First drive: 2021 Mazda MX-30 Review

With half a century of EV exploration behind it – since the EX005 concept of 1970 – Mazda is no newcomer to electrification.

So it’s a surprise that it has taken so long for its first battery electric vehicle to come to fruition. But in true Mazda fashion, they haven’t done it by half, and the new MX-30 has to be one of the most stylish entry-level EVs I’ve seen.

Costing from £25,545 after the government £3,000 grant, it boasts an SUV stance, a coupe silhouette and a contemporary interpretation of the manufacturer’s Kodo design philosophy. Recycled materials feature throughout the cabin of the car, which Mazda is determined to make as eco-friendly as possible.

Featuring plastic wheel arch trim and a high ride height, the MX-30 is distinctively SUV. And SUVs sell, with half of Mazdas purchased nowadays falling into that category.

However, it’s an elegant SUV, with a coupe silhouette and the manufacturer’s Kodo design philosophy prevalent throughout. It shares the same wheelbase and numerous characteristics with the combustion-powered CX-30, but features reverse-opening rear doors, into which the B-pillar is integrated. As a result, the front doors overlap the rear, which is an added safety element when carrying children or pets.

All models are generously equipped, with even the entry-level SE-L Lux featuring 18-inch alloys, contrasting details and a range of metallic paint options. The higher specification models add three-tone paint schemes and, in the case of the First Edition, a satin D pillar trim, adaptive LED headlights, and signature LED rear lights.

The 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery powers an AC synchronous electric motor (both bracketed under the e-Skyactiv drive technology label), which in turn drives the front wheels, putting out 145PS (106kW) and 271Nm (200lb ft) of torque.

While most EVs boast immediate gut-wrenching acceleration, the MX-30 quite literally lags behind, taking a smooth 9.7 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill and featuring an electronically limited top speed of 87mph. However, while this makes it relaxed in slower stop-start situations, it certainly doesn’t feel sluggish when you start to hurry things along. There are three battery regeneration modes – off, half and full – with the latter feeling like you’ve dropped a para-anchor behind, while halfway is a happy compromise. The adaptive cruise control, which comes as standard on all models, deactivates this regeneration, as do a number of other functions, which was mildly frustrating at the time.

While the slow acceleration is negatable (people won’t be buying the MX-30 for its sportscar characteristics), range is where this model will likely fall to its competitors. Mazda claim a combined 124 miles, but after my (slightly enthusiastic) 56-mile test drive, the dash showed just 33 miles remaining. Compare that to the ë-C4, for example, which claims 217 miles on a single charge.

And as part of its commitment to creating a car that achieves carbon neutrality as early as possible, Mazda has opted for a smaller battery, reasoning that building EVs with smaller batteries generates less CO₂. Also, it argues, the smaller and lighter battery makes for better driving dynamics, and with the average daily journey in any Mazda just 26 miles, range isn’t hugely important.

That’s not to say the MX-30 isn’t practical, however. The 35.5kWh lithium-ion batter’s 124 mile range goes up to 165 for city traveling. It’s capable of consecutive fast charging, and takes just 36 minutes to charge from 20 to 80 per cent via DC rapid charging. For many, this will be more than adequate, however those drivers with longer miles on the mind need not be totally dissuaded – Mazda has promised that a hybrid version will arrive later this year.

The steering is heavy at lower speeds, the wheel pulling to return to centre, and it feels slightly disjointed from the wheels when you start to push the car. Similarly, the car is planted and stable through bends until you really start hurrying along, when the suspension shows its true bouncy nature, albeit in a fun rather than nausea-inducing manner. As much as I hate to agree with marketing blurb, the 1,645kg car didn’t feel heavy.

Standard in all models is Mazda’s Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus), which claims to use motor torque to optimise the front-rear load shift into corners, however I felt the front wheels slip on a couple of spirited occasions.

Inside, it’s spacious and comfortable, with an abundance of tactile, carefully considered quality materials. In keeping with the MX-30’s environmentally-friendly credentials, these include imitation leather trim and door cards make from recycled plastic bottles.

The cork lined centre console trays and inner side door handles are a unique and lovely touch, nodding to Mazda’s founding as the Toyo Kogyo Cork Company in 1920. How the material holds up to years of heavy-handed family use will remain to be seen, but the absence of glossy and tacky plastics is certainly impressive.

The drivers seat is well-cushioned, however feels narrow, especially towards the shoulders. While this is comfortable and cocooning for me, I would imagine broader drivers could feel a little constricted. Where the designers have removed the B pillar and integrated it into the door it eats into the rear window, visibility for shoulder checks is virtually non-existent, and the rear of the cabin is quite dark (at least in the sunroof-less lower spec models).

Admittedly, the rear is much bigger than it looks, with ample knee and headroom for an average sized adult. However, the door design means that the rear door isn’t particularly wide, making climbing in and out more difficult than otherwise and leaving larger adults having to fold forward the front seats.

The dash is wonderfully understated, with two screens surrounded by just a handful of subtle buttons. The lower screen is a 7-inch colour touchscreen climate control panel, while the slim 8.8-inch upper unit displays information such as navigation (which can now be pre-programmed via the new version of Mazda’s app) and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel, three stylish dials display the amount of power/charge the battery is expending/gaining, the speed and the battery level/temperature.

The updated Mazda Connected services app will also allow the driver to remotely lock and unlock their car, preset the climate control before climbing in, and view information on the vehicle, such as range and charging time left.

As standard, all versions of the MX-30 feature LED headlights with daytime running lights, reversing camera, navigation and head-up display. And this head-up display is one of the best I have seen for a while, seamlessly projecting the driving information on to the windscreen. Among the impressive selection of standard safety tech is driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning system and lane-keep assist, plus smart brake support with turn-across traffic and pedestrian detection.

The middling £27,545 (inclusive of Govt OLEZ grant) MX-30 Sport Lux, as tested, receives power seats, lumber support adjustment and keyless entry, while the £29,845 (again, post-grant) range-topping GT Sport Tech adds a front wiper de-icer, sunroof, heated steering wheel and 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, plus a 360-degree view monitor.

There’s no question that the future of motoring is electric, and Mazda is the latest in a league of manufacturers to lance their debut EV into the market. And, with the exception of its below average range, it has succeeded in creating a stylish, affordable, and comfortable electric car.

Starting from £28,545 (£25,545 after the government grant), the generously equipped base model is the best value for money, while the £29,845 top spec GT Sport Tech isn’t that much of a stretch. Compare that to the aforementioned ë-C4, which starts at £30,395 (with Goverment grant) and rises to £32,545.

Even better, in an attempt to shift 550 before the end of the fiscal year, the manufacturer are offering a free wall charge box to anyone who places an order before the 31^st March 2021.