Like many times before, Mazda again finds its car in a league of its own. The new Mazda MX-30 doesn't fit any category – it comes either as an all-electric car or a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV).
In the first case, it offers an entirely different approach compared to other brands. It doesn't try to beat rivals in terms of the max range nor attract buyers with some crazy performance numbers. Instead, it offers balance.
We could say the same thing for the mild-hybrid version. Its unique styling is a significant departure from everything we have seen in the compact crossover segment, even other Mazda models.
Case in point: While the Mazda MX-30 is based on the CX-30, both sharing a lot of parts and featuring almost the exact dimensions, they are completely different vehicles.
The First Generation of Mazda MX-30 (2020-present)
After a couple of years of development, the Mazda MX-30 was presented for the first time at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The serial production started in October of the same year, and this is the first mass-produced all-electric car by Mazda.
They offered the initial version in Japan, while versions for other markets arrived in 2020. In Australia, it debuted for the 2021 model year, with the starting price of around $34,000 for the mild-hybrid version.
On the other hand, the Mazda MX-30 price for the all-electric version starts at roughly $65,500.
The Mazda MX-30 is produced in the famous Hiroshima Plant in Japan.
Design and Dimensions
As it was already mentioned, the Mazda MX-30 is heavily based on the CX-30 model. It rides on a modified version of the company's well-known SkyActive platform, aka e-SkyActive. The key changes on the platform are in the battery accommodation, which is located under the floor.
On the other hand, the dimensions are pretty much the same as the CX-30. Both models feature 2,655mm in wheelbase, while the total length goes around 4,395mm. Both models are 1,795-mm wide, the only difference being that the MX-30 is 30mm higher than the CX-30.
Considering the platform and the fact that the battery is placed under the floor, it’s no wonder that the ground clearance is just 130mm in the case of the all-electric version. On the other hand, the MHEV model is at a pretty decent 180 millimetres from the ground.
So, the key exterior difference is in the styling. While the CX-30 shares the look with the Mazda 3 hatchback and follows the latest iteration of the gorgeous KODO design language, the Mazda MX-30 emphasizes its all-electric nature.
The front-end looks bolder, while the overall shape feels bulkier and less athletic than the CX-30. Also, this model comes with one exclusive design solution – rear-hinged rear doors, which Mazda likes to call “freestyle doors”.
Speaking of athleticism, this model features a similar suspension setup to the CX-30. You can find McPherson strut at the front, while the rear axle comes with a torsion bar. The front wheels use ventilated discs, while the rear axle is equipped with standard discs.
Mazda MX-30 Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2,655mm
- Height: 1,555mm
- Length: 4,395mm
- Width: 1,848mm
- Ground Clearance: 130mm (electric); 180mm (MHEV)
- Weight: 1,480-1,655kg
- Turning Circle: 11.4m
Mazda MX-30 Interior
Electric cars are still expensive, and most manufacturers tend to sacrifice interior quality to cut production costs or redirect resources to the drivetrain and battery technology. That's not the case with this one.
The Mazda MX-30 doesn't look cheap from the inside at all. You may count on the same level of opulence as in other Mazda models, if not even more. The dashboard borrows a lot of design solutions from the Mazda 3 and CX-30 models and comes with a simplistic layout.
However, there are a few upgrades, mainly in terms of the additional touchscreen for climate controls and an upgraded centre console.
The passenger room is quite similar, which means that the front seats are spacious and comfortable, while the second row is typically tight for a vehicle of this size. This model offers 366 litres of boot space, which is more than you get from the CX-30.
Engine and Performance
Mazda MX-30 G20E (MHEV)
The base Mazda MX-30 G20E comes with a mild-hybrid setup. It is based on a familiar 2.0-litre SkyActiveG petrol engine, which puts out 114 kW and 200 Nm of max torque in this case. The engine comes coupled with a modest 24-volt mild-hybrid setup, which slightly impacts driving dynamics and fuel economy.
Still, that's far away from something you would get from a genuine hybrid powertrain, like the ones found in Toyota cars, which are the benchmark of fuel economy and hybrid technology in general. In this case, the claimed fuel economy goes around 6.4L/100km, which is pretty much on par with an average petrol engine of this size and power.
Mazda MX-30 G20E Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1998cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Hybrid with Regular Unleaded (24-volt mild-hybrid system)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Maximum torque: 200Nm
- Maximum power: 114kW
- Fuel tank capacity: 51L
- Fuel consumption: 6.4L/100km (combined)
Mazda MX-30 E35
The Mazda MX-30 E35 is a far more exciting version, where this crossover shows its full potential. This is an all-electric version of the car, equipped with a relatively small 35.5-kWh battery pack, which indicates that Mazda doesn't want to compete with rivals in terms of autonomy and similar things.
Instead, this is a typical city car, which offers around 200 km of all-electric range. What's great about it is that the battery can be fully recharged in just 4.5 hours. Too long for you? Of course, the Japanese company has a solution for that and offers a 50-kW fast-charging option. In that case, you can get the battery 80%-charged in just 30 minutes.
The MX-30 E35 comes with just one electric motor that powers the front axle, with a max output of 105 kW and 271 Nm of max torque. It comes equipped with a single-speed transmission and delivers relatively modest performance by the standards of today's electric cars. The acceleration from 0-100 km/h goes slightly under 10 seconds, while the top speed is 140 km/h.
Mazda MX-30 E35 Specs:
- Electric Motor: e-Skyactiv Water-cooled synchronous AC motor
- Max Power: 105kW
- Max Torque: 271Nm
- Transmission: Single-speed
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.7s
- Top Speed: 140km/h
- Battery Capacity: 35.5kWh
- Max Range: 200km
- Charging Time: 4.5 hours; 30 minutes (50kW fast charger)
Coming – Mazda MX-30 PHEV
The Japanese manufacturer plans to expand its offer for the Mazda MX-30. Besides the two versions that are already available, the company will offer another one. This time, we will see a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the crossover, which will probably hit the market sometime in 2022.
At this point, the exact details are still unknown. The only thing that's been confirmed is that Mazda is bringing back the famous rotary engine, but this time, it will serve as a power generator. More details about the powertrain are expected in the near future.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa