MAZDA6e - Derry Motoring with Jim Mc Cauley
A one-day drive in a left hand drive Mazda6e last year was a brief introduction to the launch of the company’s revised all-electric line-up. The availability of the new model in right hand drive form has provided the opportunity for a longer driving experience on local roads and the chance to get a better feel for the car.
Design-wise, the car is clearly a successful development of the current Mazda6, but marginally larger and with hatchback convenience. In the past decade, Mazda design has improved dramatically and this latest saloon maintains the executive elegance. Narrow front light units stretch out from the traditional Mazda grille with featured illuminated wing. The sharpness of the front end eases as the panels soften towards the rear with the short rear deck housing a speed activated spoiler. Frameless doors open to reveal a luxury interior across both specification levels.
This model is now built in China in cooperation with Mazda’s partner Changan Automobiles. Providing the dynamic elements is the Chinese sourced architecture but with Mazda engineering steering, suspension and pedal calibration for this rear-wheel drive car.
This latest arrival comes with a 68.8 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery providing up to 348 miles of range and an electric motor delivering 190 kW (258 PS) of maximum power and 320 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 62mph takes 7.6 seconds with a given top speed of 109mph. With 165 kW DC charging, the battery recharges from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes.
Once you approach the car with the key, it opens and readies itself to go. There is no internal switching and a flick on the traditional wiper stalk now controls direction. The car moves off slowly with a well calibrated throttle allowing for good control. Good steering lock and competent braking add to the driving experience.
The car is exceptionally quiet all round but there is a feeling that the Chinese influence is dominant. Ride is on the softer side and you miss the traditional Mazda interior, while the coupé rear styling limits rear window viewing depth. The large 14.6 inch central display controls all your needs but the excellent Mazda console control for the infotainment and navigation is no longer, replaced by a pair of phone charge pads and two cupholders. There is an annoying lack of manual switch controls.
As is now common practice, the Mazda6e offers three drive modes — Normal, Sport and Individual — allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience to their individual style.
Although wiper operation is automatic, a manual override can be set on screen, but more conveniently on one of two ‘free’ buttons on the steering wheel spokes. A button on the end of the flasher stalk will give a one cycle sweep with screen wash.
Passenger room is quite good all-round, and the standard panoramic glass sunroof lightens up the interior.
The review model was in standard Takumi specification with just one other available – Takumi Plus. With Chinese underpinnings, the car is very well equipped and is priced at £38,995. It is in insurance group 44D and first year VED is £65. Energy consumption is 3.86 miles per kWh and all Mazda cars now benefit from a full six-year / 100,000 mile warranty.