Joint venture EV reveal

Mazda has taken the wraps off the EZ-60, an electric crossover SUV, at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show.

It’s the second “new-energy vehicle” launched through the joint venture between Changan Mazda and Chongqing Changan Automobile Company.

Planned to go on sale in China in 2025, it will expand the Japanese marque’s EV line-up in the Chinese market after the Mazda EZ-6 was launched last year.

The EZ-60 has smart features that make life inside and outside the vehicle “seamless”, and is available as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Air passageways at the tip of its hood and other points create a futuristic impression, and contribute to aerodynamic characteristics and improved power consumption at high speeds.

The SUV features a 50-50 front-rear weight distribution, strut suspension at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear, and electronically controlled dampers that can respond to a variety of driving situations.

Driving range is expected to be around 600km for the BEV model and more than 1,000km per refuelling stop for the PHEV.

Smart features that enhance safety and convenience include the smart cabin that can be operated by voice, touch or gesture.

Then there’s intelligent drive to help the driver avoid an accident or limit damage, and intelligent parking that can be operated vocally even from outside the vehicle.

The rear-wheel-drive EZ-60 comes with a 26.45-inch integrated flat-panel centre display and virtual 3D head-up display.

A powerful 3D sound experience is delivered through 23 speakers. In addition, headrest speakers allow the driver and front passenger to listen to different tunes.