By Breda Corrigan
Described by Mazda as being the EV (Electric Vehicle) for people “who don’t want to sacrifice driving pleasure” when choosing an electric car, the all-new Mazda MX-30 certainly has carried this philosophy through to production.
The MX-30 is Mazda’s first all-electric production vehicle, and in keeping with current market trends, is predictably a Crossover. It’s been conceived and created with Mazda’s well-renowned focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, driver focused dynamics and class-leading interior quality.
Aerodynamically Efficient;
The striking MX-30 is based on the handsome Mazda CX-30 Compact SUV and magnificent Mazda3 family car, but it is lower and sleeker to improve aerodynamic efficiency. A unique design feature of the MX-30 is the inclusion of ‘freestyle doors’ – essentially rear doors which open in an opposite fashion to traditional rear doors – a feature which graced the wonderful rotary-engined Mazda RX-8 coupé from 2003-2012. The front doors open to an angle of 82-degrees, while the rear doors open backwards to an angle of 80-degrees, thereby allowing easy access to the rear of the car. The ‘freestyle doors’ made sense on the RX-8 coupé and they make even more sense on the tall, front-wheel drive crossover body of the MX-30.
Inviting Interior Space;
The impressive interior of the new Mazda MX-30 is finished with the highest levels of comfort in mind. By using a range of exquisitely crafted, eco-friendly materials, the interior is an inviting space, that invigorates and stimulates the driver each time they get behind the wheel. Mazda developed materials such as recycled PET with natural textures for the door trims. Real leather is mostly replaced with a vegan alternative, while for the centre console Mazda has used environmentally-sourced cork. The result is an interior which makes occupants feel warm and welcome every second they spend inside the all-new Mazda MX-30.
Easy Charging Options;
The Mazda MX-30 is equipped with a light battery (with a capacity of 35.5kWh) which has a cruising range of 200km, or up to 262km in an urban environment, while a charging time up to 80% with a 50kWh quick charger is 30-40 minutes.
Mazda’s justification for using a relatively small battery in the MX-30 is that most users don’t actually need a bigger battery, and making those big batteries involves a lot of raw materials and energy. The new MX-30 premieres Mazda’s ingenious zero-emission SKYACTIV-e powerplant. Staying true to the ‘Jinbai Ittai – car and driver as one’ ethos – found across Mazda’s combustion engine range, the MX-30 has been engineered to drive more dynamically than any other car in its segment. The new MX-30 is equipped with both a ‘Type 2 mode 2’ charge cable for 3-pin plug charging, and a ‘Type 2 mode 3’ charge cable for AC charging via home or public charge points.
MyMazda App & Connected Services;
The all-electric Mazda MX-30 is the first in the range to benefit from the latest MyMazda app. It introduces Connected Services across Europe with advanced functionality that removes the barriers between the car and driver to create a seamless ownership experience. Functions include notifications if a driver forgets to plug in the charging cable, the ability to control charging using a timer, monitoring charging progress, and a range indicator. In addition to the latest upgrades, the MyMazda app gives MX-30 drivers real-time information on charging point availability and location, allows them to view key information such as plug types and opening hours, plus send the destination directly to the navigation system within seconds. Other convenient functions of the upgraded app include being able to control the air-conditioning settings remotely. As no engine is required, users can define the cabin temperature, turn on/off windscreen ventilation and adjust the rear screen heating before entering the vehicle. The ability to pre-warm, or pre-cool the car while it is plugged in reduces demand on the battery once driving.
Extensive Specification;
Trim levels in the new MX-30 consist of GS-L, GT, GT Sport (bright or dark trim options), and a limited-run First Edition (bright or dark) model, all of which offer exceptional value considering the extensive specification on offer. Even entry-level GS-L specification includes 18″ Silver Metallic alloy wheels, 8 speaker sound system, Blind Spot Monitoring, burglar alarm with intruder sensor and siren, front & rear parking sensors, LED headlights with daytime running lights, satellite navigation, Radar Cruise Control, rear camera and Smart Brake Support, along with many more comfort, convenience and safety features.
Test Car;
My test car was a Mazda MX-30 ‘First-Edition’, which looked ultra-stylish in Ceramic Metallic 3 Tone paintwork. The electric motor in the MX-30 produces 145PS (143bhp) and 271Nm of torque for brisk acceleration. When called upon, the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.7-seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 140km/h. The MX-30 inherits the fun factor from its Mazda3 and CX-30 siblings, with sporty handling, supple ride quality and solid body control through corners. The car’s rigid body structure was made possible by a bracing ring positioned around the low-placed Panasonic battery pack, while Mazda’s Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus system enhances chassis performance by using motor torque to optimise the front-to-rear load shift for improved stability. Mazda has engineered the torque delivery in the MX-30 to be more linear than most EV rivals, which makes the car easier to adjust to for drivers from a combustion-engine background. Mazda has provided steering wheel paddles to enable driver adjustment of the brake regeneration, while the car also offers an artificial sound to indicate either acceleration or deceleration.
Standard upgrade features in the limited-run First Edition Mazda MX-30 include an auto-dimming frameless inner mirror, front seat heaters, 18” Bright Metallic Alloy Wheels, mirror and head-up display memory, driving position memory, dark cloth and leather-alternative seating, power driver seat (8-way and lumbar), adaptive LED headlights, front and rear LED signature lights, rear privacy glass, piona black window garnish, cork inner door grip, and a satin plated D-pillar finish.
Pricing;
The all-new, all-electric Mazda MX-30 is a genuinely appealing EV which promises to be easy to live with, and easy on the pocket too. Pricing for the all-new Mazda MX-30 starts at just €30,975, and if you are quick enough, the limited-run First-Edition represent terrific value at just €31,795. Prices quoted are inclusive of an SEAI grant of up to €5,000 for private customers and a VRT rebate (T’s & C’s apply).
