Columbian drug lords are going to love this. Let me explain why.
The new Mazda6e is the latest variant of a predecessor, the Mazda6. Before that Mazda’s premier saloon was the 626, believe it or not, the chosen chariot of the South American drug cartels.
Why? Because you could get four bodies in the boot, or lots of machine guns and ammo, or a whole load of smack. They also liked them because they were fast and very reliable. Mind you, can you imagine the warranty claims if they hadn’t been?
Of course, to fit in, the Drug Enforcement Agencies had to follow suit and sales boomed.
The 626 evolved into the successful Mazda6, they sold 170,000 up to 2023, and now that has morphed into the fully electric version, the Mazda6e.
The signs are looking good that this will be successful too.
And what a start; it has already won a World Design of the Year award, so that is great and richly deserved because it truly is a lovely looking thing.
Saloons have been in the shadows for some considerable time as hatchbacks, then SUVs, took the lion’s share of the market.
But I do get the feeling people are starting to tire of soft-roaders and, for those who have pride in their motor, the Mazda6e stands out, representing something special, something lovely to have on the drive.
It is so streamline, sculpted and sensuous from any angle, the front, the rear, the side and either three quarters.
It seems to shine with unapologetic quality and class and that extends inside into one of the best cabins there is.
It is beautifully constructed, made of high quality materials, is brilliantly specified and is blessed with perfect ergonomics.
There’s tech, yes, the world demands it, but there are permanent buttons too and it is all delightfully intuitive and easy to use.
Driving fun remains at the core of the vehicle, like all Mazdas, and while the opposition can feel numb and soulless the 6e is blessed with through-the-seat-of-your-pants feel and feedback.
The 78kw/hr electric motor offers superb performance with the 258PS and 290NM of torque giving it a 60mph sprint time of around 7.5 seconds.
There’s also oomph aplenty for overtakes and top end power to cruise in a relaxed fashion along the motorways.
Driver assistance has been dialled down leaving you very much in control and able to exploit the 6e’s amazing handling prowess.
Sharp steering, controlled ride, specially tuned for the UK, and limpet-like levels of grip make the Mazda a great handling car.
Cabin ambience is perfect thanks to tactile materials, an incredible infotainment centre and a panoramic sunroof.
And if you are still in the drugs trade there are 336 litres of space in the boot and 70 litres in the front storage area, just to keep the barons happy.
Factfile
| Motor: 80kWh electric |
| Power: 258PS |
| 0-62mph: 7.6 secs |
| Top speed: 109mph |
| Range: 345 miles |
| Transmission: automatic |
| CO2 g/km: 0 |
| Price: from £38,995 |
