for contacting the Mazda Customer Assistance Centre recently, from which I am sorry to learn of the necessity for repair on your Mazda 6.Any repair required outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period is always disappointing as inevitably the cost of the repairs required is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Notwithstanding this, we do operate a goodwill policy for customers who experience an unexpected repair outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period, and when assessing these requests we take a number of factors into consideration. These consist of age (under 60 months old), mileage, nature of repair, and a full and on time Mazda service history. In addition, consideration would only be given to a vehicle that meets this criterion, and has been purchased within the original manufacturer’s warranty period. A purchase made outside of this is made in the knowledge that there would be no support from the manufacturer in terms of a warranty. Under the circumstances, I regret that we are unable to assist you with the cost of repairing your vehicle.In closing, I am sorry that my reply could not be more favourable; however I thank you for giving me the opportunity to clarify our position in this regard
Regards
Chris Blake
Customer Regional Manager"