Mazda Australia is looking into bringing in more electrified models, with a slew of new hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to be part of the global portfolio by 2025.
Mazda’s local boss, Vinesh Bhindi, said the Australian division will be considering everything its global parent can offer.
“Last year, Mazda Corporation announced it will have five hybrids, five plug-in hybrids and three EVs by 2025,” Mr Bhindi said.
“We will be considering all of what’s on our shopping list – but our intent would be to continue to offer customers options and choice.”
Mazda CX-60 teaser image
One of these new plug-in hybrids will be the all-new CX-60 PHEV, already confirmed for the Australian market in the near future.
Teased in a single image showing the LED daytime running light signature, the CX-60 will be the first model to ride on Mazda’s new Large Architecture for rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles.
Beyond the 2.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, the CX-60 will likely offer regular petrol and diesel engines, including the anticipated 48V mild-hybrid inline six petrol and diesel powertrains.
This range of engines will be available across the Large Architecture model family, which has been confirmed to include the new CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 nameplates that will be rolled out globally in the coming two years.
Mazda 6cyl MHEV powertrain
A successor to the Mazda 6 sedan and wagon will use the Large Architecture as well, suggesting the next 6 – or whatever it will be called – will move upmarket to challenge the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
It’s unclear whether these new engines will be shared with other brands, given Mazda’s relatively small footprint globally.
Toyota’s stake in the Japanese carmaker, and current collaborations like the Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid in Europe, suggests these new Large Architecture models could share parts with Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Mazda PHEV powertrain
For example, the 223kW 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid confirmed for the CX-60 is suspiciously similar in spec to the new Lexus NX450h+ and Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrids already on sale globally.
A new rear-drive platform to underpin upmarket sedans and SUVs could point to the next-generation Lexus IS/GS, as well as a new large Lexus SUV to slot between the RX and LX.
It’s also a possibility that Mazda’s self-charging hybrids could use Toyota’s tried and tested technologies, with the aforementioned EU-market Mazda 2 Hybrid potentially paving the way for models sharing Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid drivetrains.
Mazda MX-30 Electric
Finally, two further all-electric models are on the cards according to head office’s previous announcement, bolstering the existing MX-30 Electric. Whether they’re separate model lines or based on new versions of existing nameplates remains to be seen.
We could see Mazda do its own version of the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra, as well as a Large Architecture-based EV to take on the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. It’s all guesses at this point, though.
More electrified models should be nothing but good news for Australia’s second-best-selling vehicle manufacturer, which is currently quite limited in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle offerings.
The MX-30 Electric is the brand’s first EV globally, while M Hybrid versions of the Mazda 3, CX-30 and MX-30 all feature 24V mild-hybrid technology similar to premium European brands.
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Keyword: Mazda Australia keen on upcoming hybrids, PHEVs and EVs