The First Fully-Electric Mazda - The MX-30 EV

Technology 

Mazda has designed the MX-30 EV to deliver exceptional driving dynamics in the most efficient way. While based on the current CX-30 crossover, the MX-30 has a very different appearance and layout. The change to the body construction, coupled with the new engine technology, has resulted in a vehicle with a precise feel and nice feedback. 

The new electric MX-30 is designed with one 143-hp electric motor that produces 200 lb-ft of torque to drive the front wheels. The regenerative braking system uses paddle shifters on the steering wheel to shift between three user-selectable levels.

Mazda has included its e—Skyactiv EV Technology to improve the response of the accelerator, making the vehicle one of the best handling electric crossovers. Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) is also included to improve the traction and torque of the vehicle by subtly shifting the car’s weight for a smoother driving experience.

The all-electric Mazda is powered by a lightweight 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted in a protective cage to increase the torsional rigidity of the vehicle’s chassis. When fully charged, the battery offers a range of approximately 161 km, less than some of its competitors, but well-suited for routine city driving. It is equipped to use the most common charging connector types for both AC charging and fast DC charging.

The MX-30 EV battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in as little as 36 minutes and owners will have access to ChargePoint, one of Canada's largest charging networks. Charging station locations can be found with the MyMazda App, which also lets owners check charge status and offers a comprehensive support system.

Exterior

One of the boldest things about the new MX-30 is the futuristic styling of the exterior. Crafted as a solid unit, it looks like a subcompact SUV/crossover with a coupe-like roofline and a rounded rear that resembles a hatchback. A high, small grille and smoothed fascia rounds off the vehicle’s look. This new model has small rear passenger doors that swing out on rear-mounted hinges so they open in the opposite direction of the fronts, simplifying passenger access and creating an open space. The rear seats can be laid down to create more cargo space when necessary. The MX-30 EV is available in a wide range of exterior colors, including Arctic White, Machine Grey, Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Crystal, and different tones of Ceramic Metallic and Polymetal Grey. The colors available depend on the model chosen.

Interior

The interior of the MX-30 has been created using sustainable materials to have a minimal environmental impact. Available in two trims, the interior sports a variety of recycled fabrics that are plush and fashionable as well as natural materials such as cork on the floating center console, door handles, and trays. Buyers can choose from a white-leatherette-and-gray-fabric combo or a darker interior in black and cocoa.

The cabin has been designed with a driver-centric approach that puts everything the river needs within easy reach. The heated front seats can be adjusted to eight different settings and have power lumbar support and seat-position memory. The car's climate-control system is controlled with a digitized screen. Other features include a power moonroof and multiple charging outlets.

Safety Features

The new MX-30 EV sports a collection of advanced safety features designed to help the driver avoid or lessen the impact of a collision. These active technologies automatically sense what is in the surrounding area to reduce the risk of an accident and provide better monitoring of blind spots.

The bundle of standard features, called i-Activsense, includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The premium trim package adds a 360-degree camera system, front parking sensors, and front cross-traffic alert.

Additional Features

The new MX-30 EV also features 18-inch alloy wheels in a silver metallic finish, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlights with fog light functionality, and LED rear combination taillights. A dedicated 7.5-inch touchscreen at the bottom of the dashboard is used to adjust the climate control and vehicle settings.

A windshield-projected active driving display puts critical driving information right in the driver’s line of sight. The vehicles also have advanced keyless entry and a comprehensive navigation system. All models include a complimentary 5-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link services, where drivers can get real-time updates on local EV charging stations.

The models use Mazda's latest infotainment interface, Mazda Connect, which has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Using a dedicated full-color 8.8-inch screen at the top of the dashboard, the driver gets an enhanced level of connectivity through a suite of in-car services. Using the MyMazda app, drivers can pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle, lock and unlock doors, or turn lights on and off from a connected mobile device.

The base EV model features an FM/HD radio with 8 speakers and a complimentary 3-month subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The premium model has a 12-speaker BOSE surround sound system custom-built for the MX-30 EV. The speaker positions have been set to optimize natural low-frequency acoustics and deliver outstanding clarity.

Unfortunately, the Mazda MX-30 is only available in British Columbia and Quebec for the time being.