Mazda has revealed its first new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle since the MX-30: the Mazda EZ-6. Developed in collaboration with its Chinese arm Changan Mazda, the EZ-6 is based on a Chinese market Deepal SL03 – produced by Changan – but with Mazda styling. Based on a rear-wheel drive platform and with up to a claimed 600km of range for the EV and 1,000km for the PHEV, the EZ-6 will replace the Mazda6 in China, with plans for other markets yet to be revealed.
Masahiro Moro, President & CEO of Mazda, said in the Changan Mazda press conference that took place today: “We are delighted to introduce the all-new new-energy vehicle (NEV) developed in alliance with Mazda and Changan Automobile. The Mazda EZ-6 is the latest electrified vehicle that combines Mazda’s strengths with Changan Automobile’s electrified technology.”
“Going forward, Mazda will continue to work with Changan Automobile to turn Mazda’s China business around by introducing its unique products that meet the needs of Chinese customers who prefer advanced vehicles.
Measuring 4,921mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,485mm tall with a 2,900mm long wheelbase, the Mazda EZ-6 is 56mm longer, 50mm wider and 35mm taller than the current Mazda6 sedan with 70mm-longer wheelbase. However, unlike the current Mazda6, the EZ-6 – and the SL03 it’s based on – is a liftback. Based on Chengden’s ‘EPA1’ platform, the EZ-6 is rear-wheel drive and will offer both full electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
Mazda is yet to reveal technical specifications for the EZ-6, but based on the Thai market SL03, the all-electric version features a 66.8kWh NMC battery for 540km of range on the NEDC cycle. The electric motor in the SL03 produces 190kW of power and 320Nm of torque and power is sent to the rear wheels only. As for the plug-in hybrid, the Chinese SL03 features a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 192kW of power.
Inside the Mazda EZ-6 is a luxurious cabin filled with technology like a 14.6-inch touchscreen with a 10.2-inch digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, ambient lighting and even a system that allows the car to park itself while the driver is standing outside the vehicle. A huge glass roof is visible from the launch pictures, as is an electric-lifting rear spoiler to help high-speed stability.
The Thai brochure for the SL03 mentions a full suite of active safety equipment as well, something we expect to continue to the EZ-6 given Mazda’s usual long list of safety equipment inclusions.
The Mazda EZ-6 is due on sale in China later in 2024, with plans for other countries yet to be announced. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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