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.

Range is 345 miles and 95kW DC rapid-charging is compatible, with a 10-80% 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 10-80% in 22 minutes, strangely faster than the bigger battery pack.