Electric onslaught: Mazda MX-30 EV confirmed for 2021
Mazda has finally (officially) taken the EV plunge, confirming its MX-30 electric car will go on sale here in 2021.
As reported exclusively by EVcentral last month, the MX-30 EV will be part of an electrified family that will also include an MX-30 hybrid.
As one of four of the top 10 selling brands to not offer (or have previously offered) a hybrid or electric vehicle in Australia, Mazda has decided the time is right to take advantage of an increase in interest for electric vehicles.
Until now Mazda has focused on improving the fuel efficiency of its internal combustion engines, arguing the relative affordability has a bigger environmental impact: tens of thousands of cars using less fuel rather than very few electric cars using none.
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“MX-30 is the bold next step of Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 strategy,” says Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi.
“Combining modern design and sustainable, tactile interior materials, the MX-30 has been created to stimulate the senses and connect with the driver and its occupant.
“While furthering our ‘well to wheel’ emissions reduction strategy, the MX-30 remains a Mazda at heart: it is poised, agile and fun to drive with exceptional handling.
Key to the MX-30’s appeal is styling – and the MX name (MX denotes “Mazda experiment”).
Mazda reserves RX for its rotary models and MX typically for sporty cars – including the MX-5 convertible – an indication it sees the compact SUV as a little different to others in its class.
Its headlights are recessed within an aggressive-looking grille and its coupe-inspired silhouette is highlighted by the contrasting colour that surrounds the upper side window area.
And while it’s similar in size to a CX-30, the MX-30’s back doors are hinged at the rear – so-called “freestyle” doors – with a system to that used on the RX-8 rotary-powered sports car sold between 2003 and 2011.
Those back doors make it less practical for families but potentially more appealing for singles and couples looking to stand out in the booming compact SUV segment.
It’s that appeal Mazda hopes to capitalise on.
Rather than market it as an EV, Mazda plans to sell the MX-30 on its driving dynamics and styling, but with the option of electric power for those who want it.
“It’s a Mazda experiment car that’s been realised … and it has two powertrain options,” says Bhindi.
Inside there’s plenty of Mazda familiarity, although many of the materials are chosen for their eco-friendliness. The leather is leatherette (it sounds better than fake) and some trims made of recycled plastic bottles.
Instead of wood there are some cork finishes, a century-old nod to Mazda’s heritage as a cork manufacturer way back in 1920.
But it’s beneath the skin that really defines the MX-30.
The headline act is a BEV system, with an electric motor driving the front wheels and producing 107kW and 271Nm.
It’s fed by a 35.5kWh battery claimded to provide an NEDC range of 224km.
AC charging up to 6.6kW can provide a full charge in as little as three hours, while 50kW DC charging (through a Type 2 CCS combo plug) lowers that to 36 minutes.
No word on price, but best guesses have the MX-30 Electric north of $50,000.
At that price the MX-30 EV will clearly be a low-volume proposition.
That would put it close to the Hyundai Ioniq Electric ($48,970 plus on-road costs) and Nissan Leaf ($49,990 plus costs), which will soon be replaced by the Leaf e+.
The recently released MG ZS EV would still undercut all of them at $43,990 drive-away.
However, Mazda says the MX-30 will have broader appeal with the availability of a mild hybrid model.
Utilising the familiar 114kW/200Nm Skyactiv G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine used in various Mazdas, it has a small electric motor for incremental fuel savings, predominantly in stop-start driving.
Even then, claimed fuel use of 6.4 litres per 100km is nothing special, similar to that of many compact SUVs.
Expect the MX-30 EV to be the start of an electric push for Mazda.
While Mazda Australia isn’t saying anything for now, there are many more EVs in the works. Last year Mazda confirmed it was developing an all-new EV as part of a joint venture with Toyota. To be based on the upcoming e-TNGA architecture that will underpin various Toyota and Lexus models, the new Mazda EV is expected to be revealed in 2021.
