This is the Mazda MX-30. It’s the Japanese brand’s first production-ready pure-electric vehicle, which will go on sale in early 2021 in a limited-run, first edition trim-level. prices will start from £27,495 (including the government’s £3,000 plug-in automobile grant) and UK production will be limited to just 500 units.
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The MX-30’s design echoes that of Mazda’s other SUVs, such as the CX-30, although this electrified using has a different grille and a squarer carry line at the top of the wheel arches. There’s also the same reverse-hinged rear doors that featured on the RX-8 sports car, which must help to increase the opening ahead of the rear wheels – although they also indicate back-seat passengers won’t be able to get out without the front door being opened.
New Mazda MX-30 2021 review
Mazda’s launch edition MX-30 will be powered by a synchronous AC electric motor, fed by a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The powertrain has an output of 141bhp and 265Nm of torque – and Mazda claims the first edition model will have a maximum range of 124 miles.
Performance figures are yet to be confirmed but, given the size and weight of the SUV (and the output of its electric powertrain), we’re expecting a 0–62mph time of between eight and 10 seconds and a top speed of around 100mph.
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While the first edition model will only be available as a pure-electric vehicle, the regular production variant will be used with a choice of three environment-friendly powertrains. The pure electric model will be joined by a range-extender version, which uses the same motor and 35.5kWh battery pack, but will add a fuel tank and the rotary engine. finally there’s scope for a closed hybrid that has a larger fuel tank again, but a smaller battery created to support short bursts of pure-electric running.
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