Mazda traveled to the biennial Beijing Motor Show to unveil two electrified cars. One is a near-production sedan called the EZ-6, the other is a near-production concept called Arata, which takes the form of a compact crossover and is also coming to Chinese showrooms.
One important difference is that the EZ-6 was not developed by Mazda; not quite. It was designed by Changan Mazda Automobile, a joint venture between a Chinese state-owned manufacturer called Changan and the Japanese brand. It is not clear who did what during the development process. Regardless, the EZ-6 seems to be the logical successor to the 6, which left our market in 2021.
Designers have given the EZ-6 a more fluid take on Mazda’s Soul of Motion design language. Although the sedan is still recognizable as a Mazda, it looks more futuristic than the previous generation 6 (which remains available in some global markets) thanks to sharper-looking headlights that extend into a wide, grille-like panel with LED lighting. Its door handles are integrated into the body and the fastback-like silhouette flows into a high, swept-back tail with a speed-activated spoiler. We’d argue that the EZ-6 looks far more premium than the 6.
Mazda has packed some interesting technologies into the sedan. For example, the driver can control some functions using their voice, even when they are outside the vehicle. The list of commands to which the EZ-6 responds has not been made public. Inside, numerous functions respond to voice and gesture control. However, the brand hasn’t forgotten about handling either. The EV features a 50:50 weight distribution and both models were developed using the “Jinba-ittai” philosophy, which means “car and driver as one” in Japanese and famously characterized the original MX-5 Miata.
Technical details haven’t been revealed yet, but Mazda says buyers of the EZ-6 will be able to choose between a plug-in hybrid powertrain and an electric powertrain. The model “combines Mazda’s strengths with Changan Automobile’s electrified technology,” said company boss Masahiro Moro, suggesting the powertrain may not come entirely from Mazda’s research and development department. The electric EZ-6 will have a maximum range of around 372 miles (though certainly less in US ratings), while the plug-in hybrid version will benefit from a range of up to 621 miles.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, partially confirming an earlier rumor. There is no information on whether all-wheel drive will be available later in production. At 194 inches long, 74 inches wide and 58 inches high, it is slightly longer, wider and taller than the 6.
Details on the Arata are murkier, presumably because it is further from production; What you see in the gallery above is not exactly what is coming into the exhibition rooms. Mazda simply noted that the concept crossover is “designed to appeal to the progressive, sophisticated tastes of Chinese consumers,” with a design that is more futuristic than that of the EZ-6. It is electrified to some extent (either electric or hybrid).
Mazda notes that the EZ-6 will launch in China before the end of 2024, while the Arata will spawn a production model sometime in 2025. It’s still too early to say whether either model will end up in American showrooms. We know many Mazda fans would like to see a new 6 Series (no matter what it’s called), but would there be a market for it beyond the enthusiast circle? Maybe if Mazda manages to successfully market the sedan as a premium model and position it as an alternative to, for example, the Audi A4. If he fails, the EZ-6 will be dead on arrival.