Mazda traveled to the biennial Beijing Motor Present to unveil two electrified automobiles. One is a production-bound sedan referred to as EZ-6, and the opposite is a close-to-production idea named Arata that takes the type of a compact crossover and that is additionally headed to Chinese language showrooms.
An vital distinction is that the EZ-6 wasn’t developed by Mazda; not fairly. It was designed by Changan Mazda Car, which is a joint-venture between a Chinese language government-owned producer named Changan and the Japanese model. Who did what throughout the improvement course of hasn’t been clarified. Regardless, the EZ-6 seems just like the logical successor to the 6, which left our market in 2021.
Designers gave the EZ-6 a extra fluid interpretation of Mazda’s Soul of Movement design language. Whereas nonetheless recognizable as a Mazda, the sedan seems extra futuristic than the previous-generation 6 (which stays obtainable in some international markets) because of sharper-looking headlights that stretch into a large grille-like trim panel with LED illumination. Its door handles are built-in into the physique, and the fastback-like silhouette flows right into a tall, swept-back rear finish with a speed-activated spoiler. We would argue the EZ-6 seems way more upscale than the 6.
Mazda packed some attention-grabbing expertise into the sedan. For instance, the driving force can management some features by voice even when standing outdoors of the automotive. The checklist of orders that the EZ-6 responds to hasn’t been revealed. Inside, quite a few options reply to voice and gesture controls. The model hasn’t forgotten about dealing with, although. The EV has a 50-50 weight distribution, and each fashions have been designed across the “Jinba-ittai” philosophy, which interprets to “car and driver as one” in Japanese and famously characterised the unique MX-5 Miata.
Technical particulars have not been introduced but, however Mazda says EZ-6 consumers will be capable to select between a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and an electrical drivetrain. The mannequin “combines Mazda’s strengths with Changan Automobile’s electrified technology,” firm CEO Masahiro Moro defined, which suggests the drivetrain may not fully come from Mazda’s analysis and improvement division. The electrical EZ-6 could have a most driving vary of roughly 372 miles (although absolutely much less with U.S. rankings), whereas the plug-in hybrid model will profit from as much as 621 miles of vary.
Rear-wheel-drive comes normal, which partly corroborates an earlier rumor. There is not any phrase on whether or not all-wheel-drive will probably be obtainable later within the manufacturing run. At 194 inches lengthy, 74 inches large, and 58 inches tall, it is ever-so-slightly longer, wider, and taller than the 6.
Particulars in regards to the Arata are extra imprecise, presumably as a result of it is farther away from manufacturing; what you see within the gallery above is not precisely what’s headed to showrooms. Mazda merely famous that the idea crossover is “designed to appeal to the advanced, sophisticated taste of Chinese consumers” with a design that is extra futuristic than the EZ-6’s. It is electrified to some extent (both electrical or hybrid).
Mazda notes that the EZ-6 will go on sale in China earlier than the tip of 2024, whereas the Arata will spawn a manufacturing mannequin sooner or later in 2025. It is too early to inform whether or not both mannequin will find yourself in American showrooms. We all know that loads of Mazda followers would like to see a brand new 6 (no matter what it is referred to as), however would there be a marketplace for it past the fanatic pool? Maybe, if Mazda can efficiently market the sedan as a premium mannequin and place it as a substitute for, say, the Audi A4. If it may possibly’t pull that off, the EZ-6 is lifeless on arrival.
