The MX-30, Mazda’s first electric car, has been officially announced for the European market, with a first edition and an interesting price.
The controversial MX-30, Mazda’s first electric car, will finally reach the European market and reservations have begun in many countries. But is this the electric SUV you were waiting for?
It’s hard to say, because the MX-30 is special for many reasons, and being electric is the least of them. Mazda has remained one of the greatest advocates of continuing to use combustion engines, with the development of new Skyactiv technologies that reduce consumption and emissions.
It is worth asking then what the Japanese manufacturer does by presenting an electric SUV so attractive. One of the reasons is legal: to meet the emission levels required by the European Union, manufacturers are being forced to electrify their fleet.
Mazda’s first EV
But that does not mean Mazda does not believe in electric, or that the MX-30 is a simple “to comply” model. If so, it would not boast such an interesting design and choices; for example, the rear ‘suicide doors’.
Indeed, the back doors of the MX-30 open on the opposite side, like a Rolls Royce; although in this case the objective is not to demonstrate luxury, but to facilitate entry and exit in the rear seats. This is a compact SUV, a very popular segment at the moment.
The MX-30 can be the most practical compared to its rivals just for this detail, maintaining a very attractive style; It really looks like a futuristic version of the CX-30 of the same brand.
Where the MX-30 also stand out is the technology. Although Mazda’s philosophy follows inside, the infotainment screen is relatively small and far away to avoid distractions, it is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has a projector on the windshield to see the most basic information. In terms of safety, the MX-30 is loaded with adaptive radar cruise control, in addition to automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitor.
Why so little range?
As we can see, the MX-30 is very advanced, but there is one aspect in which it particularly lags behind its competition. The range of the MX-30 is only 200 kilometers (125 miles), thanks to its 35.5 kWh batteries. This is very low considering its an SUV; And by comparing it to the electric Fiat 500 announced this week, a much smaller car has battery range of of 320 km (200 miles).
What is Mazda playing? According to the Japanese company, everything has an explanation: they say, they are doing it for the environment. Mazda’s position is that the production of batteries also pollutes, and that it is useless to switch to the electric car if, at the end of its useful life, we end up polluting more than if we had driven a diesel car.
This is one of the reasons why Mazda continues betting on combustion engines. According to their calculations, the 35.5 kWh that the MX-30 has is the limit; if more capacity were installed, the carbon footprint of the car would be higher than acceptable. It is a point of view that has raised some controversy.
Mazda believes that the 200 km of range will be sufficient, especially since it will take only four and a half hours to fully recharge the batteries with a 22 kW connection. Therefore, for normal use in the city it may be sufficient.
It will be interesting to see how the European market reacts to this launch; Especially considering the price. Mazda has surpassed itself, and the final price has turned out to be lower than expected. The Mazda MX-30 will be launched first with the “1st Edition”, with exclusive finishes, for a price of €34,590; Very competitive considering the type of vehicle.
