Mazda has released full Irish pricing for its first all-electric vehicle, the MX-30. The new battery crossover will start from €30,495. Previously, we'd only had a price for the more expensive First Edition model, which came with a raft of extra kit including as leather trim and power seats.
Smaller battery, lower price
Now that we have the base price, Mazda's strategy of offering a smaller, shorter-range battery for a lower price than its direct competition starts to come into a little more focus. With its 35.5kWh battery pack, the MX-30 offers a theoretical maximum range of 265km, compared to the larger 62kWh pack and 420km range of, say, a Kia e-Niro. Mazda's rationale is that most customers don't need the longer range, would be better off without the heavy, bigger battery, and will be happy to pay less for their new EV. It will be fascinating to see how that works out.
Certainly, the entry-grade MX-30 is well-equipped. The GS-L entry grade will come with impressive equipment including radar cruise control, windscreen projected head-up-display, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights and a rear camera. Higher grades such as the GT Sport will add equipment such as a 12 speaker Bose sound system, sunroof and 360-degree parking camera. The First Edition model will be available from February 2021 while the rest of the line-up will be available for sale mid-2021.
New smartphone app
Mazda Ireland will also release its new MyMazda app for the Apple and Google app stores, which promises to "remove the barriers between the car and driver to create a seamless ownership experience." The app will include such electric-specific functions as reminding you if you forget to plug the MX-30 in, controlling the charging via a timer, keeping an eye on how much the battery is charging, and giving you a range-indicator too.
The app also has info on charging points, whether they're available, and which plugs and connectors they have. Pick a charger on the app, and it can be sent to the car's sat-nav as a destination. On top of which, the MX-30's sat-nav works with third-party apps, and so you can sit and plan a journey on your phone, and then just swipe and send the instructions to the car before you ever sit inside.
Remote air conditioning
Other convenient functions of the upgraded app include being able to control the air-conditioning settings remotely. As no engine is required, users can define the cabin temperature, turn on/off windscreen ventilation and adjust the rear screen heating before entering the vehicle. The ability to pre-warm or pre-cool the car while it is plugged in reduces demand on the battery once driving. Additional remote commands include door locking and a vehicle finder for added driver peace-of-mind when away from the car. Further general functions include the ability to remotely access real-time vehicle status information (including tyre pressure and door locking), roadside assistance, service history and service request.
The full MXZ-30 price list starts at that €30,495 (inclusive of Government grants) for the GS-L model. It goes up to €31,595 for the GT, and €34,795 for the GT Sport 'Bright' version. There's also a GT Sport 'Dark' for €35,095. You can still order a First Edition 'Bright' or 'Dark' for either €31,795 or €32.095.