Tag Archives: automotive

electric, Executive, Mazda, Motoring, Saloon

Mazda6e a stylish electric return of a saloon favourite

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Mazda 6e first drive

By Bill McCarthy

Mazda has never been afraid to buck the trend. The brand has continued to produce large diesel SUVs and high-capacity petrol engines, and now it makes a bold return to the D-segment with the rebirth of the Mazda6 – this time as a full-electric model.

The original Mazda6 was a stylish alternative to rivals like the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat. Produced across three generations from 2002 to 2023, it built a loyal following among both retail and fleet customers. This new EV reinvents the formula with a sleek five-door hatchback-style saloon that aims to blend tradition with future-focused design.

Pricing and Positioning

With both UK models priced under £40,000 – £38,995 for the Takumi and £39,995 for the Takumi Plus – the Mazda6e is not a budget offering. However, it comes generously equipped and delivers a premium feel that helps justify the cost. And then there’s the six-year or 100,000-mile new vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, and 3-year or 60,000-mile European roadside assistance 

Unlike the European market, which receives two battery options, the UK gets a single, larger 78kWh LFP battery. The electric motor produces 258ps and 290Nm of torque, delivering a combined WLTP range of 348 miles. The Mazda6e joins the smaller CX-30 EV in the line-up, but it is a very different proposition – bigger, sleeker, and more refined.

Performance and charging

Driving the rear wheels, the Mazda6e reaches 62mph in 7.3 seconds, while a 10 to 80 per cent charge on a 200kW DC charger takes 24 minutes. During a 150-mile test drive through the Welsh countryside of Snowdonia, the UK-spec version delivered better performance than the left-hand-drive model I sampled last year on Shropshire’s challenging country lanes. The car felt composed, responsive, and impressively refined throughout.

Design and styling

Developed under what Mazda describes as ‘Electrifying Design Crafted to Perfection’, the Mazda6e introduces the next evolution of the brand’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy.

Translated, it might read as: the marriage of futuristic electric performance with the brand’s signature, human-centric artistry. All a bit ethereal and highbrow sounding, but it has a striking presence.

The exterior is sleek and aerodynamic, with signature wing lights around the grille that glow to indicate charging status. The vehicle sits on 19-inch aerodynamic wheels featuring a sporty five-spoke design with flat black surfaces.

At the rear, a distinctive light signature with a horizontal tail light bar is complemented by Mazda lettering replacing the rear logo badge for the first time. Another Mazda first is the electronically extendable rear spoiler, designed to enhance stability at speed.

Interior and practicality

The cabin is spacious and airy, featuring a panoramic roof, a floating centre console, and soft-touch materials across both trim levels. The Takumi features black or stone Maztex, Mazda’s durable and easy-to-clean vegan leather alternative.

The Takumi Plus upgrades to premium tan Nappa leather with artificial suede cloth woven fabric seat trim. Both front seats are powered and heated.The cockpit includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, and an augmented reality head-up display. However, like many modern cars with large screens, there is a range of sometimes confusing menus and sub-menus which can be distracting for the driver.

On the practicality front, the hatchback offers a 337-litre boot, expandable via 60-40 split-folding rear seats, plus a 72-litre front ‘frunk’ – generous storage for the segment.

Driving dynamics

On the road, the Mazda6e feels reminiscent of its predecessor, with sharp handling and good stability through corners – likely aided by the new rear spoiler. The steering is nicely weighted and responsive, while the suspension strikes a firm yet comfortable balance.Refinement is a strong point.

On smoother roads, tyre noise was virtually absent, and even on poorer surfaces, noise was kept to a minimum. The car rarely felt unsettled by ruts or smaller potholes, contributing to a composed and engaging drive. Early doubts about the brakes were dispelled during a couple of sharp stops to avoid oncoming tractors on narrow Welsh country lanes – the system proved responsive and reassuring.

Verdict

The Mazda6e is a stylish and driver-focused with competitive range and charging speeds at a sub-£40k price point. It should also carry Mazda’s famed realiability.

However, the infotainment system can be distracting, the acceleration is decent if unremarkable, and the lack of a smaller battery option limits choice in a crowded segment. For those who prioritise design and driving engagement, it remains an appealing option.

BYD, Electric/hybrid, Motoring, SUV

BYD’s new SUV challenger in the hybrid market

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BYD ATTO 2 Boost

By Bill McCarthy

As more Chinese brands arrive on UK shores, shaking up the old order like punk rock did to music in the 1970s, some are becoming victims of their own success. Newcomers are aping their breakthroughs, and even BYD – one of the first of the new wave – is facing stiff competition, despite only arriving in Britain in 2023.

Earlier this year, BYD launched the upgraded ATTO 3. Now the ATTO 2 ‘super hybrid’ has taken a bow. It comes complete with an upgraded Blade battery and a highly competitive price tag, and of course, the comprehensive six years or 93,750 miles warranty.

Two powertrain options
The ATTO 2 offers two hybrid setups. In Active spec, the Blade Battery capacity is 7.8 kWh, with maximum system power of 166 PS (122 kW). This version delivers a WLTP pure-electric range of 24 miles and a combined range of 577 miles.

The Boost model upgrades to an 18 kWh battery, increasing system power to 212 PS (156 kW) and achieving a WLTP pure-electric range of 55 miles, with a combined range of up to 621 miles.

Charging the 7.8 kWh battery with a standard 7 kW home wallbox takes roughly 75 minutes. In contrast, the larger 18 kWh battery found in Boost models can be fully charged from 15% to 100% in three hours when using a 6.6 kW AC charger.


Design and first impressions
Stylish without being show-stopping, the ATTO 2 is compact yet roomy. It has a striking front end with a revised grille, LED headlights,  and eye-catching alloys. The rear adds a roof spoilerand full-width light bar. 

The latest powertrain all but eliminates range anxiety – a feature explained enthusiastically by UK Country Manager, Bono Ge at the launch. He talked me through the technology in exhaustive detail.
The key takeaway is that the car is powered by an electric motor, which can be plugged in or charged via the petrol engine as the battery depletes. When circumstances demand, both power sources work together to deliver an extra boost.

On the road
Putting the compact SUV through its paces around the Home Counties consisted of a mix of twisting narrow lanes, Cotswold villages and motorway driving. The car proved comfortable, with well-weighted steering and little body roll on sweeping bends.
Getting familiar with the controls was a challenge on a short drive – the now-familiar bings, bongs and warnings were constantly in the background.
It’s an irritant that can be managed, and a new owner could personalise it quickly.

Acceleration is decent, with the Active model achieving 0-62 mph in 9.1 seconds and the Boost cutting that to 7.5 seconds.
However, there was a noticeable lag, waiting for the power to kick in,  when overtaking – I had a near miss on a country lane trying to pass a tractor.. Also, floor the pedal and thee a touch of wheelspin.


Interior and cabin quality
The cabin is spacious and high-quality. The door trims feature a mix of soft-touch materials and harder plastics, while the seats are trimmed, depending on the model, with fabric or faux leather. They are electrically adjustable and comfortable, while head and legroom is good, giving the feel of a bigger vehicle. I’m not that tall, but a six-footer should feel pretty comfortable.

The brains of the vehicle are an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.8-inch touchscreen with AI-powered voice control that manages infotainment, connectivity and a host of menus to personalise the car setup. 
The Boost version driven here adds a panoramic glass roof. Active trim includes LED lights, 16-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors with a camera. Boost adds 17-inch wheels, front sensors, a 360-degree camera, heated electric front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass, a wireless charger and 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load capability – handy for powering kettles or grills.

Practicality and safety
Sitting in the B-segment  for compact SUVs, the boot offers 425 litres, expanding to 1,335 litres with the rear seats folded..
Safety features abound, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Parking is aided by front and rear sensors, with a 360-degree camera on Boost models. Passive protection includes six airbags, ABS and electronic stability control. ISOFIX and i-Size anchor points are fitted in the rear seats.

Verdict
The ATTO 2 looks good, is competitively priced, spacious, well equipped and offers great practicality. But the hesitant overtaking and overly chatty safety beeps stop it from being genuinely fun to drive – but its not a hot hatch, after all.