Review: Mazda 6e

Mazda was a late adopter of electric cars and its first attempt, the MX-30, was not universally popular. Rear legroom was limited and its range was hardly anything to write home about.

The 6e is a much better proposition. It is quietly impressive, with a gently sloping roofline and Mazda’s signature front-end styling. It looks like a prestige saloon but is actually the more practical hatchback beloved by UK drivers.

Inside, it is really rather lovely, with high-quality materials, excellent build quality and classy trim throughout. The large panoramic roof floods the cabin with light, while the seats in our Takumi were trimmed in black artificial leather that was difficult to distinguish from the real thing and just as easy to keep clean.

But, as with most modern cars, almost everything is controlled through the 14.6-inch central screen. I understand the desire to remove clutter from the cabin, but even the wipers and wing mirrors are accessed through the menu system. That seems to be taking minimalism a step too far.

There is voice activation for many functions, even opening and closing the windows. Unfortunately, the whiny American voice really got on my nerves. I switched from female to male and things improved, although it still ticked me off when I failed to respond quickly enough. It even became quite argumentative, which was actually rather amusing.

Space is generous for driver and front passenger, while three adults can fit across the rear without too much squashing. The driver also sits relatively high because of the battery placement, another plus. Rear visibility is not brilliant, but the 360-degree camera removes much of the uncertainty when reversing.

There is a decent-sized rear boot, plus a small front 72-litre compartment for charging cables and other odds and ends.

There is just one powertrain and it is a mighty one. The 78kWh battery and 255bhp motor propel this rear-wheel-drive 6e from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. Claimed range is an impressive 348 miles and, even allowing for the inevitable reduction in real-world driving, that is enough to make the 6e a credible alternative to Mazda’s impressive petrol models with their efficient Skyactiv engines.

Charging is impressive too. Using a 200kW DC charger, 10 to 80 per cent takes just 24 minutes.

The 6e rides well and, although the suspension is firm, it remains comfortable enough for long-distance motoring.

There are two grades, Takumi and Takumi Plus, with prices starting at £38,995. Both come in below £40,000, making the 6e relatively affordable by electric-car standards. Equipment is generous, with the entry-level Takumi getting heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, colour head-up display, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

It is a convincing first proper electric Mazda. For a manufacturer that arrived late to the electric party, Mazda has learned its lessons and produced a seriously capable car.

Mazda6e

Price: £38,995 (as tested £39,695)

Engine: 78kWh battery

Power: 254bhp

Torque: 213lb/ft

Transmission: single-speed automatic transmission

Top speed: 109mph

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds

Economy: 3.86 miles per kWh

CO 2 emissions: 0g/km