Mazda's Worldwide $16,800 SUV in China Puts America’s Least Expensive Cars to Shame | Carscoops

      A surprisingly affordable SUV featuring 255 hp, large screens, and a range of 373 miles is set to debut overseas but will not be available in America.

      The Mazda EZ-60 has a starting price of $16,800 in China, making it cheaper than many economy cars in the U.S.

      Customers can choose between a range-extended hybrid or a fully electric version with a 255 hp rear motor.

      The all-electric Max variant provides a range of 373 miles on the CLTC cycle from a 77.9 kWh battery pack.

      For those looking for an affordable new vehicle in the United States, Mazda’s recent reveal in China may come as a surprise. The EZ-60, a midsize SUV available as both a pure electric and a range-extended hybrid, is priced so competitively that it stands out even against entry-level models like the Nissan Versa.

      Introduced earlier this year, the EZ-60 is being produced through Mazda’s partnership with Changan and will be marketed overseas under the CX-6e name. In China, the starting price is set at just 119,900 yuan, roughly $16,800, for the Base range-extended version.

      Shoppers looking for more features can choose the range-extended models in Pro and Max configurations, priced at 129,900 yuan ($18,200) and 138,900 yuan ($19,500), respectively. The powertrain includes a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that functions solely as a generator for the 31.7 kWh battery, which powers a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 255 hp.

      The all-electric variants reflect the same trim levels, with pricing beginning at 139,900 yuan ($19,600) for the Base EV, moving to 149,900 yuan ($21,000) for the Pro, and finishing at 160,900 yuan ($22,600) for the Max.

      Regarding EV technology, similar to the hybrid version, the pure EV also features a 255 hp motor for the rear axle. Instead of a gasoline generator, it is equipped with a 77.94 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack that, according to Mazda, achieves a range of up to 600 km (373 miles) under the CLTC cycle.

      While the EZ-60's exterior shares some design elements with other Mazda models, its interior differs significantly from the brand's offerings in the West and includes an impressive 26.5-inch 5K display serving as the central infotainment screen, along with a display for the passenger. Additionally, it features a 100-inch augmented reality head-up display and employs cameras in lieu of traditional side mirrors.

      Mazda has announced that the EZ-60 will be exported to select international markets, including Europe, where it will bear the CX-6e nameplate. Unfortunately for buyers in the United States, there are no plans to sell it domestically. The EZ-60 marks Mazda’s second electric vehicle released in China, following the introduction of the EZ-6 midsize sedan late last year.