- Mazda Arata concept unveiled at Beijing Auto Show
- Previews a production electric SUV expected next year
- Appears to be based on a Chinese platform and may only be offered in China
Mazda got its fingers burned with the quirky, impractical MX-30, but the brand’s new Arata concept looks far more promising. It previews a production model aimed directly at the best-known electric SUV of them all, Tesla’s Model Y.
The Arata was unveiled at this week’s Beijing Auto Show alongside the production version of the new rear-wheel drive EZ-6 sedan. And although the SUV isn’t as far along the development process as the 6 is, it’s definitely heading for the street. Mazda says the finished EV will be available to buy in China next year with a fully-electric powerplant, but doesn’t confirm if a hybrid engine or Western sales are also on the cards.
Related: New Mazda6 Reborn As The Electric RWD EZ-6, But Only In China
Mazda describes the SUV’s design theme as “soulful + futuristic x modern” and the press blurb draws attention to the chunky doors that compress the window area and give the Arata a solid, purposeful stance. It’s certainly got far more presence and character than a Tesla Model Y.
The hood appears to be recessed allowing air drawn in through the grille to pass across it, just like on Dodge’s new electric Charger Daytona, and Mazda says the front fenders and rear pillars also feature similar “air tunnels.”
We’re not fans of the illuminated white “MAZDA” lettering on the sill panels, and we imagine that will be gone by the time the production version arrives. But the also-illuminated red lettering on the rear, again spelling out the brand name, looks like the kind of detail that could make it to the showroom. Mazda didn’t release any images of the concept’s interior or give away any drivetrain specifics.
Unfortunately for those of us in the West, it seems the Arata will only be offered in China. Mazda has confirmed that the EZ-6 and a series of future EVs – which we can only presume include the production Arata – have been developed in conjunction with China’s Changan Automobile. Changan currently offers a similar-sized SUV called the Shenlan S7 with both electric and range-extender hybrid power, so it seems logical that Mazda would use that as the base for its own electric SUV.
Would you like to see Mazda bring this Model Y-fighter to the rest of the world? Leave a comment and let us know.
