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The Mazda 6e is but to be formally confirmed for Australian launch, however the presence of a right-hand drive instance on the streets of Melbourne suggests this can be a fait accompli.
Pictures shared on the Mazda6 Membership Australia group on Fb, present a camouflaged instance of the Chinese language-built mid-size electrical liftback sporting Victorian quantity plates.
The 6e, because the EZ-6 is thought outdoors of China, has already been confirmed for right-hand drive manufacturing. It’ll go on sale in Thailand later this yr, and within the UK market in 2026.
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“At this stage, the one one we’re constructing a enterprise case for, as a result of it’s accessible in right-hand drive, is the Mazda 6e, and we’re solely doing a enterprise case,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi informed Australian media earlier this yr, stressing an area launch wasn’t a foregone conclusion.
“Australia gives essentially the most quantity of fashions, as many as we are able to – whenever you take a look at the worldwide portfolio, we provide essentially the most [of any market globally] – so we don’t wish to abandon that technique.
“[And] I feel if the federal government is absolutely decided to scale back our carbon footprint from Australia, I can solely count on they may go stronger and tougher in direction of battery electric-powered vehicles.
“Mazda will supply it if we are able to.”
Mr Bhindi confirmed Mazda was wanting solely at a enterprise case for the electrical model, not the extended-range electrical (EREV) model provided in China.
“We’re constructing a enterprise case for EV, and if that then permits us to deliver the automotive in and doubtlessly increase, then we are able to at all times take a look at that,” mentioned Mr Bhindi.
Ought to the 6e come right here, it should as soon as once more give Mazda an EV in Australia, and likewise give the model a alternative for the Mazda 6 axed this yr.
It would additionally give Mazda Australia its first Chinese language-built mannequin. Most Mazdas offered right here hail from Japan or Thailand.
Launched in China in 2024, the EZ-6/6e relies on the Deepal L07 from Chinese language automaker Changan, with which Mazda has a three way partnership, and shares the identical EPA1 platform because the Deepal S07 offered right here.
It measures round 50mm longer and 50mm wider than the defunct Mazda 6 sedan.
The 6e is being provided in Europe with a single-motor rear-wheel drive electrical powertrain producing 190kW of energy and 320Nm of torque.
The usual 68.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery might be charged at as much as 165kW, and gives 479km of vary below the WLTP cycle.
The bigger 80kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery can solely help 90kW DC fast-charging, however gives 552km of vary. With this battery, the electrical motor’s energy output drops barely to 180kW.
Power consumption is basically an identical with both battery specified, with figures of 16.6kWh/100km and 16.5kWh/100km, respectively.
All 6e fashions function a 400V electrical system.
The Chinese language-market EZ-6’s EREV powertrain includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine that sends energy to not the wheels however quite the 18.9kWh or 28.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which in flip powers the 160kW/320Nm electrical motor.
Claimed electric-only vary is between 130km and 200km on the CLTC cycle.
In European markets resembling Germany, the 6e is obtainable solely in well-specified Takumi or Takumi Plus grades.
Each come commonplace with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a ten.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up show, and heated, ventilated and power-adjustable entrance seats.
The Takumi Plus provides a tan inside, Nappa leather-based upholstery, and an influence sunblind.
Above: Mazda EZ-60
Whereas the 6e has been confirmed for RHD manufacturing, the EZ-60 electrical SUV – one other Chinese language Mazda, which was revealed at this yr’s Shanghai present – hasn’t but.
“In the intervening time, the automobile’s solely accessible for the China market, however we’re actually excited with the route of the design and know-how,” mentioned Daniel Wakelim, Mazda Australia nationwide supervisor of product and enterprise technique.
The EZ-60 is predicted to be exported from China below the CX-6e nameplate.
Mazda isn’t simply leaning on Changan for EV growth, nonetheless.
Along with two new fashions it’s contemplating creating with the Chinese language automaker and launching between 2028 and 2030, it’s launching its first fully in-house EV on a devoted EV platform in 2027.
MORE: Mazda eyes extra Chinese language-developed EVs
