Mazda has confirmed the debut of its first mass-production EV at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, and it has now released a teaser video for the new model’s debut on October 23. The Japanese automaker had previously run the EV architecture within the bodyshell of a CX-30, and while the teaser video doesn’t reveal much below the window line, the vehicle here does bear crossover shape.
Mazda alludes to a ‘coupe-like’ cabin, which is also hinted at by the tapering roof line, while noting that styling has been influenced “while exploring new directions more in touch with futuristic values and changing lifestyles”. The company also said that the new model’s design “embodies the expansion of Kodo’s expressive range,” which could mean that the new EV will still retain familiar cues.
So far, we know that Mazda has developed e-TPV (Electric Technology Prove-Out Vehicle) test mules which are powered by an electric motor with 140 hp and 264 Nm of torque, fed by a 35.5 kWh battery. The eventual powertrain for the model that will debut in Tokyo remains to be seen, however rumours say that the Mazda EV will come in two versions; a pure battery-electric model, and another with range extender powertrain.
This range extender unit could be a small rotary engine that was referred to last year in the company’s technology briefing, which was claimed to be compatible with a wide variety of fuels including liquified petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and possibly even hydrogen.
Mazda confirmed last year the return of the rotary for the range extender role as part of its longer-term electrification and connectivity strategies, even though it remains committed to maximising the potential of the internal combustion engine.
We’ve also seen the interior teaser, which reveals a floating centre console and the use of what appears to be natural fibres for its upholstery. A flat panel ahead of the floating console could be a vertical display. Lastly, Mazda also mentions ‘adopting a unique door concept’; what do you think it might be?
GALLERY: Mazda e-TPV electric prototype
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Life’s short. Keep calm and just enjoy your car now.
By 2035, which is 15 years more, the whole of Europe will be fully EV. There will not be anymore petrol cars being sold.
The same applies to the rest of the world.
Those countries with no EV cars are and no EV plans in their pipeline, time for you to wake up. Don’t cry later saying nobody in the world wants to buy your cars when the whole world has moved to EV and here you are still producing combustion engines in 2035.
because it’s going to be helluva more expensive in Malaysia soon. Cars will soon be unaffordable in New Malaysia.
No need to be so mysterious la, no innovation and nothing to shout about