THE Mazda6e will arrive in the UK this summer with a new 78kWh single battery specification - priced at £38,995 for the Takumi and £39,995 for Takumi Plus.

With premium saloon proportions combined with hatchback functionality - the Mazda6e reinvents the Mazda6 for the electric age.

Bringing a fresh take to the well-regarded Mazda6, which across three generations from 2002 to 2023 was a popular model in the UK fleet market, the Mazda6e represents a fresh take on its predecessors, featuring a modern flowing exterior, sleek cabin design and Mazda's famed focus on the experience from behind the wheel.

Even better, the latest CAP Gold Book data for April shows the Mazda6e has a class-leading residual value prediction of 58.3 per cent - ahead of seven key segment rivals including the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, Polestar2 and Volkswagen ID.7.

Ahead of the first customer deliveries in the summer, the Mazda UK Fleet team has been introducing the Mazda6e to both fleet companies and end-user customers.

In the last few months 30 leasing companies have been shown the car and more than 120 end-used customer firms have seen the car in person.

Commenting on the Mazda6e's residual values, Mazda UK, head of fleet, Steve Tomlinson, said: "The Mazda6e is the car our fleet customers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it's a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles. The latest RV data from CAP is great news and is representative of the Mazda6e's mix of desirability, style, value and equipment".

Launched in Europe with two powertrain options - a 68.8kWh LFP or 80kWh NCM battery, the UK specification Mazda6e simplifies the offering with a single 78kWh LFP battery that combines the best of both in terms of range, performance and charging times.

The new 78kWh battery delivers a combined range of 348 miles, while 10 to 80 per cent charging on a 195kW DC charger takes 24 minutes. With a 258ps power output the rear-wheel drive Mazda6e will reach 62mph in 7.9 seconds and with 290Nm of torque delivers great real-world performance.

Designed under the concept of ‘Electrifying Design Crafted to Perfection' the Mazda6e introduces the next evolution of Mazda's ‘Kodo Soul of Motion' design philosophy.

Standout design details include frameless doors and a bold lighting signature - all of which create a seamless and modern appearance.

At the front a new glowing signature wing illuminates round the grille to give a unique face to the Mazda6e. It features dynamic illumination which makes the wings appear to flutter when the car is charging, while the lighting also indicates charge status.

At the rear the Mazda6e's stylish rear lamp design and horizontal taillight bar give a light signature as distinctive as the front, while newly designed Mazda lettering replaces the brand logo badge at the rear of the car.

Another unique for Mazda feature is the electronically extendable rear spoiler enhances stability at speed.

Inside, the Mazda6e's cabin has a panoramic roof that contributes to an airy ambiance and sense of space.

The driver-focused cockpit features a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch instrument set, complemented by an augmented reality head-up display.

The first Mazda6e will arrive this summer, while later in the year the next chapter in Mazda's BEV story will arrive in the UK - with the debut of the all-new Mazda CX-6e SUV.