Mazda MX-30

in 100 years Mazda has gone from collecting cork to making cars. The Japanese have always stood out for their transgressive mentality. They are not given to follow currents, although in some cases it is unavoidable. The Mazda MX-30 It is the first 100% electric model in the company's history. In early 2023 they introduce a model with a range extender that uses a rotary motor as a generator

Mazda has always been very particular in the way of thinking. Years ago, when everyone was downsizing engines, Japanese engineers stuck to the "rightsizing" philosophy. They kept the size of the engines and developed technologies that until now were considered impossible, such as the Skyactiv-X technology. With these premises, they now enter uncharted territory.

And they do it hand in hand with the Mazda MX-30, an SUV, or crossover, of compact size featuring design solutions we haven't seen since the legendary Mazda RX-8. Suicide opening rear doors Although they are extravagant, they are not the best solution in terms of comfort or habitability. Despite this, the MX-30 arrives with a typical all-electric philosophy, supported by two pillars: sustainability and technology.

Technical characteristics of the Mazda MX-30

Since we are talking about the first electric of the brand, it is the first model of the company to mount a specific platform. Actually its structure derives directly from other models such as Mazda3 or Mazda CX-30, although with important modifications due to the design and also due to the hybrid concept of the model. Thanks to this platform, the MX-30 can be included in the compact segment of the SUV market.

Its measurements give it away, being practically traced to those of the CX-30, being able to be considered as the electric version of it. 4,39 meters long, 1,79 meters wide and 1,55 meters high. To these measures must be added a wheelbase of 2,65 meters, which translates into an approved cabin for five passengers, although the three rear occupants will suffer from difficult access to the rear seats, without much space for the legs or the head .

In the Mazda MX-30, the electric batteries are located in the lower part of the car, under the feet of the passenger compartment. This leaves us a trunk free of impediments and obstacles. The chest approves a minimum size of 366 liters, expandable to 1.171 liters if we lower the rear row of seats in a 60:40 ratio. Part of that volume will be lost due to the presence of recharging cables that must accompany us on each trip.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mazda MX-30

The MX-30 has been conceived from its origins as an electric model. In 2021 a Range Extender version will arrive that will extend the range of use thanks to the use of a Wankel rotary engine. But at the moment the only possible option is an electrical scheme designed mainly for urban and interurban areas. This means that it is not postulated as the only alternative for mobility within a home, where it depends on another vehicle with a greater range.

The Mazda MX-30 debuts the propellant e-Skyactiv. It is a front electric motor that develops a maximum of 145 horsepower and 271 Nm of torque. Coupled to that block we have a 35,5 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery capacity and central position. This configuration allows you to homologate a combined autonomy in WLTP cycle of 200 kilometers and 262 kilometers for fully urban use.

As a novelty, in 2023 the version known as MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. The novelty lies in the installation of a 75-horsepower rotary engine that acts as a generator but is not capable of moving the vehicle by itself. The electric motor in charge of moving the wheels generates 170 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque.. The set is completed with a 17,8 kWh capacity battery that alone offers a range of 85 kilometers. The gasoline-powered, rotary engine extends range without the worry of finding a charging outlet.

Equipment of the Mazda MX-30

As usual in Mazda, the Japanese want to offer a lot of equipment at a contained price. Although it is considered a general brand, the qualities are closer to premium models. In the case of the Mazda MX-30 the designers have relied on the concept of sustainability typical of electric. Inside it has newly created materials that use recycled materials for their preparation, such as plastic bottles, for example.

Although the exterior appearance of the MX-30 cannot be modified too much, we can combine body colors and roof colors in various ways. For the interior there are two upholstery options: Modern and Vintage, and There are five equipment lines available: Prime Line, Exclusive Line, Advantage, Makoto and Edition R. At each step we will increase the load of equipment, although it must be recognized that the series arrives well presented.

In its access level we can find interesting details such as connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8,8-inch central screen, digital radio, Head-Up Display, and a vast team of driving aids and assistants. In addition to all these elements, we can add a partially digital instrument panel, a sunroof, keyless entry and start, a Bose sound system, adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree camera, among other details.

Test Mazda MX-30 in video

The Mazda MX-30 according to Euro NCAP

As expected, the Mazda MX.30 has complied with the Euro NCAP safety tests. The evaluating body considers it a five-star car. The results by sections were as follows: 9,1 in adult occupant safety, 8,7 in child occupant safety, 6,8 in pedestrian vulnerability and 7,3 in the functioning of security assistants.

Rivals of the Mazda MX-30

The European electric market is growing like wildfire. The increasingly demanding European anti-pollution regulations force manufacturers to reduce emissions of polluting gases. Within this increasingly incipient electricity market, the Mazda MX-30 is difficult to catalog. It does not have direct rivals to face, but it does have similar alternatives such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, DS3 Crossback E-TENSE or Peugeot e-2008. There are three electrical options that can stand up to the Japanese, although not by exterior size, but by electrical configuration and interior space.

Highlight

• Image
• Quality of finishes
• ride quality

To improve

• Limited features
• little autonomy
• Access to rear seats

Mazda MX-30 prices

In its philosophy of giving a lot at a contained price, Mazda offers attractive sales prices similar to those of its aforementioned rivals, although the Japanese is better equipped and has higher quality. The starting price of the Mazda MX-30 is 36.580 euros, without offers or promotions. The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV version with range extender is the same price. Both units can take advantage of the MOVES III plan with significant discounts.

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