A shabby-looking electric SUV appeared at the Beijing Motor Show ahead of its production debut next year, but it may only be available in China
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- Mazda Arata concept unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show
- Previews a production electric SUV expected next year
- Appears to be based on a Chinese platform and may only be offered in China
Mazda burned its fingers with the quirky, impractical MX-30, but the brand’s new Arata concept looks far more promising. There’s a glimpse of a production model aimed squarely at the most famous electric SUV of all, Tesla’s Model Y.
The Arata was unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show this week alongside the production version of the new rear-wheel drive EZ-6 sedan. And while the SUV isn’t as far along in development as the 6 Series, it’s definitely on its way to the streets. Mazda says the finished electric vehicle will be available in China next year with an all-electric powertrain, but doesn’t confirm whether a hybrid engine or Western sales are also planned.
Related: New Mazda6 reborn as electric RWD EZ-6, but only in China
Mazda describes the SUV’s design theme as “soulful + futuristic x modern” and the press release draws attention to the chunky doors that compress the window area and give the Arata a solid, purposeful appearance. It definitely has a lot more presence and character than a Tesla Model Y.
The hood appears to be recessed, allowing air drawn in through the grille to flow over it, just like Dodge’s new Daytona electric Charger, and Mazda says the front fenders and rear pillars also feature similar “air tunnels.”
We’re not fans of the illuminated white “MAZDA” lettering on the sill panels and expect this to be gone when the production version hits the market. But the red lettering on the back, which is also illuminated and spells out the brand name, seems like a detail that could make it into the showroom. Mazda hasn’t released any images of the concept’s interior or revealed any powertrain details.
Unfortunately for us in the West, it appears the Arata will only be offered in China. Mazda has confirmed that the EZ-6 and a range of future electric vehicles – which we can only assume will include the production Arata – have been developed in collaboration with Chinese company Changan Automobile. Changan currently offers a similar-sized SUV called the Shenlan S7 with electric and range-extender hybrid powertrains, so it seems logical that Mazda would use this as the basis for its own electric SUV.
Would you like to see Mazda unveil this Model Y-Fighter to the rest of the world? Leave a comment and let us know.
