Mazda MX-30

Back in last year's Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda unveiled their newest crossover to the world called the MX-30 and it's the kind of compact crossover that got the world excited about because when they first showcased it, it will be an electric-only crossover with the rotary engine range extender in the works. Fast forward to 2020, the year when Mazda celebrated its centennial anniversary, the automotive equivalent of Nintendo pulled a plot twist no one saw it coming; they're offering a petrol-powered MX-30 with MHEV tech on it. Is Mazda breaking its promise with the mild-hybrid MX-30 crossover?

2021 Mazda MX-30

2021 Mazda MX-30

Starting at 2,420,000 Japanese Yen (around 24,200 US Dollars), the MX-30 is one of the most reasonably priced crossovers on sale and it was made to take on Toyota's C-HR, Honda's Vezel, and Nissan's Kicks and judging by early perceptions, I believe this new compact crossover kinda cuts through the line in a naughty schoolboy kind of way.

Observing on the styling first, the MX-30 looks almost the same as the concept car from last year's Tokyo Motor Show, which is good news to us, and because it is a coupe-crossover, it brought back the freestyle doors from the RX-8 sportscar. Again, good news.

2021 Mazda MX-30 interior

2021 Mazda MX-30 interior

What about the interior? On the driver's side, the MX-30 is all kinds of minimalism in addition to the first-ever touch-screen air-conditioning control panel located below the air vents but don't worry, they still have buttons and a knob on it to make it worth your while.

There is a well-known fact that in the name of sustainability, the center console tray on the MX-30 is made out of heritage cork while the door trim features a fibrous material that breathes, whatever that is.

On the passenger side, getting to the back of the car is just right, meaning it almost fits like a glove and you don't have to complain about every single thing while riding shotgun, although the legroom is the least of its problems. On the boot space, the MX-30 can fit the entire grocery shopping list with the rear seats present but with them folded, you can fill more if you're in the business of contactless delivery for the masses so this is an all-work, all-play, compact crossover that works just the way you want to.

2021 Mazda MX-30

Time to talk more about its performance and why it matters to you. The MX-30's 156PS SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine is connected to a tiny 5.1kw electric motor and Li-ion battery and when mated to its SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT, fuel economy is a combined 15.6km/L based on WLTP standards. 

Yes, it may be a mild hybrid that uses the same bits and bobs from the SKYACTIV-X engines from the Mazda 3 and CX-30 but the MX-30's is a whole different approach and because it runs on proper bits and bobs, it doesn't behave like a real hybrid. In fact, it behaves like a real car, and with the G-VECTORING CONTROL and the available 4WD system, not to mention a wide range of safety tech, you can spend the whole day enjoying the MX-30 without worry. Perhaps Mazda really is on the roll with this mild-hybrid version of the MX-30.

Love it or hate it, the MX-30 is not such a bad birthday present for Mazda and because it behaves like a Mazda, even with the mild-hybrid setup on it, the MX-30 is the reasonably priced crossover you want to start with.

So, if everyone in Japan is enjoying the mild-hybrid MX-30, is there a chance for the full electric MX-30 to come to Japan? Mazda says the full-electric version like the one you saw in Tokyo Motor Show may pop up sometime next year or so.

In the meantime, let's enjoy the mild-hybrid MX-30 for the time being because despite the cramped rear space, the styling, the minimalist interior, and the fact that it's offered only in a mild-hybrid setup, the MX-30 behaves like every Mazda should.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation