Chosen by a panel of globally recognized design experts, the Mazda6e stands among the industry’s most innovative and emotionally compelling vehicles. This recognition highlights Mazda’s continued commitment to human‑centered design, artistry, and the brand’s evolving Kodo – Soul of Motion philosophy adapted for an electrified era.
The Mazda6e was selected alongside four other finalists from a broad pool of eligible vehicles available across multiple global markets. Finalists were evaluated on overall design excellence, innovation, and their contribution to shaping the future of mobility.
“We are honoured that the Mazda6e has been named a finalist for the 2026 World Car Design of the Year,” said Jo Stenuit, Mazda Motor Europe‘s Design Director. “This vehicle represents the next chapter of Mazda design – elegant, pure, and emotionally resonant, while embracing the possibilities of electrification. Being recognised by such respected global experts is a testament to the creativity and passion of our design teams worldwide.”
Top Three in the World finalists will be revealed on March 3, 2026, via World Car TV. Winners across all six award categories will be announced on April 1, 2026, during the live ceremony at the New York International Auto Show.
Mazda congratulates all finalists and looks forward to the final results as the global jury of 98 automotive journalists continues its evaluation.
For more than a century, Mazda has earned a reputation for blending Japanese aesthetic principles with bold, forward‑thinking innovation – a philosophy that reaches its purest expression in the Kodo – Soul of Motion design language. Since its introduction in 2011/2012, Kodo has shaped a new generation of vehicles that resonate deeply with customers and media alike, capturing attention through their sculptural beauty, emotional presence, and a sense of movement even at rest.
This design evolution builds on Mazda’s long legacy of iconic creations – from early rotarypowered models to modern concept statements like the Vision Coupe or Iconic SP. At the same time, production vehicles have continued to gain worldwide recognition. Among them, the Mazda MX-51, and latest generation of Mazda3 which both received the World Car of the Year awards, standing out as a symbol of Mazda’s dedication to purity, lightness, and driver focused design.
A key part of this aesthetic excellence is Mazda’s Takuminuri paint technology. Developed to achieve the depth, richness, and hand‑crafted character of traditional Japanese artistry, Takuminuri finishes create dynamic light reflections across the vehicle’s surfaces, reinforcing the sense of motion that defines Kodo. Colors such as Soul Red Crystal or Machine Grey demonstrate how paint can become an integral element of automotive sculpture.
1 Mazda MX-5 ST Skyactiv-G 132 Prime-Line, Mazda MX-5 ST Skyactiv-G 132 Exclusive-Line, Mazda MX-5 ST Skyactiv-G 132 Kazari, Mazda MX-5 RF Skyactiv-G 132 Prime-Line, Mazda MX-5 RF Skyactiv-G 132 Exclusive-Line, and Mazda MX-5 RF Skyactiv-G 132 Kazari (combined) energy consumption 6.2 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 140 g/km; CO2-class E.
