Arriving in the UK early in 2021, the Mazda MX-30 is Mazda’s first all-electric production vehicle and part of an electrification strategy that has already seen Mazda M Hybrid mild hybrid systems fitted as standard to the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30, plus selected Mazda2s.
A stylish and versatile crossover, the Mazda MX-30 features an AC synchronous electric motor and a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a range of approximately 124miles. It comes with AC charging up to 6.6Kw and DC rapid charging designed to meet 125A Combo Charging standards. Alongside the development of efficient combustion engine technology such as the Spark Controlled Compression Ignition Skyactiv-X petrol engine, the fully-electric MX-30 is part of Mazda’s philosophy of the right power source in the right place at the right time, formed from the company’s ‘well-to-wheel’ approach to emissions measurement.
Equally, like every Mazda, the MX-30 has been conceived with the goal of ‘Jinba Ittai’ at the forefront of the development process. A Japanese phrase for horse and rider as one, the spirit of Jinba Ittai can be found in every Mazda where the connection between driver and car is a key element in what makes a Mazda a Mazda. No car exemplifies this more than the Mazda MX-5 and its focus on driver engagement, lightweight design, communicative controls and balanced handling. Sharing the MX moniker – that’s only worn by Mazdas that challenge convention to create and deliver new values in a segment – the Mazda MX-30 has been designed with the aim of delivering the kind of driver engagement not traditionally found behind the wheel of a battery electric vehicle.
Infusing an EV with this typical Mazda feel of a car that reacts to the driver’s intentions instantaneously, providing greater confidence and enhanced driver enjoyment was key to the MX-30’s development. When applied to an electric vehicle, the ongoing quest for the ultimate Jinba Ittai driving experience starts from the ground up with a choice of a battery size that’s perfectly considered for the often opposing demands of whole life CO2 consideration, performance, range, charging times and weight.
Combining Mazda’s next-generation Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery the Mazda MX-30 avoids the excessively high kerbweight of many EVs. Mazda’s next-generation Skyactiv-Body architecture is enhanced in the MX-30 through an increase in rigidity and energy transmission efficiency. Incorporating the battery pack as a part of the bodyshell’s ring structure greatly increases diagonal rigidity. Specifically, the frame that surrounds the battery pack is connected to the body in 20 locations. Straight crossmembers sandwiching the battery pack from above and below combine with a reinforced ring structure for the rear axle mounts to significantly reduce the delay in the transmission of inputs.
Commenting on the Mazda MX-30 First Edition, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, Jeremy Thomson, said: “our first all-electric Mazda heralds an exciting start to Mazda’s second century in business. With the First Edition MX-30 order book now open, customers in the UK can reserve a car for just £800 for delivery early in 2021. A battery electric vehicle conceived and created with Mazda’s well-renowned focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, driver focused dynamics and class-leading interior quality, the MX-30 will be a standout addition to the rapidly evolving EV marketplace. Part of Mazda’s multi-solution approach to efficient vehicles, the launch of our first pure electric car is a milestone moment for the brand and a landmark moment for our dealers and customers here in the UK.”
