Sit! Mazda’s tech-heavy EZ-60 follows orders like a well-trained canine

Ignore the peculiarly dark images above, this could turn out to be a Most Significant car. For the EZ-60 is Mazda’s second attempt at an EV in partnership with Changan Automobile, following in the slipstream of the magnificent EZ-6 saloon.

Before you roll your eyes at yet another China-only irrelevance, consider this: the EZ-6 was eventually confirmed for Europe. And then it was confirmed for the UK. And given the only EV Mazda sells here (still) is the slightly woeful MX-30, we can’t see why the EZ-60 crossover wouldn’t follow the same trajectory.

Available as either full battery-electric or less full plug-in hybrid, Mazda has done what it does best and started with dynamics to the detriment of all else. Yep, it’s rear-wheel drive. Yep, it’s got 50:50 weight distribution (well, the PHEV does). And yep, it’s got electronically controlled dampers to help satisfy the company credo. Jinba-ittai, of course.

No performance details as yet – other than a 373-mile range for the BEV and 621 for the PHEV – but there’s tech details in spades. A ‘smart’ cabin utilises voice, touch and gesture control, presumably because the far side of that 26.54in, 5K screen is impossible to reach.

There’s a 23-speaker sound system – including speakers in the headrests in case the driver and passenger want Classic FM and Spotify’s Dubstep Classics simultaneously – and there’s intelligent anti-collision software to prevent, well, that’s self-explanatory isn’t it.

There’s also a sophisticated parking system that allows you to boss the car into a space while you’re stood outside it. Pocket full of treats required, presumably.

At first glance we’re not as sold on the styling as we were with the EZ-6, but Mazda’s FUTURE + SOUL x MODERN design theme (nope, us neither) incorporates some aero efficiency measures. Hence the camera mirrors, which experience tells us are universally rubbish. Oh well.

The EZ-60 will go on sale in China later this year. After that who knows, but Mazda could do with a few more ZEVs on these shores to hit those emissions targets. Just sayin’...