Porsche | On the road

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.

The predatory look of the latest Porsche Cayenne

It came as a bit of a surprise when the Cayenne first burst on the scene some 17 years ago.

But it was an SUV with attitude and soon proved its worth with sales, not to mention performance associated with the brand and became a best seller.

A complete departure, a bulky SUV where sleek sports had previously driven sales.

Performance however, was, and is, still startling. Not only that, with its complex four wheel drive system, it proved itself more than capable of the rough stuff and no doubt still does.

The first one I drove was around Brands Hatch racetrack with a professional driver, so any doubt about the vehicles sporting pedigree was dispelled in seconds.

Revamped for 2019, the latest version is sleeker, slippier through the air and altogether more aerodynamic. The original curved profile has been replaced with sharper lines and angles and a new grille and light clusters, giving the car a more predatory look.

The rear has been completely redesigned. with rear light clusters using use state-of-the-art LED technology.

The interior is typically luxurious with full electrically operated and heated leather seats and soft touch finish throughoutwith new features including the Porsche Advanced Cockpit control concept.

The centre console glass surface gently slopes upwards and featuring touch-sensitive buttons for direct access to the most important functions. like suspension settings.

Above that is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), with 12-inch touchscreen display and includes an online navigation module. Behind the multifunction Sports steering wheel is the instrument cluster.

There are also two high-resolution display screens that display virtual instruments, maps and other information functions like infotainment, smart phone connectivity and navigation. Voice controls are also available while the central analogue clock remains.

The other buttons and switches are too numerous to mention, the car is a riot of hi tech gizmos and wizardry.

There are a number of versions, including a hybrid and all pack an exceptional punch.

This S model with its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 enginedelivers a stonking 440bhp and pins you back in the seat as it powers what is a heavy vehicle to 60mph in just over five seconds and on to, well a speed you will never reach, maybe even not at Brands Hatch.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox slips seamlessly through the gears, although you can switch to manual with the steering wheel paddles.

It also packs 550NM of torque, which will pull just about anything and making it great for towing. A really versatile motor.

On the road the cars handles beautifully, especially when you slip it into sport mode, one of three options available, and adjust the suspension. There’s surprisingly little wallowing on corners and occupants as well protected from road, wind and engine noise intrusion.

Off the road, it is more than capable. Not tried out this time but past experience shows its four wheel drive capability canmore than handle the rough stuff, not that many are likely to.

Sports performance and SUV practicality. A full five seater, the rear seats fold 40/20/40, to increase a generous 745 litres capacity 1,710 litres. The boot opening is wide and reasonably low for easy of loading.

Despite seeming to have just about every driver accessory, this model still managed to pack in an extra £13,000 of goodies, Well, I suppose if you can afford the initial £68,000 outlay, the extra won’t break the bank.