The successor to the Mazda6 is on the way to China

Mazda’s mid-range model is getting old. Mazda’s new electric car for the Chinese market shows what the successor could look like.

The current generation Mazda6 has been rolling off the assembly line since 2012. The competitor to the VW Passat and Co. is one of the oldest in the automotive world. The mid-range model is set to end at the start of the year – but what might the successor look like? Mazda has yet to leak any information about this.

The prototype of the EZ-6, which the Japanese have now presented at the auto show in Beijing, can give a first impression. The sedan is part of the brand’s new electric attack – until now, Mazda has been conservative in this regard: only the SUV MX-30 has an electric drive, optionally with a Wankel engine as a range extender. There is also a hybrid in the Mazda2 and CX-60, which is also available as a plug-in.

But in the Chinese market that is no longer enough: customers have high demands on technology, both in terms of the car and infotainment. In order to quickly deliver models that are ready for the market, Mazda uses Chinese technology. The 4.92 meter long EZ-6 is one of them: It is scheduled to hit the market by the end of the year as part of a joint venture with manufacturer Changan.

When making the front and rear parts, he takes design elements from Japan. Inside, it is more modern than familiar models: a 14.6-inch central screen and a head-up display are part of the equipment, which should please buyers in China such as automatic parking and voice control. Apart from the battery-only electric version with a range of up to 600 km, a plug-in hybrid is also expected to come to dealers.

According to “Auto Motor und Sport”, there are no plans to export to Europe yet – but an electric successor to the Mazda6 is being planned, which may incorporate design elements of the EZ-6. It is said that the brand has already protected the word “6e” for Europe.

E-SUV Arata, which is in the form of CX-5, is still in the concept research stage. It is also being developed in a joint venture with Cangan. If and in what form it will come to Europe is unknown – but the design should give a hint of what the brand’s upcoming SUVs will look like.