BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: New-generation Mazda6 revealed
But it’s now called the Mazda EZ-6, it’s rear-wheel drive and we don’t yet know if it will ever come to AustraliaThe Mazda6 lives on!
The model at the core of Mazda’s revival as the zoom-zoom car brand more than 20 years ago has evolved into a fourth generation dubbed the EZ-6 and it was unveiled at the Beijing auto show today.
Now we have to wait and see if the EZ-6 will be sold outside China and then beyond that if the business case can be developed for it to be built in right-hand and then sold in Australia.
Developed by Mazda and Chinese partner Chongqing Changan’s joint-venture Changan Mazda Automobile Corporation, the EZ-6 will be offered in China by the end of 2024 with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
In a key change compared to the Mazda6, the EZ-6 is rear-wheel drive rather than front-wheel drive.
The EV version of the all-new mid-sizer has an expected driving range of approximately 600km, while the PHEV is expected to achieve over 1000km of driving range on a ful charge and a single tank of fuel.
An electrified SUV concept dubbed the Arata also revealed today in Beijing is scheduled to go on sale in China by the end of 2025.
The design language of the EZ-6 is based around Mazda’s KODO Soul of Motion philosophy. It measures up at 4921mm long, 1890mm wide and 1485mm high, making it longer, wider and taller than the current Mazda6 (4800mm/1887mm/1480mm).
Mazda has stressed how important driving quality has been to the EZ-6 development process and says swapping out the Mazda6’s front-drive layout in favour of rear-drive has helped deliver a 50:50 weight distribution in the EV version.
Other EZ-6 dynamic features include front strut and multi-link independent rear suspension systems and a powered rear spoiler to improve high-speed stability.
While it would be logical to suggest the EZ-6 will share its platform and PHEV powertrains with models such as the CX-60, which is based on Mazda’s latest Large Product Group architecture, LPG comes with a double-wishbone front set-up.
The launch media statement said the EZ-6 also employs advanced electric vehicle technology and smart technology supplied by Changan Automobile.
Included in that is an intelligent parking technology that allows the EZ-6 to be controlled by voice, even when the driver is outside the vehicle.
Smart cabin technology can also be operated in various ways including voice, touch and gesture control.
“We are delighted to introduce the all-new new-energy vehicle (NEV) developed in alliance with Mazda and Changan Automobile,” said Mazda president and CEO, Masahiro Moro.
“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.”
The appearance of the EZ-6 ends expectations that Mazda would kill of the 6 due to declining interest in sedans and wagons and the rise of SUVs.
The original Mazda6 launched in Australia in 2002 and the current third generation in 2012, followed by a significant update in 2018.
The current Mazda6 sedan and wagon is offered for sale in Australia with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.
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