Mazda confirms global launch of EZ-6 with PHEV option: Finally a successor to the ageing Mazda 6

KUALA LUMPUR:  Mazda has long been known for its commitment to driving pleasure, but the aging Mazda 6 has left many enthusiasts eagerly anticipating its successor. Initially, it seemed that the wait would only benefit the Chinese market and EV enthusiasts, with the Mazda EZ-6—the electrified heir to the Mazda 6—being announced as a China-exclusive model at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show. However, Mazda has now delighted fans worldwide by confirming that the EZ-6 will indeed be a global offering, a decision bolstered by the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid variant.

While specific technical details remain under wraps, Mazda has revealed that the EZ-6 will be available in both fully electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. The electric model promises an impressive range of 600 km (CLTC cycle), while the PHEV variant is expected to cover over 1,000 km when combining its electric and petrol powered sources. For the PHEV, early indications suggest it could feature a setup which includes a 1.5-litre inline-four engine paired with an electric motor delivering between 218 hp and 238 hp, depending on configuration. The hybrid system may offer a pure electric range of up to 200 km, with a total range exceeding 1,200 km when in hybrid mode.

Mazda’s commitment to the EZ-6 as a global model was further solidified by its recent showcase at the company’s Hiroshima headquarters, where the first units rolled off the assembly line at Changan Mazda—a joint venture between Mazda and Changan Automobile. The partnership between the two companies has been strengthened with an agreement that designates Changan Mazda as the exclusive R&D and production base for Mazda’s new energy vehicles destined for global markets. This strategic move underscores the importance of the EZ-6 as Mazda's first global electric vehicle (EV) first of course.

The MAZDA EZ-6 is slated for an official launch late 2024, with initial availability in both the Chinese and European markets. The model’s global debut, attended by Mazda President Masahiro Moro and Changan Automobile Chairman Zhu Huairong at the Beijing International Auto Show, highlighted the significance of this new chapter for Mazda.

Despite the shift to electrified powertrains, Mazda has not compromised on its reputation for delivering an engaging driving experience. The company has utilized its extensive expertise in dynamic performance tuning, honed during the era of petrol engines, to ensure that the EZ-6 offers driving pleasure that transcends even the beloved Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one) experience of the Mazda 6. This was achieved through rigorous testing and validation at the Chongqing Automobile Testing Grounds, China’s premier automotive test facility, by experts from Mazda’s European R&D center.

In terms of technology, the MAZDA EZ-6 will feature advanced intelligence and electrification technologies developed in partnership with Changan Automobile. The vehicle will come equipped with Level 2.5 autonomous driving assistance, powered by a 7nm Qualcomm SA8155P chip, along with four high-definition panoramic cameras and twelve high-performance ultrasonic radars. These systems will enable a range of intelligent driving scenarios, including autonomous and remote parking, as well as trace-back parking.

As the launch date approaches, anticipation is building for the MAZDA EZ-6—a model that promises to bring Mazda’s signature driving dynamics into the electrified era on a truly global scale.

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