Sedan reinvented for electric age
The Mazda 6e will arrive in New Zealand in the second half of this year with a single grade and battery specification after its European launch in 2025.
“With stylish premium sedan proportions combined with hatchback functionality, it reinvents the Mazda 6 for the electric age,” says the marque.
Following the highly regarded nameplate, the 6e represents a fresh approach featuring a modern, flowing exterior and sleek cabin.
New Zealand will get the highly equipped Takami grade. The car has a new 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that “combines the best elements” for range, performance and charging times.
It delivers a combined WLTP range of 560km while 10-80 per cent charging on a 195kW DC charger takes 24 minutes. The rear-wheel-drive 6e delivers 190kW of power and 290Nm of torque.
Vehicles for the New Zealand market will receive specialised technical tuning by Mazda Research Europe in Frankfurt. The suspension, steering and braking systems have been calibrated to ensure Australasian and European driver preferences are well catered for.
Designed according to the “authentic modern” concept, the EV’s exterior adapts the “essence of beauty inherent in all the brand’s models with a subtle edge”. It has smooth flowing lines and bold features. The low roofline and short-deck coupe silhouette offer a sporty and stylish look while keeping the functionality of a five-door hatch.
Detailing includes frameless doors and the lighting signature. At the front, the new glowing signature wing illuminates around the grille to give a “unique face” to the 6e. Dynamic illumination makes the wings appear to “flutter” when the car is charging. The lighting also indicates charge status.
The 19-inch wheels have a range-boosting aerodynamic design with sporty five-spoke design with flat black surfaces.
The rear-lamp design and horizontal tail-light bar ensure a signature as distinctive as the front, while newly designed Mazda lettering replaces the brand’s logo at the back. Then there’s an electronically extendable rear spoiler, which enhances stability at speed.
The cabin boasts a panoramic roof. Designed to deliver sophisticated simplicity, the interior is inspired by the Japanese concept of “ma”, which emphasises the beauty of space. The floating centre console and instrument panel enhance a “sense of lightness”.
Premium materials feature throughout with a tan nappa leather and artificial suede cloth-woven fabric seat trim. The driver-focused cockpit has a 14.6-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch instrument set complemented by an augmented reality head-up display.
The large luggage compartment, excellent passenger space and additional front boot ensure strong practicality.
Launching in this year’s spring, pricing for the 6e is expected in coming months. Pre-sale activity has begun with Mazda’s dealer network taking expressions of interest for the new model.
