CarFest 2025 promises a spectacular weekend of entertainment, innovation and family fun when it returns to Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire from 22–24 August. Among the highlights for this year’s edition – the 14th since its founding by broadcaster Chris Evans – is the eagerly anticipated UK debut of the all-new Mazda6e, a battery-electric reinvention of a fan-favourite saloon, showcased to the public well ahead of its 2026 market launch.
Mazda’s presence at the festival goes far beyond a product preview. As official sponsor of both the StarFest Stage and Club CarFest, Mazda UK is immersing itself in the heart of the action, helping to deliver an electric atmosphere by day and night. With a crowd of more than 30,000 attendees expected daily, CarFest offers the perfect stage for Mazda’s bold entry into a new era of electrification.
An Electrifying Introduction: Mazda6e Takes Centre Stage
Positioned right next to the CarFest demo track’s startline, the Mazda stand will play host to the all-new Mazda6e – the brand’s first fully electric saloon and a striking reimagining of the much-loved Mazda6. Making its global debut earlier this year in Brussels, the Mazda6e will now be seen for the first time on UK soil.
Designed under the theme ‘Electrifying Design Crafted to Perfection’, the Mazda6e represents the latest evolution of Mazda’s renowned Kodo – Soul of Motion design language. It features sleek proportions, a low roofline, frameless doors, and dynamic surfacing, creating a coupe-like silhouette that fuses form with function. Design highlights include a glowing front signature wing light that flutters while charging, a distinctive horizontal taillight bar, and a first for Mazda – an electronically extendable rear spoiler to aid high-speed stability.
Inside, the Mazda6e embraces minimalist sophistication with a Japanese-inspired ‘Ma’ philosophy, blending openness and tranquility. A panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, while floating consoles and premium materials elevate the sense of space and quality. Two trim levels will be available: Takumi, featuring artificial leather in beige or black, and Takumi Plus, which introduces luxurious tan Nappa leather finishes.
On the tech front, drivers will benefit from a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and an augmented reality head-up display, all wrapped in a driver-focused layout that stays true to Mazda’s driver-first ethos.
Under the sleek bodywork, the Mazda6e is offered in Europe with two battery options. A 68.8kWh variant delivers up to 300 miles of range and supports 200kW DC fast charging, while the larger 80kWh version extends range to 345 miles and charges from 10–80% in 45 minutes. Both configurations power a rear-wheel-drive layout with 320Nm of torque, balancing practicality and performance – and proving that driving pleasure hasn’t been sacrificed in the transition to electric.
Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, calls the new model “a real statement of intent for the future,” adding:
“The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for. It illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles, while retaining the brand’s hallmark driver engagement.”
A Celebration Beyond Cars
CarFest, however, is about much more than just cars. With seven festival zones dedicated to everything from wellbeing and comedy to food and family activities, it’s a fully immersive weekend for all ages.
Mazda’s sponsorship of the StarFest Stage and Club CarFest brings even more excitement. The daytime StarFest stage will see appearances from beloved UK personalities including comedians Chris McCausland, Lee Mack, and Rob Brydon, actor Ben Miller, and food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, alongside Billy Billingham from SAS: Who Dares Wins.
As day turns to night, the space transforms into Club CarFest, soundtracked by top DJs like MistaJam, Chris Watson, and DJ Tobes, bringing a high-energy close to each festival evening.
Mazda UK Marketing Director, James Crouch, commented on the brand’s involvement:
“CarFest is the perfect place to showcase our new all-electric Mazda6e to the UK public for the first time. As partners of the StarFest Stage and Club CarFest, we’re thrilled to give festival-goers a taste of Mazda’s future while supporting an event that does such meaningful work for charity.”
Driving Change for a Cause
Since its inception, CarFest has raised over £27 million for UK children’s charities, with beneficiaries including BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, and the Teenage Cancer Trust, among others. This core charitable mission remains central to the event’s ethos, aligning with Mazda’s own commitment to community, responsibility and innovation.
Festival Director Anjna Raheja welcomed Mazda’s continued support:
“Mazda’s strong sense of identity and unique personality mirrors so much of what CarFest stands for. We are thrilled to welcome them back this year and are especially excited about the UK debut of their beautiful new electric vehicle.”
Looking Ahead
As Mazda accelerates its multi-solution approach to future mobility – encompassing mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and now fully electric vehicles – the Mazda6e represents a compelling and timely addition to its lineup. And where better to introduce this exciting evolution than at one of the UK’s most beloved and spirited festivals?
With live music from artists like Travis, Busted, Rita Ora, Reef, Sam Ryder, Madness, Squeeze, and Kim Wilde, CarFest 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event – made even more memorable by Mazda’s bold showcase of style, innovation and sustainability.
