Mazda MX-30 EV Model

Months after Mazda introduced us to the mild-hybrid MX-30 crossover, it's about time that the Japanese carmaker added the electric version of the compact crossover that marked Mazda's centennial anniversary. It's the MX-30 that some motorists wanted it to be right from the beginning or so they thought but anyway, let's step into the electric version of the MX-30.

2021 Mazda MX-30 EV Model

When the MX-30 first appeared at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, in concept form, it was the Mazda that made a lot of headlines because of was the first Mazda to come with the electric drivetrain. However, in the fall of 2020, they gave us the mild hybrid version of the MX-30, which is not bad to drive. With the arrival of the MX-30 EV Model, Mazda's got a lot of work to do by proving to the world that they're ready to compete with the other electric crossovers in its size, mainly the Peugeot e-2008 and the Vauxhall Mokka-e of course.

At first glance, it's still an MX-30. You still have the same RX-8-derived freestyle doors, which is cool, the same minimalist dashboard, the same cork trims, the same struggling access through the rear seats, and the same boot space as usual, but because this is the EV Model, you can expect the driving experience will be a lot different compared to the mild hybrid one.

With twice the pricing as the normal MX-30 (at the rate of 4.51 million yen), you might say that it's basically a slightly expensive compact crossover EV but let's keep digging because it's time to talk about the e-SKYACTIV electric powertrain that has the whole world talking about.

Bolted to a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, the MX-30 EV Model's e-SKYACTIV electric drivetrain generates about 107kW of power and 270Nm of torque. It has a driving range of about 256km by WLTP standards, which is not bad for an electric car.

Apart from that, the EV model differentiates itself from the normal MX-30 such as a bespoke Motor Pedal that responds rather well to its inputs, e-GVC Plus which gives it unheard dynamics on an electric car like this, and others.

It may be electric but it's still a Mazda and by utilizing all the dynamics know-how learned from every other model, this front-wheel-drive electric crossover still behaves like every Mazda should, no matter how good or bad will be. Good stuff, though, but we're not yet in the clear because, like the normal model, it features a massive array of i-Activsense safety features that will scare a speedo boy straight.

The MX-30 EV Model may have been the MX-30 that the public's waiting for since its 2019 Tokyo Motor Show premiere but for some, it deserves more because word from mouth is that there will be a range extender model with a rotary engine on it it's too early to tell about that because with the EV Model arrived on Japanese roads for twice the price of a normal mild-hybrid one, expect conversations about this one.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation