Mazda has, for a while now, been leaning heavily into its Japanese heritage, especially into the craft and craftsmanship that's almost inherent to Japanese culture.
Doubtless, the car maker sees it as a way of distinguishing itself from incoming Chinese competition and frankly, bravo - some recent Mazdas have not only been good cars but also something of a cultural education.
So what are we learning about today?
Today, kids, we'll be learning about the Japanese concept of 'Ma', which is meant to emphasise both space and aesthetic balance, while doing so in a warm and welcoming way.
That's what Mazda is claiming for the interior of its new electric CX-6e SUV, which goes on sale in Ireland very soon. While an EV is, kind of naturally, rather forward-looking, Mazda wants to use Ma to give the car's cabin a sense of reassuring tradition.
How does it work?
The idea is that 'Ma' allows the CX-6e's cabin to feel clean, calm and uncluttered. This starts with a strong horizontal line and layout to the dashboard, with background lighting emphasising the width of the cabin. That's backed up by a full-length panoramic glass roof which lets in lots of light.
I think we need an expert to talk us through this…
That's OK - we have one; Jo Stenuit, Mazda Motor Europe's Design Director, who said of the CX-6e's inherent sense of 'Ma': "With the Mazda CX‑6e, our ambition was to create an interior that feels soulful and deeply human, even in the context of electrification. We explored bold proportions and clean, sculptural surfaces to express innovation, while carefully integrating materials and details that invite touch and interaction. The result is an interior that feels modern and progressive, yet calm, welcoming and unmistakably Mazda.”
What else makes this cabin 'Ma'?
Interestingly, given all the traditional Japanese influence, Mazda says that the CX-6e's cabin was designed with considerable European input, which has helped to create, so Mazda claims, "clarity and ease of use. Controls and displays are positioned logically to reduce distraction and support a natural driving experience. The simplified layout also improves space for both front and rear passengers, making the CX‑6e well-suited for everyday use as well as longer journeys.”
"The electric platform allowed us to rethink the interior completely. We focused on space, clarity and intuitive use to meet the expectations of European customers,” said Filip Boshevski, Lead Interior Designer, Mazda Motor Europe.
Does colour make a difference to the Mazda CX-6e?
It does - Mazda says that the CX-6e's cabin will be available in three colour schemes, which are "rooted in Japanese design principles of harmony and balance." Those are Warm beige (available for Takumi models), Black Maztex (also for Takumi) and Two‑tone Amethyst and White Maztex (for Takumi Plus models).
"We focused on creating balanced colour combinations that feel timeless. By carefully coordinating tones, textures and lighting, we aimed to design an interior that supports relaxation and emotional well-being, while subtly expressing Mazda's Japanese heritage in a modern electric context. Our main inspiration for colour contrast was Japanese art, particularly the work of Hiroshi Senju, which guided our colour exploration,” said Alena Gersonde, Senior Designer Colour & Material design Mazda Motor Europe.
When can I buy a Mazda CX-6e?
Very soon now. It should launch in Ireland before the end of this year. Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the car is on Mazda Ireland's website should you wish to register your interest.