- Mazda showed the first images of its new EZ-60 electric SUV, which will be sold in China as part of the automaker’s joint venture with Changan.
- The EZ-60 sports a similarly suave look as the EZ-6 sedan, the first EV from the Mazda-Changan partnership revealed last year.
- Like the EZ-6, the EZ-60 will be based on an existing Changan vehicle, likely the Deepal S07, which offers both electric and range-extender plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Mazda’s first attempt at an EV in the United States, the MX-30, arrived for the 2022 model year and was immediately uncompetitive. Only sold in California, the MX-30 had cramped rear seats and a paltry 100-mile range. While the MX-30 lasted for just one more year in the United States, Mazda has pushed ahead with EVs in the Chinese market via its joint venture with Changan. Today, Mazda showed off the first images of the new EZ-60 electric SUV ahead of a full reveal at the Shanghai auto show later this month.Changan MazdaThe EZ-60 follows the EZ-6 sedan—also sold as the 6e in Europe—that debuted last year and features a similarly svelte design that looks nearly identical to the Arata concept from the 2024 Beijing auto show. Up front, an illuminated LED strip extends outward from the squinting headlights and forms an outline that bears a familial Mazda trapezoidal grille shape. There is also a thin duct atop the grille trim that looks like it might direct air under a wing that’s integrated into the hood. The smooth bodywork is interrupted by crisp lines that create a curvaceous beltline. The EZ-60 features cameras instead of traditional sideview mirrors to reduce drag and help improve range, and there’s a deep duct carved into the D-pillar, which sweeps forward in a way that’s reminiscent of the Mazda 3 hatchback. The EZ-60 also features the revised Mazda logo that we first caught a peek of last year, which takes on a slightly more angular appearance.Changan MazdaAlthough there are currently no details about the EZ-60, including its powertrain, it’s expected to be closely related to an existing Changan product, just as the EZ-6 is based on the Deepal L07. The EZ-60 SUV will likely utilize the Deepal S07, which is offered as both an EV and with range-extender plug-in hybrid powertrain, as a base. More details about the EZ-60 should emerge at the Shanghai auto show, which kicks off on April 23.More on the Mazda LineupCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Source: caranddriver.com
