Models change, style remains. The Japanese manufacturer has unveiled the Mazda 6e, an electric hatchback that replaces the 6 saloon whose three generations have been on the market for 23 years. Developed in collaboration with Changan, the Mazda 6e was designed in pursuit of the sporty soul that is part of the brand without, however, sacrificing comfort. ‘We followed the concept of Authentic Modern, where consistent shapes are juxtaposed with modern, well-defined lines’, explains Jo Stenuit, head of design at Mazda Europe.
The barely-there rear bonnet and sleek sedan shape make it look like a typical sedan, hiding its true hatchback identity with a large tailgate for the benefit of the load compartment. Complementing the 330-litre boot capacity is a practical 70-litre compartment that can hold an additional luggage or charging cable. Two parallel lines run along the car’s sides, adding to the car’s dynamism, while the lower part of the doors is inspired by the spray produced by a speedboat whizzing through the water. ‘We wanted it to look like it was moving even when stationary,’ explains Stenuit.
The sharp edges of the front end elements contrast with the round shapes of the rear, which include four distinct cylindrical elements, punctuating the horizontal bar of the taillights and paying homage to the brand’s styling heritage. In contrast, the rear spoiler, electrically and automatically retractable depending on speed, not only adds an additional athletic touch, but also improves road stability. Particular attention has been paid to aerodynamics with solutions such as handles flush with the bodywork or low-resistance alloy wheels.
For the cockpit, the designers were inspired by the concept of Ma, a Japanese philosophy that attaches particular importance to the empty space between things and the creation of a balanced and serene atmosphere for both body and mind. The subtle horizontal design element running along the entire dashboard gives it a ‘floating’ appearance, lending visual lightness to the entire interior. At the same time, the prominent console conveys a sense of security while enhancing the driver’s ability to concentrate. Gone are almost all the physical buttons, replaced by a large display in the centre of the dashboard and digital instruments.
