June 16, 2021

Mazda MX-30 named Best Electric Compact SUV in the 2021

 

 

This isn’t Mazda’s first electric vehicle, some of you might even recall the left fielder, Kinder-Egg-on-wheels EX-005 concept of 1970 – but it is Mazda’s first production EV.

With the rise of sales of EV vehicles, it does seem that catering the plug-in crossover route seems a safe bet for pulling in enthusiasts, but it seems Mazda is adding their own little touches to show they are willing to do things differently.

The sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed the name, for starters: MX is usually the prefix of coupes and roadsters, most notably the MX-5, this suggests that MX-30 has a sporty pedigree.

The lack of EV badging might throw some people off, but it might entice new buyers that don’t want to advertise they are driving an EV car, whomever they might be. The other easter egg is the 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a range of 124miles, which might seem odd at first, since we live in an era that considers range as an important factor, when deciding what to buy.

However there are some reasons behind this odd strategy, Mazda believes that smaller batteries have a significantly friendlier CO2 emissions footprint over their lifetime than larger batteries, and its target buyers research has concluded they don’t need any more distance from a full charge.

Driving

 

 

Nothing to write home about, especially if you take the MX badge into consideration, however, it’s still a decent enough thing to drive. Mazda has fitted the souped-up torque-vectoring tech used elsewhere to work with the electric motor on the front axle. The result is neat and fuss-free cornering, and an amusing splatter of wheelspin if you’re especially enthusiastic out of a corner.

Performance is fairly non-exciting – with 143bhp moving 1.6 tonnes, its 9.7sec 0-62mph time and 87mph top speed are to be expected, but at least they’ll stop you sapping the battery dry.

Interior

 

 

The MX-30’s distinctive, stylish and sustainable cabin features high-quality materials and a driver focused interior. The lower console incorporates a 7-inch colour touch-screen air conditioning control panel.

The 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, are perfectly suited to Mazda’s first pure electric production car.

The illusion 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.

Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) enhances chassis performance by using motor torque to optimise the front-rear load shift for improved stability and the MX-30’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture is specifically tailored to complement the smooth power delivery of the e-Skyactiv drivetrain.

The dynamic focus also extends to a throttle pedal that delivers a seamless transition between linear power delivery and smooth regeneration on lift off; equally, the braking system offers a seamless transfer between energy regeneration and hydraulic brake action.

Buying

 

 

In UK dealerships now, all Mazda MX-30 models are currently offered with a free home wall box charger with standard installation. Available across three generously equipped model grades – SE-L Lux, Sport Lux and GT Sport Tech, standard equipment on all UK MX-30s includes LED headlights with daytime running lights, reversing camera, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Intelligent Speed Assist, navigation and head-up display.

Each MX-30 comes as standard with a Type 2 AC charging cable and a socket for DC rapid charging, which can in just 36 minutes deliver up to 80 percent battery charge.

MX-30 SE-L Lux

The Mazda MX-30 range starts at £26,045 (at the time of writing). Marked out by 18-inch Silver Metallic alloy wheels, black door mirrors and a black grille, it’s exclusively offered in a single tone paint design with a choice of five colours: standard Arctic White solid, or £550 Polymetal Grey Metallic, Ceramic Metallic and Jet Black Mica, plus £670 Machine Grey Metallic.

Sport Lux

At £28,045 (at the time of writing) MX-30 Sport Lux promises to be a popular model in the range. It features 18-inch Bright Metallic alloy wheels and sees an increase in standard equipment with the addition of power seats, lumbar support adjustment and smart keyless entry. Like the First Edition, there’s the option to choose the optional three-tone design on Soul Red Crystal or Ceramic Metallic main body colours. In addition, Polymetal Grey Metallic can be matched to a Brilliant Black roof and Silver Metallic side panels.

GT Sport Tech

The range-topping GT Sport Tech costs £30,345* with a light grey cloth interior trim and £30,545* when equipped with a dark grey interior and brown artificial leather. The range topping GT Sport Tech MX-30’s equipment tally includes a front wiper de-icer and a power and tilt sunroof, while inside a heated steering wheel and 12-speaker Bose surround sound compliment the generous standard specification.