ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW MAZDA6e

Midway next year Mazda will offer their new Mazda6e, the second all electric car from the Japanese carmaker, an extremely stylish hatchback, and  one that will certainly catch the eye.

Earlier this year, the wraps were taken off the new car in Belgium at the Brussels Motor Show and is now on sale in European markets. I was afforded the opportunity to drive the Mazda6e along with a small number of fellow journalists and my test car was left hand drive and Swiss registered.

Mazda down the years has had the knack of producing distinctive cars and this newcomer certainly fits that bill. This is a fresh take to the already popular Mazda6, a car which proved popular and this new EV with its flowing exterior lines and at first glance it could be mistaken for a coupe. The well-appointed interior is technology packed as well as offering a spacious environment for driver and fellow passengers. When launched, two powertrain options to give the buyer choice, 68.8kWh or 80kWh; the former delivers a range up to 482km (300 miles) and with 200kW DC charging it charges from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 22 minutes, good news indeed. A range of just over 225km (140 miles) can be obtained in a quarter of an hour. The electric motor provides 258PS and rest to 100kph (62mph) comes up in 7.6 seconds .Require a longer range then the obvious choice will be the 80kW version and the range increases to 555km (345 miles) and power output is a pleasing 244PS, again with a sub eight second time with the sprint from rest to 100kph (62 mph). Worth noting that both versions produce equal torque of 320Nm. This version of the Msazda6e charges from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes and it can support rapid charging.

This new model from Mazda has been designed under the concept of Electrifying Designed Crafted to Perfection, which is the next step of the company’s Kodo Soul of Motion design philosophy; this delivers that strong, eye catching on road presence. Taking a much closer look at the design, there are frameless doors, a very bold lighting signature and at the front the new glowing signature wing lights around the grille provide a rather unique face. The dynamic illumination makes the wings appear to flutter when charging is taking place and the lights also indicate charge status. With stylish 19 inch wheels which really add to the overall looks of this new EV, for me it is one of the most handsome EVs to hit the road. Behind the wheel, an excellent drive position and you are faced with a 14.6 inch touchscreen and a 10.2 inch instrument set augmented by a superb head up display. The practical side of this new EV there is a 330 litre boot and a very well thought out 70 litre front boot, which is ideal to keep prying eyes at bay. We can expect to see Takumi and Takumi Plus versions; again to provide the buyer with maximum choice.

Summing up, this is  yet another winner from Mazda; however we shall have to wait for some time in order to discover exact specs and prices as the right hand driver versions roll out. I aim to bring further news when the time arrives when I can take the wheel of the RHD version.

Ian Lynas