Mazda New Zealand is considering adding an electric SUV to its lineup, with the Chinese-developed EZ-60 currently on their radar.
Paul Sherley, Mazda’s product and communications manager in New Zealand, confirmed that the brand is actively reviewing the possibility of importing the EZ-60 into the local market. This comes after Mazda recently announced plans to bring the 6E electric sedan from China to New Zealand in 2026.
While the 6E sedan will likely appeal to a specific segment of buyers, Sherley notes that an SUV is more likely to attract a broader audience given the current market trends. The EZ-60 rides on the same EPA1 platform as the 6E and can be configured in both battery-electric (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) forms.
The BEV variant offers two NMC batteries: a smaller 66.8kWh pack with a claimed range of 520km, and a larger 79.97kWh version that stretches to 620km. The EREV model uses a 31.73kWh LFP battery paired with a 1.5-litre petrol generator for an estimated 160km of all-electric driving before the engine kicks in.
Both powertrain options use a rear-mounted electric motor producing 235hp (BEV) or 255hp (EREV). The SUV measures 4850mm long with a generous 2902mm wheelbase, slotting it into the mid-size crossover segment. It boasts practical features such as 350 litres of boot space expandable to up to 2036 litres when seats are folded.
Inside and out, the EZ-60 adopts Mazda’s Kodo design language but with a more modern twist due to its development in China. The SUV is loaded with advanced driver assistance systems, featuring five radars, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors for Level 2 autonomous driving capability.
Mazda NZ has yet to decide on which powertrain option or options will be brought to the local market, but Sherley assures that the evaluation process is ongoing. With New Zealand’s shift towards more sustainable transportation solutions, the addition of an EV SUV could prove timely and beneficial for Mazda’s customer base.
It remains unclear when a final decision might be made regarding the EZ-60’s entry into the Kiwi market, but its potential to tap into the growing appetite for electric vehicles certainly makes it worth watching. As New Zealand continues to embrace electrified mobility, the EZ-60 could play a significant role in shaping Mazda’s next phase of growth.
