Step inside the Mazda6e for the first time and it’s clear this is a space where modern technology, beautiful design and refined comfort converge. The designers of the Mazda6e’s cabin based their craftmanship on the simplicity of Japanese aesthetics according to ma – the Japanese philosophy that places special importance on empty space between things, creating a balanced and tranquil atmosphere for the body as well as the mind.
Welcoming, calm and premium in feel, the uncluttered layout and quality of the Mazda6e’s cabin is an example of ma within an automotive space. The result is a roomy and inviting interior that puts occupants at ease within an environment that majors on serenity rather than complication. The thin horizontal element running across the width of the dashboard achieves a ‘floating’ expression, creating a visual lightness throughout the cabin.
The sophisticated simplicity continues with a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light and further contributes to the sense of space. Featuring tinted glass and heat insulation as standard, the sunroof is paired with an electric sunshade in the Takumi Plus grade.
Another example of the attention to the character of the cabin is the ambient lighting, which with 64-colour options is highly customisable. When it comes to seat design, both form and function was equally considered, with the mono-form front seats and their integrated headrests offering a clean and elegant look at the same time as delivering excellent comfort.
Across the two model grades there are three colour variations: Takumi models come with a choice of Stone or Black Maztex^ artificial leather, while Takumi Plus cars have Tan Nappa Leather with artificial suede cloth woven fabric seat trim. Both models feature powered tilt, slide, recline, height and lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, plus memory settings, while both front seats have heat and ventilation as standard. Steering wheel heating is standard across both models, while a wide range of telescopic and height adjustment on the steering wheel helps with the ease of getting comfortable behind the wheel.
Creating a cohesive interior design and theme matched to the seat upholstery, Takumi cars feature a black soft-touch dash panel with silver accents, while Takumi Plus has a tan artificial suede dash panel with stitching and titanium accents, which matched to the rich tan artificial suede on the doors gives the cabin a high-class yet comforting ambiance.
Alongside the concept of ma, the other Japanese cultural inspiration in the cabin is Omotenashi – the Japanese spirit of hospitality. From the moment the driver approaches the Mazda6e follows this essence of welcome and thoughtful anticipation by activating Welcome Mode – unfolding the mirrors, presenting the door handles and creating a greeting with its unique exterior light signature, while inside the driver’s seat can be set to move back 10cm for easy entry and then return to its pre-set position once inside. The sequence can play in reverse when leaving the car reflecting the Mazda6e’s attention to comfort and ease of use.
For both the driver and passengers, the dimensions of the Mazda6e’s interior ensure it’s a comfortable place to spend time – in fact many of the interior dimensions are among the best in its class. Front and rear headroom measure 988mm and 963mm respectively, while shoulder room comes in at 1,478mm in the front and 1,416mm in the back. Legroom for rear passengers is generous, while particularly when travelling in the back the standard panoramic glass roof really aids the sense of space and connection with the outside, yet at the same time standard rear privacy glass delivers security and cooling.
Cabin practicality has not been ignored either, both models feature door pockets, a deep cooled centre storage bin, two front cupholders, seatback pockets and an illuminated glovebox. The rear seats fold 60/40, while thanks to the Mazda6e’s practical hatchback body style the 337-litre boot ensures luggage space is a strong point. Additionally, there’s a 72-litre front boot space that’s ideal for storing charging cables, while loading to the roofline increases rear boot space to 466 litres and with the seats folded there’s a huge 1,074 litres of carrying capacity. A powered tailgate is standard on both models, further helping practicality.
Combining space, comfort and style, the Mazda6e’s interior is designed to welcome, relax, engage and reassure in equal measure.