Mazda MX-30

It was inevitable, Mazda is embarking on the race for electric vehicles by offering its very first copy in the form of an SUV with new lines for the market as for the brand. Surprisingly called MX-30 (the “MX” prefix being usually reserved for the famous MX-5 roadster or formerly for coupes such as the MX-3 or MX-6), the first electric SUV in the history of the Japanese manufacturer is already available for pre-order and will arrive on the European continent by the second half of 2020.

The MX-30 has taken over from its recent range-mate CX-30 the prominent black plastic wheel arches and if the style remains particularly daring, it remains in line with the latest Mazda models without falling into the trap of “hey look at me, I drive clean” and that's good. Mazda presents its SUV as resolutely focused on driving pleasure, one of the guidelines that the Japanese manufacturer likes to follow when developing its new models. The antagonistic doors are reminiscent of the famous RX-8 rotary engine coupe, while the roof painted in a contrasting color contrasts with the rest of the vehicle, refining the overall lines. In terms of size, it is between a CX-3 and a CX-30, with the following dimensions 4,395mm × 1,795mm × 1,570mm.

Inside, Mazda has used noble materials that respect the environment, swapping the usual leather for artificial imitation leather and using recycled cork for the construction of the center console. The result is particularly harmonious, very elegant and once again in line with the new codes initiated by the Mazda 3 and the CX-30. We find a bit the same atmosphere of serenity as on board the latest generation Volvo.

On the motorization side, this is where the bottom hurts since Mazda announces a range of only 200 km according to the WLTP certification cycle delivered by a 35.5 kWh battery, which seems little, far too little in the face of competition that has at least a greater autonomy of one and a half times. The battery will power an e-Skyactiv electric motor with a power of 105 kW, or about 142 hp, honest and average figures for this type of vehicle.

You can now pre-order your MX-30 via a deposit payment of €1,000 which will be paid to you in full whether or not you sign the final order form. On the price side, various sources announce a price fixed at 34,400 € battery included for the “First Edition” version which is presented as in the photos. Other information should reach us in the coming months, in particular concerning a hypothetical charge extender.