Mazda 6E vs Jayco Penguin

What's the difference?

Mazda never had high hopes for the MX-30, it was always intended as a niche offering, but that is not the case with the 6e. The company is keeping its expectations in check, with sales of EVs seemingly returning to pre-oil crisis levels, but clearly there is a hope that this new-generation EV can help it catch up in the electric car race.

Certainly there is a lot to like with the 6e, starting with the price. It’s a cheaper alternative to both the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3, so it starts strongly and then builds on that with the kind of design and driving experience we expect from Mazda.

There are definitely elements that need improvement, primarily the active safety calibration, but overall Mazda’s second electric car has a much better chance of success.

Given the similarities between the two, the cheaper price of the GT makes it the pick of the pair.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

At nearly $25,000 the Penguin can't really be called cheap, but what does make it worth a look is the completely contained living space – the sitting, sleeping and cooking are all done inside, and that's a boon when the weather turns.

It's ideal if you want the comfort of a caravan without the bulk of one, and the ease of towing a more traditional camper-trailer offers, without the struggle of set-up.