Mazda gives the distinct impression that the future isn’t necessarily all-electric and who can blame them?
The world has been flip flopping between ICE and EV for several years now and just as it looked like the electrics were destined to consign internal combustion engines to the annals of history the oil barons regained the upper hand.
I’m torn. EVs are great to drive, no doubt about that, but they are a pain to charge and expensive if you don’t have a home charger.
They are also expensive to buy and residuals are questionable.
Manufacturers have been bullied into EV development by threats of emission taxes even though the general public have been reticent.
Mazda has concentrated its efforts so far on developing super-efficient petrol and diesel motors but to show willing has teamed up with a Chinese partner to produce an EV.
It comes in the form of a very sleek Mazda6e and the Japanese manufacturer was so keen to let us see it the first cars were actually Swiss and left hand drive.
Mazda6 has been a splendid looking thing in all its many guises and the e version does plenty to uphold that family tradition.
The exterior is a gorgeous, modern, flowing interpretation and so sleek it could easily be a concept car.
Pick an angle, any angle, front, side, rear or three quarter versions of any of those and it is resplendent, one of the most attractive vehicles to grace the roads.
The silhouette is graceful, the nose sleek with super-slim headlamps and a bold grille, the rear nicely truncated with full-width light clusters.
Inside it is equally impressive, built to perfection with Mazda’s usual obsession with quality.
Its Chinese origins are betrayed by the number of functions on the 14.6-inch touchscreen rather than relying on good old fashioned buttons but otherwise it’s a very nice place to be.
The cabin is flooded with natural light thanks to a panoramic roof. The spacious interior is inspired by the Japanese concept of Ma, which emphasises the beauty of space and the floating centre console and instrument panel enhance this to good effect.
In Europe, Mazda6e is available with two powertrain options: a 68.8kWh or 80kWh battery.
The 68.8kWh version offers a range of up to 300miles and with 200kW DC charging it charges from 10 to 80 per cent in just 22 minutes, meaning a range of 145 miles can be added in 15 minutes. The electric motor delivers 258ps for a 0-62mph performance of 7.6seconds.
For customers prioritising longer range the 80kWh version enables a maximum of up to 345 miles. But with 244PS on tap it still reaches 62mph in 7.8secs.
Both versions produce the same 320Nm of torque with a rear-wheel drive layout. The longer range 80kWh Mazda6e will charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes and like the smaller battery version supports DC rapid charging. I’d go for extra range any day.
The Mazda6e’s 19-inch wheels have a range-boosting aerodynamic design that features a sporty five-spoke design with flat black surfaces.
Another unique feature for the Mazda is the electronically extendable rear spoiler that’s both looks cool and enhances stability at speed.
There’s a huge 330-litre boot, oodles of passenger space and 70-litre front storage area making Mazda6e very practical.
Proper driving impressions will have to wait for the right hand drive versions. Having the steering wheel and sitting on the left feels so weird and it takes me all my time not to drift into the path of oncoming cars.
That said I am left with the impression the 6e is incredibly sophisticated, refined, smooth, quiet and swift so I’m looking forward to UK versions coming over soon.
Factfile
| Motor: 68.8kWh or 80kWh electric |
| Power: 244PS or 258PS |
| 0-62mph: 7.8 or 7.6 secs |
| Top speed: 109mph |
| Range: 300 or 345 miles |
| Transmission: automatic |
| CO2 g/km: 0 |
| Price: TBA |
