The Mazda MX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Mazda and sold as a battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or mild hybrid (MHEV) variant.[4] Based on the CX-30, it was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.[5] Production of the vehicle, which is Mazda's first mass-produced electric car, began at their Ujina factory on 19 May 2020.[6]

Mazda MX-30 (DR)
Overview
ManufacturerMazda
Model codeDR
ProductionMay 2020 – present
Model years2021–2023 (United States)[1]
AssemblyJapan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant)
DesignerYōichi Matsuda
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
Layout
Platforme-Skyactiv[2]
Doors
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
Power output
  • 105 kW (141 hp; 143 PS) (BEV)
  • 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) (PHEV)[3]
  • 107 kW (143 hp; 145 PS) (MHEV)[a]
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrain
Battery35.5 kWh prismatic lithium ion[2]
Electric range200 km (124 mi) (WLTP)[2] 100 mi (161 km) (EPA)
Plug-in charging
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,655 mm (104.5 in)[2]
Length4,395 mm (173.0 in)[2]
Width1,795 mm (70.7 in)[2]
Height1,570 mm (61.8 in)[2]
Kerb weight1,645–1,778 kg (3,627–3,920 lb)

Mazda is one of the first and only automakers currently producing a Wankel engine with a rotary piston, it was last delivered in the Mazda RX-8 and is sold in the Mazda MX-30 since October 2023.[7] It works as a generator and increases range with the support of an electric motor.

Overview

edit
Rear view
The MX-30's freestyle doors
Interior

The MX-30 features clamshell doors, referred to as "freestyle doors" by Mazda and previously seen on their rotary-engined RX-8 sports car.[8][9] It uses MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.[10]

The MX-30 is powered by an electric motor supported by a 35.5 kWh battery with a power output of 105 kW (141 hp; 143 PS) and 264 N⋅m (195 lbf⋅ft) torque, offering a range of 209 km (130 mi).[11] Up to 80% charge can be achieved within 30 to 40 minutes via 40 kW DC charging. With a 6.6 kW AC (1 phase, 230V, 29A) charging unit, the MX-30 is claimed to get fully recharged within 4.5 hours.[12]

The plug-in hybrid variant was presented on 14 January 2023.[3] Its drivetrain operates in series, featuring a rotary engine that acts as a range extender to recharge the batteries, but not to power the vehicle's wheels directly.[13] The Wankel engine is a naturally aspirated single-rotor unit with a chamber volume of 830 cc, petrol direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation, a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter. Its rated power output is 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp).[3] In Japan, Australia and New Zealand, a gasoline-powered all-wheel-drive mild hybrid version is also available. This version is powered by Mazda's 2.0 L e-Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine.[14]

Markets

edit

Europe

edit

The MX-30 was introduced for the Europe region in the third quarter of 2020.[15][16] Two powertrain options were available: e-Skyactiv (BEV) and e-Skyactiv-R (PHEV).[17]

Japan

edit

The MX-30 went on sale in Japan in 8 October 2020, in a sole grade with four combination packages available. At launch, a 100th Anniversary Special Commemorative Vehicle special edition variant was available, to commemorate the 100th anniversary since the founding as its predecessor Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, Limited in 1920. [18] The e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid powertrain was marketed first, as it was easy option for many consumers and battery electric vehicles were not high selling compared to hybrid electric vehicles.[19]

In January 2021, the MX-30 EV was released in Japan with 3 grades available at launch: EV, EV Basic Set, and EV Highest Set.[20]

In November 2023, the MX-30 with the e-Skyactiv-R powertrain was introduced in Japan as the Rotary Plug-in Hybrid, with a special edition Edition R variant available.[21]

Australia

edit

The MX-30 went on sale in Australia in April 2021, with three grades available at launch: Evolve, Touring, and Astina.[22] Two powertrain options are available: e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid (G20e) and the battery electric e-Skyactiv (E35), the latter powertrain comes exclusively in the Astina grade that went on sale shortly in August 2021.[23]

New Zealand

edit

The MX-30 was launched in New Zealand in May 2021 in a sole variant, the e-Skyactiv BEV in the Takami grade.[24] In October 2021, the e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid powertrain in the Limited grade followed.[25]

North America

edit

The MX-30 EV went on sale in USA in August 2021 with sales limited to the state of California, as a sole variant, a Premium Plus package option was available.[26] In July 2023, the MX-30 was discontinued in the USA due to slow sales of less than 600 units and Mazda USA focusing on introducing newer hybrid cars.[27]

The MX-30 EV went on sale in Canada in February 2021, with two grades: GS and GT.[28]

Malaysia

edit

The MX-30 EV was launched in Malaysia in 29 June 2022,[29] with deliveries began in January 2023, with two grades: Mid and High.[30]

Singapore

edit

The MX-30 EV was launched at the Singapore Motor Show on 16 January 2023, in a sole variant.[31]

Safety

edit

The Mazda MX-30 received a 5-star rating by the Euro NCAP in 2020. It was also the first car to achieve a maximum rating under the new Euro NCAP criteria.[32]

Euro NCAP test results
Mazda MX-30 (2020)[33]
Test Points %
Overall:      
Adult occupant: 34.6 91%
Child occupant: 42.8 87%
Pedestrian: 37.0 68%
Safety assist: 11.8 73%

Sales

edit
Year Europe[34] Japan[35] U.S Canada
2020 9,477 2,587
2021 12,249 4,655 61 148
2022 5,849 1,829 324 812[36]
2023 100 662[37]

Awards and reviews

edit

The MX-30 made the 10 Best List of the 2020-2021 Car of the Year Japan Awards.[38] It also won the 2020 Red Dot Design Award in the Electric Vehicle category.[39][40]

Nonprofit consumer organisation Consumer Reports stated, "With such a small battery, the EPA-estimated range is a scant 100 miles. That would have been competitive a decade ago, but it's not in today's EV market." CR called it a "strange little car" and found the vehicle noisy but applauded fit and finish and said it was "a fun little handler."[41]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e f Japan, Australia and New Zealand only
  2. ^ Uses CHAdeMO connector in Japan or CCS connector in other markets

References

edit
  1. ^ Dorian, Drew. "2022 Mazda MX-30". Car and Driver. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Mazda MX-30 – An electric car for the environment…. and the driver". Mazda Press EU. Europe: Mazda Public Relations. 23 October 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d Stegmaier, Gerd; Fleck, Thiemo; Seibt, Torsten (13 January 2023). "Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV (2023) : Elektro-SUV mit Wankelmotor als Range Extender". auto motor und sport (in German). Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  4. ^ Lyon, Peter (31 July 2020). "Mazda Surprises With World Premiere Of Hybrid Version Of MX-30 Electric SUV At Rare Car Event". Forbes. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  5. ^ Lye, Gerard (23 October 2019). "Tokyo 2019: Mazda MX-30 – brand's first EV debuts with 141 hp, 264 Nm, 209 km EV range, suicide doors!". Paultan.org. Malaysia: Driven Communications. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  6. ^ Berman, Bradley (20 May 2020). "Mazda starts production of MX-30, its first pure EV". Electrek.
  7. ^ "Mazda MX-30 R-EV Review: Rotary Returns With A Whimper, But Offers Hope". CarThrottle. 26 October 2023.
  8. ^ Capparella, Joey (23 October 2019). "Mazda MX-30 Electric Crossover Has Doors Like the RX-8's". Car and Driver. US: Hearst Communications. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  9. ^ Porter, Jon (23 October 2019). "Mazda's first electric car includes rear-hinged 'freestyle' doors". The Verge. US. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  10. ^ O'Carroll, Damien (24 October 2019). "Global reveal: the MX-30 is Mazda's sporty EV-SUV". Stuff. Kelsey Media. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  11. ^ Burgess, Rachel (23 October 2019). "Electric Mazda MX-30 receives RX-8-style doors". Autocar. UK: Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  12. ^ Sagar (23 October 2019). "MX-30 debuts in Tokyo as Mazda's first production EV". autodevot.com. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  13. ^ Szymkowski, Sean (14 April 2021). "Mazda MX-30 EV lands in the US this fall, rotary engine revival to follow". CNET. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Mazda MX-30 Mild Hybrid | Mazda Australia".
  15. ^ "MAZDA REVEALS FULL UK RANGE AND PRICING FOR THE FORTHCOMING MX-30 EV". Mazda UK - News & Events.
  16. ^ "Mazda MX-30 mit noch mehr Individualisierungsmöglichkeiten". Presseportal Mazda Deutschland (in German). 1 July 2020.
  17. ^ "Mazda reveals Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV in Europe". Mazda Newsroom Europe. 13 January 2023.
  18. ^ "マツダ、新型コンパクトSUV「MAZDA MX-30」を発売". Mazda Newsroom Japan (in Japanese). 8 October 2020.
  19. ^ "【マツダ MX-30】気になるポイント…価格、EV、ロータリーレンジエクステンダー、ターゲット". Automotive Media Response (in Japanese). 8 October 2020.
  20. ^ "マツダ、新型コンパクトSUV「MAZDA MX-30」を発売". Mazda Newsroom Japan (in Japanese). 28 January 2020.
  21. ^ "マツダ、「MAZDA MX-30 Rotary-EV」の予約受注を開始". Mazda Newsroom Japan (in Japanese). 14 September 2023.
  22. ^ Collie, Scott (31 March 2021). "2021 Mazda MX-30 price and specs". CarExpert Australia.
  23. ^ Stopford, William (5 May 2021). "2021 Mazda MX-30 Electric price and specs". CarExpert Australia.
  24. ^ Weekes, Alistair (1 May 2021). "2021 Mazda MX-30 EV – Launch". Drive Life.
  25. ^ Alvrez, Fred (4 October 2021). "2021 Mazda MX-30 EV – Launch". Drive Life.
  26. ^ Lambert, Fred (24 August 2021). "Mazda launches its first electric car in the US: MX-30 EV for $33,470 and only 100-mile range". Electrek.
  27. ^ Wren, Wesley (1 August 2023). "Mazda Pulls The Plug On Its MX-30 EV In The US". Autoweek.
  28. ^ Maxwell, Jordan (10 January 2023). "Mazda's MX-30 EV rolled out across country for 2023, pricing updated". Driving Canada.
  29. ^ Lim, Anthony (29 June 2022). "2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launched in Malaysia: 2 variants, 199 km range, deliveries in Q4, priced at RM199k max". Paul Tan Automotive News.
  30. ^ Lye, Gerard (16 January 2023). "2023 Mazda MX-30 EV – first local spec units arrive in Malaysia; 145 PS, 199 km range; priced at RM199k max". Paul Tan Automotive News.
  31. ^ "Mazda launches the MX-30 here at the 2023 Singapore Motor Show". SGCarMart. 16 January 2023.
  32. ^ Trujillo, Estefanía (14 November 2020). "Mazda MX-30 obtiene 5 estrellas en las pruebas Euro NCAP". Motorpasión México. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  33. ^ "Mazda MX-30 (2020)". Euro NCAP. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  34. ^ "Mazda MX-30 Sales Figures". GoodCarBadCar Automotive Sales Data.
  35. ^ "マツダ MX-30 新車販売台数推移/売れ行きと生産状況は?". Buy a car! - ID Information Company LTD [in English] (in Japanese).
  36. ^ "MAZDA CANADA REPORTS SALES FOR DECEMBER AND FULL YEAR 2022". Mazda Canada Media. 5 January 2023.
  37. ^ "MAZDA CANADA REPORTS SALES FOR DECEMBER AND FULL YEAR 2023". Mazda Canada Media. 4 January 2024.
  38. ^ "10ベストカー". Car of the Year Japan. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  39. ^ "Mazda MX-30". Red Dot. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  40. ^ Grecia, Leandre (2 April 2020). "Mazda bags two more Red Dot Awards for the CX-30 and MX-30". Top Gear Philippines. Summit Media. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  41. ^ "Mazda MX-30 - Consumer Reports". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
edit