Exclusive First Drive Review of the amazing new Mazda MX-30 Fully Electric Crossover.

First Drive Exclusive – All-New Mazda MX-30.

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.

SKYACTIV-e Powerplant;

Modern Mazda’s have benefitted from the brand’s highly-acclaimed SKYACTIV engine technology in its petrol and diesel cars, with the MX-30 showcasing a 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. Additionally, the DC socket allows for rapid charging up to 50Kw. In this charge mode a charging time of 30 to 40 minutes can deliver up to 80 per cent battery charge.

Linear Torque Delivery;

Mazda has fitted the MX-30 with a relatively small 35.5 kWh battery (the same size as the one in the new Honda e), allowing for a combined measured driving range of 200km, and up to 262km in city driving. Still, for the urban-based drivers that Mazda thinks will be most attracted to this model, this should allow for 4 or 5 days between charges. 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.

Freestyle Doors;

Measuring in at just under 4.4-metres, the new MX-30 is virtually identical in length to the Mazda CX-30 compact Crossover, but the MX-30’s styling is a slightly different expression of Mazda’s usual ‘Kodo’ design theme. The inclusion of intriguing ‘freestyle doors’ into the design of the new MX-30 provides terrific visual drama, and a uniqueness which will deliver many a conversation in a school, or shopping centre car park. With the rear doors hinged unconventionally, the front doors open forward to an angle of 82 degrees, while the rear doors open backwards to an angle of 80 degrees. With both doors open, it will be easy to notice the open spaciousness of the cabin, and what is a very stylish and driver-focused interior.

Recycled Components;

Inside, the sense of space is enhanced with a floating centre console that sits independently from the dashboard, while the use of environmentally-friendly materials has been carefully matched to meticulous quality and finish. Leather is replaced by a vegan alternative. The lower console incorporates a 7-inch colour touch-screen, and (in a nod to Mazda’s founding as the Toyo Kogyo Cork Company in 1920), the Mazda MX-30 features cork lined centre console trays and inner side door handles. Harvested from the bark of trees without felling, the use of cork and door trim materials that incorporate fibres from recycled plastic bottles aim to be perfectly suited to the ethos behind Mazda’s first pure electric production car. The boot is 366-litres in size – or 1,171-litres with the rear seats folded.

Exclusive Test Drive;

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. Inclusive of a VRT rebate and SEAI grant, the GS-L is priced at just €30,495, with the extremely well-equipped First Edition model priced from just €31,795. At the recent Irish media launch of the MX-30 I had the opportunity to spend an hour behind the wheel of a German-registered, pre-production LHD model, and I was extremely impressed by the sheer breadth of talents that the MX-30 possesses. The cars handling was pleasingly firm, thanks to a very rigid body structure, made possible by a bracing ring positioned around the low-placed Panasonic battery pack. An Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus system enhances chassis performance by using motor torque to optimise the front-to-rear load shift for improved stability. With 145PS and 270Nm of torque on offer, the car has the ability to sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.7-seconds, and achieve a top speed of 140km/h (with limiter).

On Sale NOW;

The amazing new all-electric Mazda MX-30 is on sale now, so there has never been a better time to experience Mazda’s ‘Jinbai Ittai’ philosophy – (electric) car and driver as one.

Text DG/Motoring Matters