Is this Mazda's answer to the Tesla Model Y? Mazda CX-6e trademark points to production version of Arata electric car concept to face-up against 2025 Kia EV5 and Toyota bZ4X: Reports

Mazda’s electric car offensive seems to be gathering steam. 

The brand applied to trademark the name ‘CX-6e’ with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) earlier this month, as discovered by Autoguide.

The latest development follows Mazda applying for ‘Mazda 6e’ in March, with that name being cleared for use in July. But the question of what shape these models will take remains. 

Autoguide speculates that Mazda could develop a Toyota bZ4X-based model called the CX-6e for Europe. In Europe, Mazda and Toyota do occasionally work closely, with the region’s Mazda2 small car being a re-faced Toyota Yaris.

However, it is more likely Mazda will lean on its joint venture with Chinese carmaker Changan Auto and sell a version of its China-market ‘EZ-6’ and Arata concept in Europe and other markets.

The CX-6e trademark is unlikely to be used for a plug-in hybrid version of the CX-60 as that already exists in Europe and Australia, so really all signs point to a similar-sized electric model. 

Last month, a press release was issued to PR Newswire stating the Mazda-Changan joint EZ-6 was coming to Europe noting that the European team had completed tuning at Changan’s testing ground in Chongqing. 

Mazda Australia claims this press release does not concern the Australian market, though as with EZ-6 designs registered in EUIPO documents, it seems the sedan is destined to become a global product eventually, potentially the 6e. 

The stats at launch promised a front-wheel drive vehicle available in battery electric guise with 600km driving range or plug-in hybrid version boasting 1000km from a charge and full tank. 

Both models are medium in size, with the EZ-6 sedan therefore facing the Toyota Camry while the Arata (or CX-6e) has a busier segment including the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV5.

The sedan’s platform is expected to form the base of the handsome Arata concept’s production model. Mazda showed this SUV alongside the sedan at last year's Beijing motor show and the new trademark suggests it will also be sold in Europe. 

Furthermore, it pours cold water on the idea that the Arata/CX-6e will be a spiritual CX-5 replacement. Mazda Australia’s marketing boss Alastair Doak promised Oz “will definitely have a next-generation CX-5, absolutely, that’s the plan,” so expect the CX-6e to be larger and more electrified than the popular mid-size SUV. 

Doak also told CarsGuide that Mazda Australia will get a fuller portfolio of electric-only and plug-in hybrid models: “Australia remains one of the biggest global markets for Mazda. So of course, we’ll be part of those conversations.”