Mazda 6E Fastback Gt Electric review: Comfortable ride that doesn't compromise on dynamic driving

There was a time when buying a Mazda meant embracing the old-school joys of driving. Sharp steering, a rev-happy engine, and the sort of handling that made even the daily crawl down the PIE feel vaguely entertaining.

But times have changed , and the new Mazda 6e Fastback marks a departure from that formula, because for the first time, Mazda's answer to the future isn't another clever petrol engine.

It's an electric car.

A Mazda that looks like a Mazda

And not just any electric car, mind you. This is a sleek, rear-driven fastback designed to take on the likes of the BYD Seal and the Hyundai Ioniq 6, as well as the Tesla Model 3. In short, Mazda has finally stepped into the ring where all the action is happening.

Let's start with the obvious — the Mazda 6e is a handsome thing. While it is no secret that the car shares its underpinnings with the Changan Deepal SL03, Mazda hasn't lost its footing with the 6e.

Thanks to its strong design language, the car is still instantly recognisable as a Mazda, just a tad classier than you'd expect. It also gets a tastefully illuminated grille that makes the car instantly recognisable at night. There's little doubt about what's approaching in your rear-view mirror.

In an age where many electric vehicles (EVs) seem to have been designed by futuristic designers with branded glasses, oversized shirts, and leather slippers, the 6e manages to retain a sense of elegance that doesn't compromise on its legacy.

Sleekest of the bunch

In that sense, the long bonnet, flowing roofline, and short rear deck create proportions that look more like a sports saloon than a science project. Park it next to some of its rivals and you'll realise that the Mazda isn't trying too hard. Instead, it quietly goes about being visually appealing, which somehow feels very Mazda.

For instance, the frameless doors, flush handles, and distinctive lighting signatures add just enough modernity without making the car look like it's chasing trends.

In a time of electrification, I do reckon Singaporean buyers will appreciate this. I mean, not everyone will appreciate their cars to resemble an oddly created futuristic car that accidentally landed in Tampines.

Welcome to the Business Class lounge

Step inside and you'll find one of the Mazda 6e's biggest strengths.

Sure, the Japanese carmaker has been steadily improving its interiors over the years, but the new electric fastback doesn't just continue that trend. It sets a new benchmark in its class. Materials feel solid and expensive to the touch, the design is clean, and everything appears thoughtfully put together.

There are two variants available here in Singapore. The car tested here — Fastback GT — comes with tan Nappa leather with ample suede all around and two-tone leather steering. 

The other option you have is the Fastback Sports, which comes with a black interior. In my eyes, the tan cabin is certainly the one to have.

It is precisely the perfect mix of colour and high-quality materials that give the cabin a calm, almost lounge-like atmosphere. It's undoubtedly modern without feeling clinical, and that's crucial — more so when you want to stand out in a sea of EVs. Sure, many EV interiors are clever and tech-savvy, but some can feel about as warm and inviting as a hospital ward.

The 6e, on the other hand, feels like a place you'd actually want to spend time in. 

Other than a range of ambient colour lighting that you can meddle with, voice control works very well, too. For instance, you can open and close the sunshade conveniently by using voice commands, or just simply touch a button on the control screen if you don't feel like talking.

Elsewhere, you get 465 litres of boot capacity while rear passengers get to enjoy decent legroom. And despite the 6e's fastback profile, headroom isn't sacrificed too much as well. With that in mind, the car is able to swallow folks up to 1.8m tall without any problems.

Speaking of problems, the only complaint I have about the Mazda 6e is most controls are buried in the 14.6-inch centre display. 

Sure, there are two 'favourite' buttons on the steering wheel where you can configure them according to your preference, but not having a physical control for an important feature such as the wipers can be a tad inconvenient, as I experienced during a heavy drizzle.

Smooth operator

That said, the new all-electric Mazda excels on the move. This car is undoubtedly a refined operator. In a time when our roads are constantly having construction and maintenance, causing undulating surfaces and badly patched roads, the comfortable ride quality of the 6e is certainly a trait many will come to appreciate.

Of course, should you decide to push your luck and man-handle the 6e, the car will not disappoint. With 190kW and 290Nm of twisting force on tap, the Mazda pulls away from traffic lights effortlessly. Hence, overtaking slower traffic is similarly easy, requiring nothing more than a gentle press of the accelerator.

Here, power delivery to the rear wheels is smooth, predictable, and quick. But unlike some EVs that seem determined to rearrange your internal organs every time you squeeze the accelerator, the Mazda feels measured and mature — ensuring that it gathers speed with confidence rather than aggression. This, to me, is in keeping with the Mazda character.

Take it through several turns back to back at South Buona Vista Road aka "99 Bends" and the car displays a body control that's tidy and predictable, while the chassis feels composed even when pushed along tighter corners.

Don't get me wrong. This is no Mazda MX-5, but there's an underlying sense of involvement that's frequently missing in the EV segment.

Pull the trigger

Whatever the case, I do reckon the most important thing when it comes to EVs is the range. On paper, it's about 560km on a full charge, but in real-world driving, I got more like 500km, which is still quite a substantial distance before you have to juice up.

Needless to say, no car is perfect. While the Mazda 6e impresses in many areas, it enters one of the most fiercely contested segments in the market. 

BYD's offerings are increasingly sophisticated at aggressive prices, Tesla remains a powerful force, and Hyundai and Kia continue to raise the bar with every new EV they launch.

The Mazda 6e therefore needs to justify itself beyond just specifications, because the real appeal lies in how complete the package feels. 

This is neither the fastest, nor is it the cheapest EV. It probably won't have the longest range either. So, sure, times have changed. And Mazda's answer to the future may not be another clever petrol engine, but it'll be an electric car.

And at $235,888 ($229,888 for the Sports), it may as well be one of the most balanced in its class.

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This article was first published in sgCarMart.