An all-new all-electric Mazda sedan, set to replace the current generation Mazda 6 in China, is reported to be making its debut at Beijing Auto Show 2024 (China Auto) which will be held in China later this month (April 2024). Said to be known as the “EZ-6” according to recent trademarks in China, it is still unsure if the model will be made exclusively for the Chinese market, reported WhichCar.
There have been reports suggesting the next-generation Mazda 6 featuring a rear-wheel-drive layout, along with inline-6 petrol and diesel engines. However, the “EZ-6” Mazda 6 replacement model won’t be entirely built by the Japanese carmaker from the ground up as the car will be made based on the Changan Deepal SL03 all-electric (EV) sedan with similar dimensions. Codenamed J90A, production of the Mazda EZ-6 will be handled by Mazda’s Chinese joint-venture partner Changan.
Aside from being offered as an all-electric sedan, the Mazda EZ-6 could be offered with a hybrid powertrain as well. No specifics have been revealed regarding that just yet.
Outside of China, Mazda has filed to trademark the “Mazda 6e” and “6e” nameplates with the European Union Intellectual Property Office on March 18, 2024. Potentially to be the global successor for the current generation Mazda 6, the sedan will be built on Mazda’s home-grown SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture. This is separate from the China-specific “EPA” platform which underpins the potentially-named Mazda EZ-6 and Deepal SL03.
RELATED: 2023 Mazda 6 “20th Anniversary Edition” launched in Malaysia – three variants, from RM180k
Closer to home, the Mazda 6 just got a refresh in October last year, with a new 20th Anniversary Edition variant at the top of the range. Offered in three variants, prices for the D-segment Mazda start at RM180,359.
Over in Mazda’s home market – Japan – the D-segment Mazda is said to be discontinued soon, with its production for the domestic market to end by this month (April 2024). Having debuted in 2012, the Mazda 6 will still be available in other regions, including Malaysia.
Globally, Mazda currently has two EV models under its belt. This includes the MX-30 and the China-exclusive CX-30 EV. Although discontinued in the United States in July 2023 to make space for its existing and future plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, the Mazda MX-30 made its launch in Malaysia just a month prior. Offered in a sole variant, the all-electric crossover is priced at RM198,780.
RELATED: Mazda 6 discontinued in Japan, to end production in April 2024
