BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: Sleek Mazda Arata concept heralds new Tesla Model Y rival

Mazda has used today’s Beijing motor show to unveil a sleek new electrified SUV concept called the Arata and it will become a production model for China in 2025.

Like the electrified Mazda EZ-6 sedan, which goes on sale in China later this year, the CX-5-sized Arata is understood to be under consideration for release outside China if a business case can be made for right-hand drive production.

But while the EZ-6 – which is likely to be called the EZ-60 in showrooms, based on a Chinese trademark application, marking it as an electric sedan alongside Mazda’s latest CX-badged SUVs – will eventually replace the current Mazda6, the Arata is not believed to preview a direct replacement for either the CX-3 or CX-5.

Instead, the Arata is expected to echo the EZ-6 by being available with both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the EV version could be Mazda’s first direct competitor for the top-selling tesla Model Y – just as the electric EZ-60 would compete with the Tesla Model 3.

No details have been announced about the Arata, but it was developed in conjunction with Mazda’s Chinese joint-venture partner Changan and is likely to be related to the Deepal S7 sold by Changan in China – just as the EZ-6 is heavily based on the Deepal SL03.

Featuring a much sharper exterior design than any other Mazda SUV, thanks in part to a closed-off grille with illuminated surround, the Arata has similar proportions to the Deepal but wears different doors, lights and front and rear bumpers.

Key design features include ‘cross-wing’ tail-lights with two overlapping wings and ‘air tunnels’ at the front of the bonnet, on both sides of the front bumper and on the inside of the D-pillars.

If the two models are related, the Arata will ride on a 2900mm wheelbase and measure abound 4750mm long, 1930mm wide and 1625mm tall, making it similar in size to the Mazda CX-60 and Tesla Model Y, and about 175mm longer than the existing Mazda CX-5.

Two electric versions of the Changan S7 are available in China, offering 520km and 620km of claimed driving range, alongside two PHEV powertrains based around a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is accompanied by an electric motor and 31kWh battery to deliver a 200km EV range and a total of up to 1120km.

“The Mazda Arata is a design concept model for which Mazda took on a challenge to create a new value based on the Mazda philosophy of ‘Uplifting the Human Spirit’,” said Mazda.

“As a crossover SUV with a modern design that creates a sleek, elegant impression, it is designed to appeal to the advanced, sophisticated taste of Chinese consumers.”

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