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

We have tested this car:

Test Mazda MX-30 R-EV 170 HP, the plug-in hybrid with a rotary engine (with video)Test Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv 145 hp

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 2023, a Range Extender version arrives that expands the range of use thanks to the use of a Wankel rotary engine.. From 2024, after the poor results achieved, the electric mechanics disappear from the offer, leaving the model with autonomy extender as the only possible option, the 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

Mazda MX-30 dashboard

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 passed the Euro NCAP safety tests. The testing body considers it a five-star car. The results by section have been as follows: 9,1 in adult occupant safety, 8,7 in child occupant safety, 6,8 in pedestrian vulnerability and 7,3 in the operation of safety assistants. These ratings remain valid after the range changes received in 2023 and 2024.

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 32.550 euros, without any offers or promotions. The most expensive version of all, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV and Edition R finish, is available from 39.650 euros without any official discounts or aid.