[Auto] Mazda MX-30 electric test

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The Japanese brand's first electric crossover is not lacking in appearance. But behind its muscular allure and its impeccable behavior, the Mazda MX-30 hides a certain overweight and a small battery.

 

Mazda MX-30: The face without the battery

The Mazda SUV catalog is as full as it is confused. Between the CX-3, CX-30 and MX-30, it's not easy to follow. To be quick, we will say that the first is the small, the second the medium and the third, which we are testing here, the electric model. With a specific architecture, the Mazda MX-30 is quite long (4.40 m long) and receives antagonistic opening doors. An original concept which allows to keep a rear opening with a very slender Coupé style. It also facilitates access to the rear seats. At least in theory because the door here is tiny and very heavy. Once installed, the legroom is nothing special for an SUV of this size. The headroom remains limited and the small fixed rear quarter panels generate a feeling of containment. The trunk is also not very generous. At the front, the Zen atmosphere makes you smile as well as the impeccable presentation. The thick upholstery and the storm doors lined with fabrics, imitation leather and cork give off a special charm. As always with Mazda, the controls are well laid out. Storage and connections abound. Unfortunately, the multimedia system has to settle for a tiny screen with a GPS with dated graphics. Fortunately, it is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

 

 

A reassuring but too heavy Mazda MX-30

With 145 hp and 271 Nm of torque, the Mazda MX-30 is as powerful as its competitors. But it is heavier and is satisfied with a low capacity battery (35.5 kWh). The very watt accelerations are accompanied by a small artificial sound. Fun but not overwhelming! The performance, sufficient in urban areas, remains a bit fair to double on the expressway. In terms of comfort, the Mazda MX-30 correctly filters shocks on degraded roads and contains its body movements well. At low speed, the 18-inch rims still generate some rebounds in the rear axle. These large wheels also accentuate the noise of bearings and suspensions. During our test, carried out mainly on the road at 80 km / h, the on-board computer indicated 19 kWh / 100 km of average consumption. This suggests 180 km remaining wise. A little short, especially since it does not offer an on-board charger to optimize the charging power on public terminals (11 and 22 kW) where it ceases at 6.6 kW. The Mazda MX-30 can however connect to fast DC terminals (via its CCS Combo socket) to recharge at 50 kW and recover 80% of charge in 30 minutes. Accessible from € 33,900, the Mazda electric crossover is not too expensive in terms of its equipment but can fear the MG ZS ev. Despite a less rewarding style and an emerging distribution network, this Sino-British SUV receives a 44.5 kWh battery and offers very honorable services from € 29,990 excluding bonuses.

 

 

Verdict: The Mazda MX-30 differs from the traditional offer of electric crossovers with its antagonistic doors and its neat presentation. But the Japanese crossover lacks nerve and autonomy in the face of its European competitors and must be wary of Chinese competition.
 

Most of the Mazda MX-30:
Neat style and presentation
Rigorous behavior and braking
Precise orders
Less of the Mazda MX-30:
Little advanced multimedia system
Disappointing roominess and chests
Limited autonomy.

BUY
Tested version: Mazda MX-30
Starting at: € 33,900
Average consumption during the test (kWh / 100 km): 19
Average range (WLTP): 200 km
CO2 / bonus-penalty: € 7,000 bonus
Fiscal power: 2 CV
Country of manufacture: Japan
Marketing: October 2020

 

 

Range offered:
145 hp electric, from € 33,900 to € 37,800

 

DRIVE

Motor: permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
Transmission: at front wheels, 1-speed automatic
Power (hp): 143
Torque (Nm): 271
Battery capacity: 35.5 kWh
Operating Weight (kg): 1645
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m): 4.40 x 1.80 x 1.56
Wheelbase (m): 2.66
Maximum speed (km / h): 140
0 to 100 km / h / 1000 DA (s): 9.7 / NC
Average autonomy (WLTP): 200 Km
Maximum load power: 50 kW
AV-AR series tires: 215/55 R 18
Test tires: Bridgestone Turenza T005
 

LIVE

Safe (l): 366/1171

 

OPTIONS

Metallic paint: 600 €
3-tone metallic paint Red: € 2,100
MAIN COMPETITORS (prices excluding options excluding ecological bonus)

Peugeot e-2008 50 kWh (310 km WLTP): from € 37,850
Kia e-Soul 136 hp 39.2 kWh (276 km WLTP): from € 37,300
Hyundai Kona electric 136 hp 39 kWh (289 km WLTP): from € 32,900.