Mazda Launches New Electrified Vehicles for Chinese Market
Changan Mazda Automobile Corporation Ltd., a collaborative venture involving Mazda Motor Corporation and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd., has revealed two new electric vehicles at Auto China 2024.
Unveiled were the Mazda EZ-6, a mass production model, and the Mazda 創 Arata, a design concept.
The Mazda EZ-6, showcasing its sleek design.
The Mazda EZ-6 is the initial offering in a series of new electric vehicles (NEVs) developed by Changan Mazda in partnership with Mazda and Changan Automobile. The EZ-6 is slated to launch in China by the close of 2024.
The Mazda 創 Arata, presented as a concept model, is scheduled for mass production and introduction in China by the end of 2025. The company’s strategy aims to broaden its selection of electrified products in the rapidly growing Chinese EV market.
Masahiro Moro, President & CEO of Mazda, expressed enthusiasm at the Changan Mazda press conference, stating, “The Mazda EZ-6 reflects a blend of Mazda’s capabilities and Changan Automobile’s electric vehicle technology. We are focused on enhancing Mazda’s presence in China by providing special products that resonate with Chinese consumers. ”
The EZ-6 combines Mazda’s design ethos, known as KODO-Soul of Motion, with technology from Changan Automobile, delivering a driving experience focused on Jinba-ittai, which translates to the car and driver as one. The EZ-6 will be available in battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions, giving customers flexibility.
The Mazda 創 Arata introduces a new value based on Mazda’s core principal of “Uplifting the Human Spirit.” With a crossover SUV design that features modern, sleek aesthetics, it aims to appeal to the tastes of Chinese customers.
Mazda is dedicated to the ‘Joy of Driving’ under its core Human Centric value and seeks to provide customers with the ‘Joy of Living’ by creating moving experiences in their everyday lives.
Mazda EZ-6 Product Overview
The Mazda EZ-6 design, built on the theme of “Authentic Modern,” captures the dynamic spirit and elegance of the Mazda “Soul of Motion” design language, adapted for the electric vehicle age. The result is a fluid coupe form.
Its performance stays true to Mazda’s focus on Jinba-ittai. Through careful handling and braking, the car reacts to the driver’s inputs in a linear fashion to deliver that sensation.
The Mazda EZ-6 BEV model achieves a 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear; it also features front strut and rear multi-link suspension plus an electric-powered rear spoiler, which aids stability at higher speeds. The car uses an intelligent drive system for driver support and accident prevention.
The EZ-6 also has an intelligent parking system, and a smart cabin technology that supports voice, touch, and gesture control. The BEV is projected to have a range of roughly 600 km, while the PHEV model is estimated to exceed 1,000 km using a single tank of fuel.
Mazda EZ-6 Specifications
- External Dimensions (length x width x height): 4,921mm × 1,890mm × 1,485mm
- Tire Size: 245/45R/19 inch
- Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Occupancy: 5
Mazda 創 ARATA Design Summary
The design theme is “SOULFUL + FUTURISTIC x MODERN,” which embodies futuristic and modern forms, with the excitement of motion to symbolize the KODO design concept.
The side profile features thick doors and a three-dimensional shape that improves the grip of the tires, resulting in a dynamic appearance unique to KODO design. The ‘cross-wing’ rear lamps further emphasize the Mazda branding.
Air tunnels are installed at various points, including the front hood and the sides of the front bumper, to improve aerodynamics and environmental efficiency. The vehicle achieves a futuristic visual effect as well.
