The all-electric Mazda6e has been awarded as the 2026 World Car Design of the Year. An unlikely Mazda to gain the recognition, it beat out 90 other vehicles to win this year’s prize.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has chosen the Mazda6e, Mazda’s newest challenge in electrification. As the global automotive industry continues its shift toward SUVs and electric vehicles, we are deeply honored and sincerely grateful to receive this award for a classic sedan. We believe that the sculptural beauty created by human hands and precision craftsmanship unique to Kodo Design has further strengthened the connection between people and cars, even in the era of electrification. Encouraged by this award, the Mazda brand and its Kodo Design will continue striving for greater heights, creating moving experiences for our customers, and enriching their individual ‘Joy of Living,’” said Yoshito Iwauchi, Chief Designer, Design Division, Mazda Motor Corporation.
The Mazda6e is the third model from the Hiroshima-based carmaker to win the award in World Car’s 22-year history, the other two being the Mazda MX-5 (2016) and the Mazda3 (2020). Overall, it’s Mazda’s fifth World Car Award.
All 90 vehicles competing at the World Car of the Year are eligible to win the World Car Design of the Year award.
A design panel consisting of seven respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote. Those design experts were: Anja Bracht (Germany - Pforzheim University), Marek Djordjevic (USA - Chair of Transportation Design, Art Center College of Design), Fabio Filippini (Japan - ACCAEFFE Creative Consulting), Antony Grade (Retired – Renault), Gert Hildebrand (Germany - Owner Hildebrand-Design), Victor Nacif (USA - Chief Creative Officer, Brojure.com and Design instructor, New School of Architecture and Design) and Shiro Nakamura (Japan - CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.).
The Mazda6e beat out the two other finalists, the Kia PV5 and the Volvo ES90.
A reinvention of the Mazda6 sedan for the electric age, the Mazda6e is designed under the concept of “Electrifying Design Crafted to Perfection.” Its smooth flowing lines and bold features give it a strong yet refined presence. The low roofline and short-deck coupe silhouette offer a sporty and stylish look while at the same time keeping the functionality of a five-door hatchback.
Standout design details include frameless doors and a bold lighting signature creating a seamless and modern appearance. At the front, the new glowing signature wing illuminates round the grille to give a unique face to the Mazda6e. It features dynamic illumination which makes the wings appear to flutter when the car is charging, while the lighting also indicates charge status.
In profile, the parallel lines running down the sides emphasize the sleekness of the Mazda6e’s silhouette, while the light catching effect of the lower door shapes, is another example of how the surfacing of Kodo design uniquely creates the expression of movement. The Mazda6e’s 19-inch wheels have a range-boosting aerodynamic design that features a sporty five-spoke design with flat black surfaces.
At the rear the Mazda6e’s stylish rear lamp design and horizontal taillight bar ensure a light signature as distinctive as the front, while newly designed Mazda lettering replaces the brand logo badge at the rear of the car. Another unique for Mazda feature is the electronically extendable rear spoiler that’s both aesthetically pleasing and enhances stability at speed.
Inside, the Mazda6e’s cabin is flooded with natural light thanks to a panoramic roof that contributes to an airy ambiance and sense of space. Designed to deliver sophisticated simplicity, the spacious interior is inspired by the Japanese concept of “Ma” which emphasizes the beauty of space and the floating center console and instrument panel enhance this sense of lightness. Premium materials such as Nappa leather with suede cloth woven fabric are used.
So made in China cars are making strides everywhere
ReplyDeleteHopefully Mazda Ph brings in at least the hybrid version and undercuts the Camry in terms of pricing
ReplyDeleteI'd still buy a camry even if the mazda 6 is cheaper. I don't wanna buy anything based from chinese crap
DeleteYou mean the EZ6?
DeleteEZ6 is the China market name. Mazda6e for international markets.
DeleteYeah just like Tesla and iPhones. Foreign brands quality + china’s low labor costs = win win
ReplyDeleteTesla and iphones were designed in the U.S. and made all over the world. This Mazda is just a rebadge on a Chinese made car to make a buck or two. This will destroy the credibility of Mazda
DeleteTheir credibility will be fine. Only the poorly informed masses think that China's best local design capabilities are uncompetitive. If Mazda execs/engineers were impressed enough to trust them then maybe give them the benefit of the doubt. It's ironic that you're even talking down design in the comments section of them literally getting an award for design.
DeleteYou even have cases like with the recent Sony-TCL deal where TCL will be in charge of the entire Sony/Bravia TV business so it will be TCL's designs that will be in everything. Enough examples exist to say that that's just where their level is at right now.
Sony exited the TV business as they can't compete in price with the Chinese manufacturers with their lower labor costs. I bought a 50" TCL tv and it has a discoloration after a year while my old 32" Sanyo TV is fine and still working after a decade
DeleteSony didn't exit the business. It's a joint venture (TCL 51%, Sony 49%). If they wanted to fully exit they could've just sold the Bravia line. With that said, your anecdotes are (no offense meant) meaningless in the grand scheme of things.
DeleteIt’s a Changan Deepal
ReplyDeleteChDM namba wan!.
ReplyDeleteBuild an all new mazda 6 and put the 3.3 inline 6 in there. Make it happen.
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone buy this? Buyers will just buy the original Changan vehicle rather than pay a lot more for the Mazda badge (whatever that's worth)
ReplyDelete