Mazda has announced it will soon cease production of the Mazda6; the large family car that has been sold without significant changes for 12 years.
At the Beijing Auto Show, the Japanese manufacturer introduced the EZ-6 as an electric successor, initially only for the Chinese market. However, it may also be marketed in Europe and other regions in the future, as the Japanese manufacturer has registered the 6e trademark in Europe.
Between Japan and China
The EZ-6 was developed and is being produced as part of a collaboration between the Japanese manufacturer and China's Changan, one of the giants of the local industry. It shares a platform and powertrain components with the Deepal SL03, the large family car of the Chinese giant’s electric brand.
The EPA1 platform is specifically designed by Changan for electric or electrified (hybrid) powertrains, featuring a balanced weight distribution (50-50 front to rear). Two electric versions (rear-wheel drive) will be offered: one with 218 horsepower, a 58.9 kWh battery, and a range of about 250 miles, and another with 258 horsepower, a 66.8 kWh battery, and a range of about 300 miles.
Additionally, an intriguing version will also be available with a smaller battery and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that serves as a range extender, likely with a more budget-friendly price tag.
Compared to the older Mazda6, the new model is 2 inches longer and wider (193.7 inches long and 74.4 inches wide), 1.4 inches taller (58.5 inches high), with a wheelbase extended by 2.8 inches (114.2 inches), promising significantly more living space.
The exterior design incorporates the familiar front fascia of the Japanese manufacturer, featuring a large grille, slim lighting units and a long front hood. Its profile resembles a four-door coupe with retractable door handles, frameless windows, a sharply sloping rear window and an electrically raised spoiler at the edge of the trunk door.
The driver's environment is similar to that of the Deepal SL03, with a large 14.6-inch touchscreen and few switches, a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, and a two-spoke steering wheel with a gear selector nearby, freeing up space for storage compartments. The front passenger has an electrically retractable footrest.
Our view: Like other smaller Japanese manufacturers, Mazda struggles with the financially demanding swift transition to electric propulsion. Collaboration with the Chinese may help the Japanese become relevant again, particularly in the European market.