For the first time ever, the sporty Mazda6 has adopted rear-wheel drive as part of a move to a new all-electric powertrain.
Just launched at Europe’s Brussels Auto Show, the Mazda6e is also known as the EZ-6 in China where the Japanese manufacturer builds it. It offers Mazda the chance to finally beat the UK’s ZEV Mandate and avoid hefty fines, having struggled with the MX-30 due to its very limited range of around 100 miles.
The Mazda6e can triple that distance between charges. Even the lower-spec 68.8kWh battery-equipped car can cover 300 miles, while an 80kWh version is said to be capable of 345 miles on a charge. Both cars can suck in electricity at up 200kW on a DC fast charger.
Mazda always likes to tread its own path and so, unusually, the Mazda6e with the bigger battery actually has a less powerful motor, rated at 241bhp, while the smaller battery offers 255bhp. There’s only a couple of tenths of a second between them when it comes to sprinting from 0-62mph, however – 7.8 v 7.6 seconds.
While it’s no Vision Coupe, the Mazda6e is easy enough on the eye with sleek hatchback styling following the brand’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design language. Highlights include frameless doors, recessed door handles and an active rear spoiler, plus some funky lighting front and rear. When the Mazda6e is charging the ‘wings’ on the grille appear to flutter.
The interior benefits from a bright and airy ambience, aided by a panoramic roof and plush materials that include artificial or pukka Nappa leather. The dash is all-digital with a 10.2-inch instrument display and a huge 14.6-inch center touchscreen. Sadly few physical buttons appear to be present, but it is a practical thing, with a capacious 330-litre boot and a ‘frunk’ with an extra 70 litres of space.
Mazda has fettled the steering and suspension for European taste, says Mazda UK boss Jeremy Thomson. “I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers the engaging driver experience you’d expect from Mazda,”
