- Single Takami model confirmed for Kiwi spring launch.
- Steering, suspension and braking tuned by Mazda in Germany.
- Single-motor rear-drive, with 190kW/290km.
Mazda New Zealand is promising its first pure-electric family car, the 6e, has been "carefully calibrated to ensure European and Australasian driver preferences are well catered for".
Now confirmed for the Kiwi market in a single Takami specification (as per CX-90) with a 78kWh LFP battery, WLTP range of 560km and rear-drive from a single 190kW/290Nm motor, the 6e is a collaboration between the Japanese company and China's Changan Automobile. It's based around the platform of the Deepal SL03.
The styling and tuning is Mazda-specific, though. The company says NZ-specification vehicles pick up "technical tuning" from Mazda Research Europe, in Frankfurt. Work has been undertaken on suspension, steering and braking systems. The new model has been on sale in Europe since last year.
Design details include frameless doors and a "glowing signature wing", which illuminates round the grille. It features dynamic illumination which makes the wings appear to flutter when the car is charging, while the lighting also indicates charge status.
The 6e’s 19-inch wheels have a range-boosting aerodynamic design, with flat black surfaces.
At the rear, there's the obligatory EV horizontal light bar, and the new Mazda lettering replaces the brand logo (as per the new CX-5). Another new feature for Mazda is an electronically extendable rear spoiler.
The cockpit features a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch instrument set, complemented by an augmented reality head-up display.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but Mazda NZ is expected to share it ahead of the official launch of the 6e in spring this year.
There's also an SUV version in a similar styling vein, the CX-6e, which is NZ-bound more towards the end of the year. Whether that will benefit form the same Euro-tuning is yet to be confirmed.