Zeekr Mix compact people mover a possibility for Australia

The innovative and quirky Mix people mover could be added to Chinese newcomer Zeekr’s Australian line-up in coming years, pending right-hand drive availability.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz rival tackles its German competition with sliding side doors and electrically rotating seats designed to maximise the cabin functionality of an already striking and tech-heavy vehicle.

At this stage the Mix is only being produced in left-hand drive for the Chinese and European markets, however according to Zeekr product boss Allan Li, a right-hook program is under evaluation for markets like Australia.

“The architecture is enabled for left- and right-hand drive versions,” he said before pointing out there is an additional task in preparing the car for driving on the opposite side of the road.

As well as moving the drive systems from one side to the other, the Mix would also need to change its front doors seeing as the passenger door slides out and forward, similar to the rear swing-out doors that create easy entry to the deceptively spacious cabin.

“We will continue to research the market opportunity,” Li said, insinuating the Mix could make for an interesting alternative to the SUVs that dominate in the family car space.

“Australia is a very mature market. I think it has an opportunity for family customers.”

Zeekr is also planning to leverage its relationship with Google’s driverless division, Waymo.

In the shorter term, though, it’s a lower riding sedan or wagon that’s firming as a possibility for right-hand drive markets such as Australia, specifically the 007 and 001.

“I think we also study the feasibility for 007 or 001 because the Model 3 and BYD Seal also sell very well in the global market,” Li said.

“We must have planning for this segment.

“I prefer 007 because the size and price will be more affordable and very convenient.”

The 007 is available with a 310kW single-motor, rear-drive powertrain or a mighty 475kW dual-motor packing all-wheel drive.

Don’t expect it to be called 007 outside China though – the custodians of the James Bond franchise have apparently had their say protecting the famous spy’s codename.

As such, Zeekr is now referring to the car as the Luxury Performance Sedan, or LPS.

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