Mazda enters the electric world with a compact SUV. The MX-30 can bet on its attractive prices and its original look to pass a pill that will be difficult to swallow: its reduced range of 200 km (WLTP). Does she have a chance to convince?
About electric Mazda MX-30
Mazda is the inventor of the rotary engine, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the father of the legendary MX5 and RX7. A brand apart that has been making models apart for 100 years. So naturally, when Mazda launches the first electric car in its history, the brand does not follow suit. The new MX-30 comes in the form of a compact SUV with a strong design that offers a range of… 200 km (WLTP cycle).
Battery and Price
Today, offering an electric car with only 200 km of range is a risky bet. Especially when the direct or indirect competition like the Kia e-Niro, the Renault Zoe and the Peugeot e-2008 offers practically double. There are several reasons for this. Offering a smaller battery like that of the MX-30 (35.5 kWh) “reduces the ecological footprint” according to the manufacturer, charging times and especially the price. Because this MX-30 is well positioned. It starts at 33 900 EUR.
The MX-30 is positioned as the second home car, which primarily targets home-work journeys. A strategy shared by other manufacturers such as the Hyundai / Kia or Volkswagen groups, which also offer smaller battery capacities for their models. But can these arguments convince then that autonomy is the number one criterion for this type of car? One thing is certain, however. European regulations on CO2 emissions. Manufacturers are now subject to gigantic fines if the average CO2 of their total sales exceeds 95 g CO2/km. Bad pupil, Mazda thus lowers this average thanks to the introduction of an electric car.
As the manufacturer of Hiroshima starts a new era, that of the electric, it had to offer its model a specific design. Compact in size (4.39 m), the MX-30 stands out with its looks. SUV on the bottom, cut on the form, the Japanese does not go unnoticed with its antagonistic rear doors, its square wheel arches and its rounded shapes.
Mazda MX-30 design
On board, the environment is faithful to Mazda’s productions. Ergonomic, well finished with finally new technologies. The instrumentation becomes partially digital. It is relayed by a head-up display and completed by a multimedia screen that can be controlled from a wheel. A third screen appears at the foot of a unique floating center console. It is used to manage the comfort controls (air conditioning, ventilation, etc.). Mazda plays the green card to the end, as the interior uses environmentally friendly materials such as cork, plastic made from recycled bottles and even vegetable-derived leather.
The presence of opposing rear doors, as on the RX8, streamlines the design with the absence of handles and eliminates the need for a central pillar. However, you have to open the front one first, then the back to enter. They open 90 ° and are meant to facilitate access on board. In practice, you have to “fax” yourself, especially if you are tall. And in the back seats, that’s the union minimum. If you are more than six feet tall, the trips will be long, very long. Placing the batteries under the rear seats helps maintain a correct boot volume of 366 liters.
Competition
We will compare JAC iEV7S with Mazda MX-30 in the near future. For now, we would like to say that JAC is better in every way than Mazda MX-30. Why? Because JAC iEV7S can reach further distance, has more space inside for passengers and looks more beautiful.
Don’t believe us? Sign in for test drive and you will see.
More information about JAC iEV7S
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