Mazda has taken the wraps off its first series production electric car, called the MX-30, at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. First deliveries of the compact electric SUV will begin in 2020, though Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed.
'Right-sized battery'
Mazda is doing things a little differently with the MX-30, so don't expect it to be a genuine rival to the likes of the Kia e-Soul/e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric. Instead of fitting a large capacity battery to enable a long range between charges, Mazda reckons that most buyers don't need such a range, yet pay for it with a heavy battery that detracts from driving enjoyment. So, the MX-30 gets a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack (the Korean cars use a 64kWh battery), which is good for just over 200 kilometres on the WLTP regime.
Quirky design with 'MX' genes
And Mazda isn't holding back with the MX-30's design, either, bringing to market a remarkably unique looking car. The contrasting roof colour is framed by a classy 'Mazda' script in the C-pillar and there are highly distinctive rear lights in keeping with Mazda's current design language. Nothing unusual so far, until you notice the extra door shut line ahead of the rear wheels and no obvious door handles. Mazda calls the rear doors of the MX-30 'freestyle doors' and they're hinged from the back, helping create one large opening for all occupants to get in through. That makes the car look compact, but in fact, it shares its length, width and wheelbase with the Mazda CX-30 crossover.
Sustainable interior
The MX-30's cabin is designed to seat five and previews the next generation of cabin design from Mazda, with simple lines dominating the appearance. It still features plenty of technology, of course. There's also a focus on more sustainable materials, so it's possible to have a 'vegan' alternative to leather upholstery, for example, and the spacious centre console area features an unusual cork section.
Missing details
Mazda has kept several key details secret for now, such as the power and torque outputs of the electric motor, though it is adamant that the MX-30 will be seen as a car that is fun to drive. Speaking of which, you can glean more information from our first drive of a prototype version of the electric Mazda.