Mazda seems pleasingly unconventional in the way it powers its cars, as it continues to carve its own niche with the priority being combustion engines so far. However, the market is slowly changing, and the quirky MX-30, with its 120 miles range, is never going to cut it as a serious EV.
The Mazda6e is the result, and we’re told will be the first of several Mazda EVs to come. However, this car isn’t as it seems, as despite looking like a Mazda, underneath the 6e has more to do with the Changan Deepal SO7, thanks to a tie-up with its Chinese manufacturing partner. We’ve not driven the Changan yet, but is the 6e a proper Mazda?
Design and interior
Outside, the sharp design could only be a Mazda – which is a good thing. Highlights of this saloon, which is actually a hatch, include its elegant shape, with the long bonnet. Then, there’s the neatly integrated family grille and distinctive DRLs at the front. The design is soft at the side, with its lower cutout and flush door handles. And finally, a high-set light bar that echoes the last FD-generation RX7 sports car, and the pop-up rear spoiler, which brings the look bang up to date. It could be a new, electrified version of the Mazda6, which went off sale in the UK back in 2023, and we think Mazda would be happy if you made that link.
The inside, unlike the outside, isn’t typical Mazda, and perhaps we can see the Changan influence here. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.6in touchscreen, with a smaller 10.2in screen in front of the driver. These feel Chinese in their operation, with too many fiddly menus to adjust items on the move. Although, there’s a small, fixed menu at the bottom of the infotainment screen. The overall design is sharp, with a pleasing mix of high-quality trim. Our car was in range-topping Takumi Plus specification, and a highlight is the gorgeous caramel leather and suede trim, plus supportive one-piece front seats – although the driving position is on the tall side.
The 6e’s design might look sharp, but its curvy roofline, and the fixed glass roof, mean headroom for the tallest is a problem. Rear legroom is also no better than average. Although, the boot is practically shaped with 330 litres – and there’s a 72-litre frunk at the front, with more than enough room for cables and more.
Performance and drive
This Mazda’s battery specs will be a point of debate for fleet drivers, as there will be two battery options: the biggest, fitted to the model we drove, boasting 80kWh and 343 miles of WLTP range, and a smaller 68.6kWh one with 298 miles. However, oddly the bigger battery charges much slower than the small one (90kW versus 165kW), and offers less performance (241hp versus 255hp), both powering a single rear motor. The range difference we think is going to be less of an issue, and talking to a fleet specialist at the launch, he reckoned fleets may choose the smaller battery for its quicker charging.
On the road, the 6e’s a mixed bag. The steering seems accurate enough, although the overbearing ADAS systems need work in our opinion, and should be addressed before the 6e goes on sale in the first quarter of next year. The ADAS annoys by constantly trying to correct, spoiling any fun. In the second car that we drove, we turned off all the ADAS systems, and this Mazda was much better to drive. We’re also not sure about the missing switchgear for items such as the lights and windscreen wipers, that can be put on the steering wheel-mounted customisable buttons.
The early Swiss cars that we drove were on 19in wheels, and the ride was compliant and generally comfortable – although there seemed to be quite a lot of road noise. Dynamically, body control and body roll seem fine, we also found the brakes sometime hard to modulate.
Mazda admits it is still tweaking the 6e prior to launch – and we hope the changes are substantial. As such, it seems unfair to give a verdict on this car. However, what we can say is that it looks great, but we wonder if its makeover is enough to make it feel like a proper Mazda.
Positive: Looks great, premium and quality feel to the interior, comfortable to drive.
Negative: Bigger battery version offers less performance and takes longer to charge, compromised rear space and headroom, overbearing ADAS systems.
Expected standard equipment (UK specs TBC): 19in alloy wheels, power rear spoiler, illuminated signature wing, power tailgate, keyless entry, LED headlights and daytime running lights, power retractable door handles, power heated and adjustable mirrors with memory function, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, 360-degree view monitor, panoramic tinted glass roof with thermal insulation and power sunshade, ambient lighting with 64 colour options, 10.2in digital LCD display, head-up display, 14.6in central touchscreen, multifunction steering wheel with two customisable shortcut buttons, Sony audio system with 14 speakers, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Engines: Electric: 241hp, 255hp
Equipment grades: Takumi, Takumi Plus
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Mazda6e Takumi 80kWh |
| P11D | £40,000 (est) |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 343 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | TBC/TBC |
| Luggage capacity | 330 litres |
| Battery size/power | 80kWh /241hp |
| Score | TBC |
