Mazda has undoubtedly been one of the slower manufacturers to electrify their range. Up until fairly recently, the MX-30 had been the company’s only fully electric offering, and it has now been discontinued. Fear not, as I have just returned from the UK media launch of the new Mazda6e, and after a long drive through North Wales, I am ready to give my verdict.

I should at this point mention that Mazda was so keen for UK journalists to try their new offering that they shipped over some left-hand drive cars last autumn so we could have an early drive.

The Mazda6e is built on a new platform, created in conjunction with Chinese manufacturing partner Changan Automobile. It therefore shares much of its underpinnings with the Deepal S03, currently not sold in the UK. The design language is very Mazda, though, the press pack telling me that Mazda’s ‘Soul of Motion’ design philosophy has played its part in crafting what I think is a very attractive car. The car is sleek, sporty, and especially appealing in Mazda’s signature colour, ‘Soul Red Crystal’.

In other markets, two battery configurations are offered, but Mazda UK has opted for just one, a 78kWh unit. This promises a range of up to 348 miles, which is reasonably competitive. A 10 to 80% charge may take as little as 24 minutes if you can find a 200kW DC charger.

Two trim levels will be offered in the UK, Takumi or Takumi Plus. The Plus model adds full leather and suede on the seats, extensive suede trim to the dash and doors and a sunblind for the standard-fit panoramic sunroof. There’s just a £1,000 difference in cost, so I would have thought most buyers would opt for the top model at £39,995. The only standard colour is white, so expect to pay £1,000 more if you want the red that adorned my test car.

The Mazda6e’s interior is a very pleasant place to travel in, both as a driver and passenger. The seat trim is just one of the many high-quality materials used. I would mention that the high floor, a result of the battery pack underneath, means that you do sit rather high. At around six feet tall, I found this to be more of a problem in the front passenger seat, which has no height adjustment.

Rear passengers will find ample room to spread out, though the raised floor does mean a lack of under-thigh support. The boot offers a generous 337 litres of usable space, and there is a 72-litre frunk, ideally for storing the charging cables.

As is the way these days, a large central touchscreen controls most functions, and whilst it is simple enough to use at a standstill, altering settings on the move requires too much eye time away from the road for my liking. There are two steering wheel shortcut buttons which can be programmed for important functions. Better than nothing but not ideal. Wipers and light functions are all hidden in the central screen.

My driving companion and I had a full day with the car, and our drive from Liverpool into North Wales and back covered most types of roads. As a motorway cruiser, the Mazda6e excels, with wind and road noise notable by their absence. No raised voices to hold a conversation and a lovely, hushed ambiance to enjoy the premium Sony sound system.

Once on some more challenging Welsh roads, we were able to enjoy the rear-wheel drive handling to the full. Confidence-inspiring, safe and secure but not especially fun in a way Mazda’s cars always used to be. Ride comfort is good, with most potholes and the like dealt with easily.

When pressing on, I would have preferred a little more power from the brakes, and sadly there is no option for one-pedal driving, something which is a great boon in heavy town traffic. Performance-wise, the Mazda6e is reasonably brisk off the line, but the official 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds is slower than many rivals.

The weather was hot, the driving mixed, and so I would estimate around 300 miles should be possible for most drivers, less in colder winter conditions. Mazda quotes 3.9 miles per kWh, and we were quite close to that figure at the end of the day’s driving.

There is much to like about the Mazda6e. It’s a great-looking electric car, with a decent range and pleasant driving characteristics. The hatchback design may not suit everyone, with the current obsession for SUVs.

Fast Facts

• Mazda6e
• Price from £38,995
• 78kWh LFP battery
• 258PS & 290Nm
• 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds
• Combined range 348 miles
• 3.9 miles/kWh
• 10-80% charge in 24 mins (200kW DC)
• BIK 4%
• Insurance group 44D
• 5* Euro NCAP safety rating

Mazda CX-6e

Mazda CX-6e

The Mazda CX-6e, scheduled to arrive on our shores in November, is waiting in the wings. More on that nearer the time. But above are some taster photographs.