As Mazda gears up for the official unveiling of the EZ-6 on October 25 in China, I got a sneak peek at the extended-range electric variant’s driving experience. Developed in partnership with Changan, the model is expected to be available as both a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
The Mazda EZ-6 boasts an exterior design that radiates sporty elegance, defined by its sleek, coupe-inspired profile and dynamic front fascia. At the forefront, a distinctive Mazda-inspired grille boldly announces the vehicle’s dynamic presence, accompanied by intricately designed split-headlight clusters that cleverly integrate main beams beneath sleek daytime running lights. The “Wings of Mild,” a distinctive lighting association, plays a crucial role in identifying this vehicle while serving a practical function, ensuring maximum visibility while maintaining its visual appeal. The Mazda emblem’s LED illumination subtly adds an air of sophistication to the vehicle’s design, further accentuating its already stylish appearance.
With its sleek and aggressive silhouette, the EZ-6 boldly showcases its sporty essence, exuding a sense of dynamism and performance. The meticulously crafted lines of the vehicle’s design give rise to a sense of dynamic motion, while the striking ducktail spoiler at the rear comes into its own as speed exceeds 90 km/h, significantly enhancing aerodynamic performance. The rear lamps’ sleek design harmonizes with various Mazda models, further amplified by a robust brake light that boosts visual clarity. The vehicle’s overall dimensions – 49.21 meters in length, 18.9 meters in width, and 14.85 meters in height with a wheelbase of 28.95 meters – make it larger than its Deepal counterparts, imparting a dominant presence on the road and generous interior space. The sheer functionality of its expansive trunk compartment instantly recalls the Mazda 6 of the early 2000s for me.
The attention to comfort and technology is immediately apparent within the EZ-6 EREV. The entrance features zero-gravity seats that provide exceptional support and comfort. With the ability to recline nearly flush with the floor, these seats provide an ideal setting for stretching out and catching a few winks during extended travel periods. Despite this, the top-tier trim’s sophisticated black and warm brown two-tone leather interior will likely appeal most strongly to mature buyers. The global variant of the EZ-6 will offer a single-tone black leather upholstery option.
Unlike previous Mazdas, the EZ-6 features a prominent 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a revolutionary 50-inch augmented reality (AR) heads-up display that seamlessly projects essential information directly onto the windshield, mirroring the innovative design of the Deepal L07. With intuitive navigation guidance, precise pacing, and real-time battery monitoring seamlessly integrated, you’re free to focus on the road ahead. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, which powers the vehicle’s infotainment system, exhibited impressively swift responsiveness as it effortlessly shifted between vastly distinct functionalities.
The EZ-6 boasts a cutting-edge 14-speaker Sony audio system that produces crystal-clear, enveloping sound with exceptional fidelity. The 64-colour ambient lighting system offers unparalleled customizability, allowing users to tailor the atmosphere to suit a wide range of unique mood settings. Optional digital sunshades are available for selection.
The Mazda EZ-6 exemplifies its characteristic poise, boasting a remarkably low centre of gravity that translates into exceptional stability and composure – particularly during spirited cornering maneuvers. The precise and responsive steering perfectly complements the driving experience, a characteristic that is quintessentially synonymous with the Mazda brand.
Behind the wheel of the EZ-6 Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), drivers experience a seamless blend of electric motor and petrol-powered generator benefits, offering unparalleled ease of use. In typical conditions, the 160 kW rear electric motor ensures smooth and quiet acceleration, providing instant torque that enables a potent yet refined power delivery. As the EZ-6’s speed increases, its rear-wheel-drive configuration proves remarkably adept at delivering traction and stability, particularly when exiting sharp turns with authority. The adjustable rear spoiler deploys above 90 km/h, effectively improving aerodynamics and stability.
The battery provides sufficient range for short city excursions, boasting a pure electric driving distance of either 130km or 200km. With its impressive 200km battery capacity, I easily navigated a day’s worth of city driving without needing to recharge. The regenerative braking system seamlessly replenishes energy back into the battery without disrupting the driving experience.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV’s electrified variant, known as the EREV, boasts a unique feature: its 1.5-liter petrol engine serves as an onboard charger, replenishing the battery whenever it runs low. The system transitions smoothly into assist mode when the battery depletes, minimising any impact on the driver’s skills. This exceptional range stretches to an impressive 1,300 kilometres, rendering the vehicle ideally suited for extended road trips where charging stations may be scarce.
The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and rough road segments on the freeway, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. While the petrol engine is running, sophisticated sound-dampening technology ensures a serene and peaceful driving environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey with minimal external distractions. The L2.5 driving assistance system, boasting advanced adaptive cruise control, skillfully keeps the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
Simple charging the EZ-6 Electrically-Equipped Range (EREV) requires minimal effort. When using a quick charger, batteries can recharge from 30% to 80% within just 20 minutes, enabling swift pit stops.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of residing with several Madza models; the EZ-6 certainly did not fall short of my expectations. Mazda invested three years in developing the innovative EZ-6 concept. The EREV seamlessly balances driving enthusiasm with the convenience of the extended range provided by the gasoline-powered engine. With seamless driving expertise, rock-solid stability, and a cutting-edge cabin, this electric vehicle presents an enticing proposition for those seeking to transition to eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing comfort or control.
The BEV model’s competitive edge will increasingly challenge the Mannequin 3 as the market becomes progressively more aggressive. However, the blend of Mazda’s renowned driving dynamics and liftback design has won me over. The arrival of a Mannequin 3-inspired competitor infused with Japanese expertise is long overdue in the global market. As the official launch draws near on October 25 in China, more details about the upcoming EZ-6 are expected to emerge. We will notify you of any further developments.
Stay tuned for upcoming weeks at our platform, where you’ll have the opportunity to read more firsthand reviews of Chinese cars.
