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Mazda’s electrical autos (EVs) are like London buses. You wait years for one to rock up after which two arrive on the similar time.
Rival mainstream manufacturers together with Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru have been promoting EVs in Australia for years, however submit the area of interest MX-30, Mazda’s subsequent entry did not arrive till July, within the type of the 6e – a mid-size liftback successor to the Mazda 6.
Now, simply months later, a 3rd battery-powered Mazda mannequin has arrived on our doorstep – and, just like the 6e, the CX-6e (or ‘attractive’ in the event you fee the design, as I do) is one other product of Mazda’s partnership with Chinese automotive powerhouse Changan.
But it is arguably much more necessary than its sibling.
Because, whereas the CX-6e shares a platform and key specs with the 6e, it is a mid-size SUV, which suggests it is prone to attraction to a wider viewers.
That consists of not solely recent EV converts chasing a substitute for the likes of the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X, but additionally Mazda loyalists who’ve been hauling the youngsters round in a CX-5, patiently ready for this exact second.
Indeed, Mazda sees the potential for CX-6e gross sales to the touch 12,000 per yr, which might make it each the model’s second best-selling mannequin and the third best-selling EV Down Under.
But does this modern latecomer have the substance to justify its predicted reputation? We get behind the wheel for the primary time to seek out out.
How a lot does the Mazda CX-6e price?
While some could baulk at Mazda’s choice to co-develop and construct autos with a Chinese accomplice, the ensuing costs are onerous to argue with.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Mazda CX-6e GT | $53,990 |
| 2027 Mazda CX-6e Azami | $56,990 |
At simply $53,990 earlier than on-road prices, the bottom CX-6e GT undercuts key rivals together with the Model Y (from $58,900), Sealion 7 (from $54,990) and 7X (from $57,900).
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Having mentioned that, Australia’s EV market is shifting each day, so it is onerous to know if the CX-6e will stay sturdy worth going ahead.
For instance, the competing Nissan Ariya can now be had for as little as $42,990 drive-away. Not that way back, the mannequin vary opened from $54,840 plus on-road prices.
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What is the Mazda CX-6e like on the within?
There’s lots to get your head round right here.
Because whereas the subtle design and soft-touch supplies are quintessentially Mazda, the CX-6e operates much more like a Chinese EV inside.
In the entire absence of central bodily switchgear, all the pieces begins and ends with the infotainment touchscreen – a whopping 26.45-inch unit that serves because the management centre of the car.
It’s in contrast to something fitted to any local-market Mazda earlier than – a lot larger than the display within the associated 6e, and completely different in philosophy from the Mazda Connect household of techniques.
Owners coming from different Mazda fashions are prone to face teething points because of this, significantly given the layered nature of the CX-6e’s infotainment. Granted, its app-grid setup is akin to a contemporary smartphone – tech most of us are acquainted with – and customisable pinned shortcuts alongside the bottom guarantee quick access to key features.
Unfortunately, the local weather controls are among the many many features housed throughout the display, with changes typically requiring a number of correct faucets – a problem whereas on the transfer.
Voice management serves as a substitute for drivers preferring to maintain their arms on the wheel, although we’ll want extra time to verify its competence. The similar could be mentioned of the gesture controls, as whereas I can nearly abdomen speaking to a automobile, I am unable to deliver myself to make use of hand alerts.
Then there’s the exterior announcement perform, which lets you broadcast your personal voice or a pre-typed message outdoors the automobile at speeds beneath 7km/h. It’s undeniably hilarious, particularly given there seems to be no filter on what you possibly can say, although it is most likely greatest used with some restraint.
Honestly, who requested for all this?
This sense of bewilderment turns to frustration when area of interest options seem to take precedence over nailing the fundamentals. Exhibit A: the local weather system, which appears to have a thoughts of its personal, recurrently blowing too scorching, too chilly or too weak.
Back to the infotainment, although, and it does carry a number of benefits over the techniques present in different Mazda SUVs. A mix of measurement, handy positioning and responsiveness makes it simpler to work together with, for one.
And for all of the ridiculous options you may most likely by no means use, there are a couple of helpful ones. In addition to the necessities – Bluetooth, wi-fi smartphone mirroring and native navigation – the CX-6e additionally comes with customisable ambient lighting, cabin consolation modes (Relax, Pet and Camping), and a complete configuration menu for the sound system.
Even when left in its default settings, the 23-speaker association delivers a greater audio expertise than simply about any SUV at this worth level. It’s not onerous to determine why – the equal Model Y, 7X and Sealion 7 all have 12 audio system or fewer.
The monumental infotainment show additionally stretches nicely past the centre of the dashboard, suggesting the individual using shotgun stands to learn from the additional display forward of them.
In actuality, that further show space is essentially wasted. While it gives barely simpler entry to key features corresponding to media, navigation and local weather settings, there is not any scope for the passenger to stream video content material or play video games, and any contact inputs briefly forestall the motive force from making changes of their very own.
More unusually, there is not any standard instrument show forward of the motive force. Instead, key info corresponding to car pace is projected onto the windscreen through a vibrant, extremely legible head-up show.
Sticking with the theme of unconventional shows, the Azami’s digital aspect mirrors feed imaginative and prescient onto screens recessed neatly into the door playing cards.
This clear integration helps to protect the general inside aesthetic, which is one thing of a spotlight. The easy, cohesive curve created by the higher sections of the doorways and dashboard provides the CX-6e fairly a premium, lounge-like really feel, and that is largely backed up by the supplies used all through – a mix of supple leatherette, out there in black or beige, and soft-touch plastics.
The entrance seats are fairly lounge-y, too, with thick cushions, forgiving bolsters and built-in head restraints. Three-stage heating and air flow are customary even within the entry-level GT, though there is not any scope to tilt the seat base for extra under-thigh help.
I’d additionally respect extra attain adjustment for the sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel, though the driving place remains to be much more pure than within the 6e.
The steering wheel itself does away with the Mazda badge in favour of generic script, and homes a set of unseparated, cheap-feeling buttons that supply little suggestions and are too simply pressed whereas turning. There are not less than two customisable shortcuts marked by a star, which show genuinely helpful for disabling the annoying overspeed warning system.
While the tech and controls could make life tough, storage is plentiful, with roomy door bins, a deep split-opening centre armrest compartment with air flow, twin cupholders and two devoted telephone areas. The decrease central tray is served by USB-A, USB-C and 12V energy shops, making certain gadgets of all styles and sizes keep charged.
Space and practicality are likewise strengths of the second row, giving the CX-6e a robust promoting level in opposition to its many mid-size SUV rivals.
At 185cm tall, I loved ample headroom and half a dozen inches of kneeroom behind my most well-liked driving place, plus loads of house for my size-13 toes to slip beneath the entrance seats. The center passenger is not afforded fairly the identical luxurious, although the flat ground nonetheless makes the centre place genuinely usable.
The outboard seats go additional, providing extra lateral help than most household haulers.
To prime it off, rear passengers are handled to an extended listing of facilities. Kiddos can tinker with local weather settings and the place of the sunshade utilizing a small touch-sensitive show, whereas storage is once more in sturdy provide. That mentioned, there’s just one USB-C outlet to share between as much as three individuals – that math does not math.
For all of the house out there to passengers, the boot is on the smaller aspect. A excessive ground and restricted depth eat into its usefulness, so bigger hundreds would require folding the 60:40-split rear seatbacks.
It’s not like there is a spare wheel beneath the boot ground, both, as Mazda solely gives a tyre restore equipment.
Charging cables are greatest saved beneath the bonnet, the place you may discover a plastic tub with 83 litres of usable capability.
| Dimensions | Mazda CX-6e |
|---|---|
| Length | 4850mm |
| Width | 1935mm – excl. mirrors 2088mm – incl. mirrors |
| Height | 1620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2902mm |
| Ground clearance | 160mm |
| Cargo capability | 363L – rear seats up, incl. under-floor storage 956L – rear seats folded 1434L – rear seats folded, to ceiling 83L – under-bonnet storage |
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Like the 6e, the CX-6e is powered by a 190kW/290Nm rear-mounted electrical motor fed by a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with claimed driving vary pegged at as much as 484km on the WLTP take a look at cycle.
| Specifications | Mazda CX-6e |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 78kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) |
| Power | 190kW |
| Torque | 290Nm |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2155kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.9 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 18.9kWh/100km – GT 19.4kWh/100km – Azami |
| Energy consumption (as examined) | 16.5kWh/100km – Azami |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 484km – GT 468km – Azami |
| Maximum AC cost fee | 11kW |
| Maximum DC cost fee | 194kW |
| Braked towing capability | 1500kg |
Mazda claims it may be DC fast-charged from 30 to 80 per cent “in as little as 15 minutes”, with charging capability capped at 194kW – higher than many public chargers can muster.
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Mazda CX-6e drive?
The driving expertise goes to really feel very alien to consumers coming from different Mazda SUVs, and that is not simply because the CX-6e is powered by electrical energy.
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This is obvious from the outset, as there is not any conventional startup process. Instead, you simply flick down the steering column-mounted stalk and set off.
Unlike many EVs, the CX-6e does not transfer in full silence – intriguing sci-fi tones play by means of the audio system throughout moderate-to-hard acceleration. However, they promptly fade away as you carry off the throttle, giving approach to quiet serenity.
Rolling refinement is certainly a spotlight – no matter pace, outdoors noise hardly ever penetrates the cabin, leaving you to take pleasure in that 23-speaker sound system in peace. Well, offered it isn’t taking part in security warnings… however extra on that later.
Around city, the CX-6e picks up pace with far much less fuss than one thing like a CX-5. Acceleration stays easy and linear nicely into triple figures, however do not anticipate it to bother something – not to mention dual-motor electrical SUVs – on the drag strip. Still, there’s sufficient efficiency on faucet to make mild work of on a regular basis overtaking.
Slowing down does not require a lot effort, both. The brake pedal feels progressive and blends regenerative and friction braking easily, whereas 4 regen settings allow you to tailor the depth of off-throttle deceleration.
There’s no single-pedal driving mode, though the strongest regen setting comes shut. Annoyingly, altering between ranges requires a visit by means of the touchscreen.
Regardless, it does not take lengthy to get right into a circulation at city speeds, even in the event you’re new to driving an EV.
The digital mirrors take extra acclimatisation. You’re compelled to look down at an inside show when altering lanes, with the view widening after you point out. Mazda says the aspect cameras improve your subject of view by 30 per cent, however I’m not satisfied. And these little T-Rex arms cannot be low cost to interchange in the event that they’re broken or fail.
The CX-6e’s studying curve additionally extends to the way it steers and handles.
Mazda says it has gone to nice lengths to imbue Changan’s EPA1 platform with its ‘Jinba Ittai’ – or “horse and rider as one” – philosophy. Compared with the Chinese-market EZ60, the CX-6e adopts a stiffer chassis and Michelin tyres, whereas the model we get in Australia includes a European tune for the electrical motors, brakes, steering and dynamics software program.
The end result? A automobile that feels sharper and extra responsive than most Chinese rivals, but nonetheless much less so than European and Japanese options and, by extension, different Mazdas.
Take the steering, for instance. It’s firmer and slower than that of the CX-6e’s Deepal sibling, which helps the automobile really feel extra participating, but there’s nonetheless little or no suggestions by means of the wheel. Switching to Sport mode solely provides extra weight, to the purpose the place the steering feels slowed down. Best go away the settings alone, then.
The chassis follows an identical theme.
Body management is spectacular for such a giant, heavy SUV, whereas premium Michelin tyres present constant grip. A rear-wheel drive format and rear-biased weight distribution additionally give the CX-6e the form of pure dealing with stability hardly ever afforded by household autos.
At the tip of the day, although, it nonetheless weighs 2155kg – round 200kg greater than a base Model Y – and you’ll really feel that mass throughout spirited driving.
It’s additionally obvious in how onerous the suspension has to work. On 21-inch wheels, the Azami can really feel jiggly and unsettled at decrease speeds, bobbling over minor imperfections and thumping throughout bigger bumps in an unsophisticated method.
The GT is noticeably extra compliant, with trip consolation ranges sitting someplace between the plush 7X and the extra brittle Model Y.
Both variants additionally quiet down at increased speeds, absorbing ruts and potholes with out bouncing round excessively.
But that is when the energetic driver help techniques (ADAS) arc up. The CX-6e has a beep or chime for nearly all the pieces, together with a raft of security alerts that recurrently disturb the peace within the cabin. Some, such because the overspeed warning, could be disabled, although conserving the automobile quiet requires repeated intervention from the motive force.
Handing management over to the semi-autonomous ‘Cruising and Traffic Support’ system does not deliver a lot aid. It maintains pace and following distance nicely sufficient, although fixed steering micro-adjustments and pointless reminders to maintain your arms on the wheel shortly frustrate. As such, you are higher off simply caring for all the pieces your self.
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
The CX-6e vary is sort of easy, as the one adjustments for the flagship Azami are larger wheels and a set of digital mirrors.
2027 Mazda CX-6e customary tools highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in 235/55 R19 Michelin ePrimacy tyres
- Tyre restore equipment
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
- Hands-free energy tailgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry and begin
- Panoramic glass roof with electrical sunshade
- Advanced keyless entry
- 50-inch head-up show
- 26.45-inch central touchscreen show
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 23-speaker sound system
- Wireless telephone charger
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Leatherette seat upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- 3-zone local weather management with rear controls
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 256-colour ambient lighting
- 1 x entrance USB-A outlet
- 1 x entrance USB-C outlet
- 1 x rear USB-C outlet
The Azami provides:
- 21-inch alloy wheels in 255/40 R21 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Digital exterior mirrors
Both variants additionally help Mazda EV Bluetooth key and smartphone app performance, which permits distant operation of the car’s local weather management, locks and home windows, whereas additionally providing distant car monitoring, charging administration, car sharing, and battery preconditioning.
The solely choice out there for the CX-6e is a Warm Beige inside, which attracts an extra cost of $1000.
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Mazda CX-6e protected?
The Mazda CX-6e has but to be assessed by impartial auto security authorities Euro NCAP and ANCAP.
Standard security options embrace:
- 9 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management with cruising and visitors help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Safe exit warning
- Surround-view digital camera with see-through view
- Traffic signal recognition
- Front and rear parking sensors
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Mazda CX-6e price to run?
Mazda Australia backs its autos with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre car guarantee.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda CX-6e |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Lifetime |
| Average annual service price (5 years) | $372 |
| Total capped-price service price (5 years) | $1860 |
The CX-6e is not particularly low cost to take care of, with 5 years of scheduled upkeep costing $1860. That’s broadly in keeping with many rivals, although Mazda stretches service intervals to twenty,000km.
Importantly, the CX-6e additionally advantages from Mazda’s intensive seller community, which spans greater than 150 places throughout Australia – excess of most Chinese manufacturers.
To see how the Mazda CX-6e strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Take on the Mazda CX-6e
The worth is correct, however the product is not fairly.
Outside, the CX-6e makes a constructive first impression with its distinctive but classically enticing appears.
Once you slip into the motive force’s seat, although, cracks begin to seem. The controls are unintuitive, the local weather management inconsistent, and the touchscreen too large and complex for its personal good. All of which is a disgrace, given the supplies and sound system ship real wow issue.
Moving again, you are momentarily reminded of the worth proposition, because the second row is spacious and well-appointed. The boot? Not a lot.
And, on the street, it simply does not drive with the verve of different Mazdas. The powertrain is nearly ample by way of efficiency, refinement and effectivity, however a kerb weight of practically 2.2 tonnes compromises each trip and dealing with. Intrusive security techniques additional detract from the expertise.
Ultimately, I’d reasonably spend this sort of cash on a extra cohesive package deal such because the underrated Skoda Enyaq. If your finances can stretch a bit additional, the Tesla Model Y stays the section benchmark.
Still set on the CX-6e? Go for the cheaper GT. The Azami’s digital mirrors are an acquired style, whereas its bigger wheels considerably harm trip compliance with out enhancing its look sufficient to justify the trade-off.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Mazda CX-6e. Click right here to get an awesome deal.
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