China Motor Show 2024: Mazda previews Tesla Model Y rival with new concept

Mazda has unveiled a new concept at the 2024 Beijing motor show which previews plans for a rival to the Tesla Model Y, the world's best-selling new car.

The showroom version of the Arata concept is due in Chinese Mazda dealers sometime next year, and is expected to offer a choice of plug-in hybrid, or fully-electric power.

However, it may never be sold outside of China, as it is understood to be closely related to vehicles from Changan, Mazda's joint-venture partner in the country – and is not confirmed to be manufactured in right-hand drive.

Due in Chinese showrooms later this year is the Mazda EZ-6, the sedan sibling to the Arata concept – available with plug-in hybrid and electric power as a Tesla Model 3 rival.

A Mazda Australia spokesperson told Drive "we can't comment on any future local model plans", and that Mazda head office in Japan is "currently studying whether to release the [EZ-6] outside of China," statements which likely apply to the Arata.

While the simplified lines of the concept make it hard to confirm, given the EZ-6 is heavily based on the Deepal SL03, the Arata may be a restyled version of the Deepal S7 sold by Changan in China.

The general proportions of the Arata are similar to the Changan Deepal vehicle, but the Mazda wears different doors, lights, and unique front and rear fascias.

MORE: 2024 Mazda EZ-6 electric car to take on Tesla Model 3, not for Australia yet

It is more sharply styled than Mazda's current range of SUVs – including the similarly-sized CX-5 and CX-60 – but the illumination around the closed-off front grille, and tail-light design are intended to tie it in with petrol Mazda models.

The Japanese car maker has trademarked 'EZ-60' in China, which would fit with the two-letter, two-digit number naming scheme used by Mazda's CX-30, CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs.

Mazda's media release highlights 'air tunnels' on the edge of the bonnet – above the 'grille' panel – and rear window pillars to help channel air over the body and improve aerodynamics for a longer driving range.

No specifications of the Arata concept have been published, though if it is a sibling of the Deepal S7, it may measure about 4750mm long, 1930mm wide and 1625mm tall, on a 2900mm wheelbase.

The Deepal S7 is a similar size to a Tesla Model Y and Mazda CX-60, and is 175mm longer nose to tail than a Mazda CX-5.

The S7 is available in two electric variants offering 520km to 620km of claimed driving range, and a 30 to 80 per cent fast charge in 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, two plug-in hybrid versions are offered, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 31kWh battery for up to 200km of electric-only driving range, and 1120km of range in hybrid mode.