Mazda’s multi-solution approach has meant that it is now tackling electrification in varying degrees and according to market circumstances. In this case, China is the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) market, so it has already unveiled the EZ-6 last year. However, the world’s love towards crossovers and SUVs is insatiable, which is why we now have this, the Mazda EZ-60.
Like the EZ-6, the EZ-60 came with a bit of help from Chinese automaker Changan–its joint venture partner in China. The EZ-60 uses the same platform as the Deepal S7 we drove last year, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that purely from a design perspective, as the EZ-60 adopts the design of the Arata Concept they showcased at last year’s Beijing Auto Show.
Speaking of which, the design itself looks particularly striking and beautiful. The front fascia contains Mazda’s signature five-point grille, which is then linked visually with the LED daytime running lights. The main LED headlights are a separate unit, which is connected visually to the air intakes. Also, the Mazda logo is illuminated at night.
Moving towards the side of the EZ-60, there’s a sleek side profile that contains what seems to be buttresses on the D-pillars for added visual drama and improved aerodynamics. Topping it all off is a rear end that looks clean, thanks to the license plate being located at the rear bumper. There is also no Mazda logo to be found. Instead, it contains the Mazda script, just like in the EZ-6.
Moving inside the Mazda EZ-60, this electric crossover has a tech-focused interior that is heavily catered towards Chinese consumer demands. The premium and upmarket dash contains a massive 26.5-inch 5K screen, but unlike most brands that use two separate screens to achieve this, the Mazda EZ-60 uses one massive unbroken screen. This is complemented by 23-speaker sound system with 7.1 surround sound capability, and a bevy of LED ambient lights.
The driver, on the other hand, gets an equally massive 100-inch augmented reality head-up display, which is projected directly at the windshield. Finally, there are more screens in the EZ-60 due to this vehicle uses digital side mirrors. Lastly, there’s another screen for the rear occupants to access entertainment and climate controls.
Unfortunately, in the pursuit of being heavy in tech, this has also meant that Mazda has ditched the physical controls that they’ve been known for. Then again, the EZ-60 is catered to the Chinese market, which is heavily focused on tech and electrification.
Speaking of electrification, this vehicle rides on Changan’s EPA1 platform that’s shared with the Deepal S7. A fully electric and plug-in hybrid range extender option will be offered, but for now, only the range extender plug-in hybrid’s technical details have been revealed. It uses a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine that only acts as a generator to the 31.7 kWh battery. This battery provides juice to a 255-horsepower rear electric motor, which is good for a 160 km electric range and 1,300 km of total driving range.
With the new Mazda EZ-60 destined not just for China, but for the rest of Asia and Europe as well, should Mazda Philippines bring in the new EZ-60?
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