MAZDA'S SECOND EV ISN'T A BAD CAR - BUT IT'S DISAPPOINTINGLY AVERAGE ALL ROUND

Mazda has been rather slow in bringing EVs to the market. Its previous electric model, the MX-30, brought futuristic styling, but had a limited range which saw it dropped from UK sales earlier this year.

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Now it's introduced its second EV, the 6e, a five-door fastback that looks like a take on the combustion-powered Mazda 6 saloon.

WHAT'S NEW?

Although it might say so on the tailgate, the 6e isn't really a Mazda. Underneath, you'll find the same platform, battery, chassis and architecture found on the Deepal L07 - a Chinese car not sold here.

But the Japanese firm has done its best to make sure the 6e still feels like a Mazda, with a premium-feeling interior, a sporty exterior and well-equipped trim levels.

UNDER THE BONNET?

It comes with two battery packs, a 68.8kWh unit or a “Long Range” 80kWh version. We're driving the latter, the Mazda 6e Takumi with a motor producing 240bhp and 320Nm of torque, while 0-60mph takes 7.6 seconds. top speed is 109mph. The range is 345 miles and 95kW DC rapid-charging is compatible, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 45 minutes. The smaller 68.8kWh setup has a claimed range of up to 300 miles. It supports 200kW DC rapid charging, topping up from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes, strangely faster than the bigger battery pack.