Copyright dailyrecord
In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John gets behind the wheel of an all-new Mazda which won't go on sale here until next June, and passes on dark winter day driving tips from motoring safety organisation GEM. The Mazda6e will not go on sale in the UK until June next year but this week I got the chance to drive the left hand drive version which is already on sale in mainland Europe. The stylish electric newcomer features fastback saloon looks and is the result of a collaboration with Chinese manufacturer Deepal. Its looks offer a fresh take on the handsome Mazda6 which was available across three generations from 2002 to 2023 and was popular in the UK and Europe. The Japanese manufacturer has done its best to make sure the 6e still feels like a Mazda, with a premium interior, a sporty exterior design and well-equipped and finished trim levels. The 6e has been launched with a choice of two battery packs - a 68.8kWh unit or a ‘Long Range’ 80kWh version - but it has still to be decided if both will be offered here. I got behind the wheel of the 80kWh model, which comes with an electric motor that produces 240bhp and 320Nm of torque. It is no slouch with 0-60mph taking 7.6 seconds before going on to a top speed of 109mph. Mazda claims the car can travel up to 345miles and can cope with 95kW DC rapid-charging allowing for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to take 45 minutes. The smaller 68.8kWh setup provides a claimed electric range of up to 300 miles and surprisingly supports 200kW DC rapid-charging, which can top-up the car from 10 to 80 per cent in just 22 minutes. Mazda’s ‘Kodo Soul of Motion’ design language means the 6e has a great look and good kerb appeal. At the front, the car features slim front headlights that flow into the grille, while its quad rear circular taillights have been inspired by the old Mazda RX-7 sports coupe from the 1990s. Nice touches are the frameless window surrounds, which give a more premium look, while flush door handles and a floating rear spoiler are there to help improve air flow around the car. The spoiler can be deployed manually by the driver or automatically at certain speeds. The 6e’s interior has a lovely upmarket feel with a choice of materials and finishes. There are stacks of storage space under the centre console, a large glovebox and a wireless charger. Sadly, there is a lack of buttons for climate control and other functions with everything being operated from the large touchscreen, but this means that even the simplest of tasks is difficult and distracting while on the move. There is lots of space for all occupants with good head, leg and shoulder room and it is easy to find a comfortable driving position. The boot has a 466-litre capacity, while the rear seats fold down to increase that space to 1074 litres, and there is also a 72-litre trunk under the bonnet to store the charging cables. A drain plug enables you to pack away wet wellies or other gear. Mazda has still to reveal prices and specifications for the UK market but the European spec Takumi model I sampled came with all the creature comforts you could want and attractive 19-inch alloy wheels. On the open road the car performs well and the cabin is refined and well-insulated from road noise. The drive is comfortable rather than sporty but the electric motor provides lots of power when it is needed. The driver can also select from three driving modes. As you would expect the car is crammed with driver aids and all the latest safety features and has already been awarded the Euro NCAP five star safety rating. Commenting on the reveal of the all-new Mazda6e, Jeremy Thomson, managing director, Mazda Motors UK, said: "The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles. "And with the suspension, power steering and braking carefully calibrated by the team at Mazda Research Europe in Frankfurt to match European and UK preferences, I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers the engaging driver experience you’d expect from Mazda." He added : "In the UK we are facing some unique and complex challenges in the balance between EV legislation and consumer demand but at Mazda we will introduce new models and ensure our product range fits the pace of actual consumer demand in the UK with technologies that are amongst the best in the market. "When it arrives in UK showrooms in 2026, the Mazda6e will be a fantastic and timely addition to our multi-solution approach that includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric offerings." Meanwhile, with the return of darker winter evenings, road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is concerned at the number of drivers taking to the roads with defective vision. Far more than a personal safety issue, GEM says people driving with substandard vision pose a significant risk to anyone sharing the road with them. Up to 3000 casualties every year in the UK are linked to poor driver vision. Research also reveals that one in seven people said they have a relative, friend or co-worker they know to be breaking the law over eyesight requirements, while one in five drivers has not had an eye test in more than two years. The situation worsens as daylight hours diminish and winter conditions set in, with collision risk rising around 20 per cent on dark, wet evenings compared with dry daylight conditions. GEM Motoring Assist says that simply ensuring your eyes - and your vehicle - are ready for winter driving can dramatically cut the risk of a crash. James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety, explained that it should be a simple and straightforward process to reduce this risk. "Vision loss can creep up gradually, and many people don’t realise how much their sight has deteriorated. Regular eye checks should be as routine as an MOT for your car," he said. GEM’s advice for staying safe in the dark: - Book a vision test if you haven’t had one recently. If you notice changes in your vision, or suspect things might be changing, book an eye test as soon as possible. - Clean your windscreen, mirrors and spectacles before every journey to maximise visibility. - Check your headlights and rear lights frequently, ensuring bulbs and lenses are clean and functional. - Avoid tinted glasses at night, which can reduce the ability to detect hazards or pedestrians. - Plan your journey around poor weather and consider delaying travel during periods of heavy rain or high winds. - Slow down or stop somewhere safe if you find yourself dazzled by low sunlight or headlight glare. Don’t drive again until your vision recovers. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
