The new Mazda EZ-60 SUV will be sold with a choice of battery-electric and range-extender powertrains, with the latter offering a combined range of more than 621 miles.
The new model, which may come to the UK as an electric counterpart to the CX-60, was recently revealed in China but details were withheld for its debut at the Shanghai motor show.
Mazda has now confirmed that the new model was developed in collaboration with its Chinese joint-venture partner, Changan, in a similar fashion to the previous Mazda 6e saloon.
Based on the same underpinnings as the Changan Deepal SUV – a Tesla Model Y rival due in the UK later this year – it will be offered solely with rear-wheel drive, regardless of the chosen powertrain.
The range-extender uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator for a 31.7kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL, which drives a single, 255bhp motor. This delivers an electric-only range of 100 miles, according to China's more lenient CLTC test cycle. It also has a 50:50 weight distribution front to rear, which matches that of the brand's halo product, the MX-5 sports car.
In a further reference to the MX-5, Mazda said the EZ-60 has been tuned to offer the same 'Jinba-ittai' – "the sense of horse and rider as one" – driving experience as the roadster.
Detailed specifications for the battery-electric model remain under wraps but Mazda confirmed that it will offer a range of around 373 miles on CLTC, and a weight distribution of 47:53. For reference, the Changan S07 packs an 80kWh battery and a 214bhp rear-mounted motor, delivering a range of 295 miles on the European WLTP test cycle. It can charge at 93kW, giving a 30-80% recharge in 35 minutes.
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Updated, as I've already said it looks brilliant but technically emmm. Why build a new BEV with a comprimised platform from the getgo, especially as the PHEV version looks like it has a very poor electric range for such a big battery, the updated charge rate is even slower than first reported, it's now very slowwww.
It looks good... for an SUV.
Scale it down, raise everything below the waist, and I can imagine a really good looking Mazda 3e. Paint it Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and give it an interior in the style of the new Mazda 6e, to complete it.