The current-generation Mazda6 is nearing the end of its production run this year. To fill the void left by the Mazda6, the Japanese automaker is preparing to unveil a new electric vehicle at the Beijing Auto Show 2024, which will take place in China this April.
Australia’s Whichcar reports that the electric vehicle that will replace the Mazda6 will be called the EZ-6 EV. This will be a vehicle developed as an electric car from the ground up, rather than being based on any of Mazda’s existing products.
However, the EZ-6 EV is not a product developed by Mazda alone. Instead, the Mazda EZ-6 EV will be based on the Chinese car Changan Deepal SL03. This is not surprising, as Mazda has a joint venture with Changan in the Chinese market.
Changan Deepal SL03
Encased within the Mazda-badged electric car’s body will be Changan’s EPA1 platform. According to sources, the Mazda EZ-6 EV will retain the Changan Deepal SL03’s dimensions. Also known as the L07 in Thailand, the Changan Deepal SL03 measures 4,820 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,480 mm tall, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. With these dimensions, the Mazda EZ-6 EV will also slot into the D-segment sedan segment, just like the Mazda6.
Mazda releases teaser image revealing rear lights of Mazda EZ-6 EV
Rear lights of Changan Deepal SL03
Current reports suggest that the Mazda EZ-6 EV will be a China-only model. Meanwhile, in markets outside of China such as Europe, Mazda has trademarked the 6e name, hinting at its global ambitions.
Specific details about the Mazda EZ-6 EV’s powertrain have yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, the Changan Deepal SL03 is powered by an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, producing a maximum of 258 hp and 320 Nm. The electric motor is paired with a 66.8 kWh NMC ternary lithium battery pack, which provides a range of up to 540 km on a single charge based on the NEDC test cycle.
Other notable features in the Changan Deepal SL03 include a 10.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 14-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, a head-up display, ambient lighting with customizable colors, gesture control, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, voice control, and over-the-air software updates.
Interior of Changan Deepal SL03
The Changan Deepal SL03’s safety features are also fairly comprehensive, including six airbags, a 360-degree camera with an under-bonnet view, tire pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, door-open collision warning, driver attention warning, automatic headlights, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
The discontinuation of the Mazda6 is largely due to the declining sales of sedans and station wagons in the Japanese market, where SUVs have taken over. In Vietnam, the model currently has modest sales as well. In March 2024, only 38 Mazda6 units were sold, bringing the year-to-date sales to 106 units.
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