Mazda MX-30 - Should You Buy One in 2022?

Mazda's first all-electric production vehicle, the MX-30, is predictably a Crossover. It's been conceived and created with the brand's well-renowned focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, driver focused dynamics and class-leading interior quality.

Market and Model

There are four trim levels on offer. Things kick off with the base 'SE-L Lux' variant, which costs £26,045 once the available £2,500 government grant has been subtracted from the initially mildly alarming £28,545 full asking price. Next up is 'First Edition' spec, then plusher 'Sport Lux' and 'GT Sport Tech' variants, with prices topping out (after deduction of that government grant) at just under the £30,000 mark. Available with a choice of free-of-charge 'Ceramic Metallic' or 'Polymetal Grey Metallic' single colours, the 'First Edition' can also be ordered with either £950 three-tone 'Ceramic Metallic' or £1,250 three-tone 'Soul Red Crystal Metallic'. The three-tone design further marks out the MX-30's unique styling with a brilliant black roof and metallic grey upper side panels to contrast the 'Soul Red Crystal' or 'Ceramic Metallic' main body colour.

Inside, the 'First Edition' variant features light grey cloth and stone leatherette upholstery combined with orange seat stitching. Standard interior equipment includes a windscreen projecting head-up display, an 8-way electric adjustable drivers' seat, a colour 7-inch TFT dial display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome trim accents. As you'd expect the MX-30 First Edition comes with the Mazda Connect centre-dash infotainment system, including navigation, plus 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring, while the technology tally also includes Mazda Radar Cruise control and a driver's knee airbag. The latest camera-driven safety elements also feature, including 'Smart Brake Support' autonomous braking and 'Intelligent Speed Assist', which can adapt your velocity according to posted speed limits.

Cost of Ownership

The quoted 124 mile driving range puts this Mazda at a disadvantage to quite a few of its similarly-priced rivals, cars like the Kia e-Niro, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Renault ZOE. All of those models can go further on a single charge - but cost significantly more to buy. Customers ordering an MX-30 'First Edition' will qualify for a free wall box home charger, while the car is equipped with both a Type 2 mode 2 charge cable for 3-pin plug charging and a Type 2 mode 3 charge cable for AC charging via home or public charge points. Additionally, the DC socket allows for rapid charging up to 50Kw. In this charge mode a charging time of 30 to 40 minutes can deliver up to 80 per cent battery charge.

We should also mention the warranty, the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile package. If you want to extend that, you can do so via optional 'Essential', 'Elite' and 'Complete' plans. Included in the standard package is a three year paintwork warranty and 12 years of anti-perforation cover. In addition, there's a 'Mazda Accident Aftercare' scheme which sees the company liaise with your insurer after an accident, making sure that you have access to a courtesy car if you need one and ensuring that all repairs are carried out to full Mazda standards.

Summary

It'll be interesting to see if EV buyers in this segment agree that a relatively compact battery pack (which means a relatively compact range figure) is the way to go in this sector. Mazda, like Honda and MINI, thinks it is but if you disagree and want more driving range in a Mazda of this sort, the brand is currently working on a Wankel-powered REX MX-30 model to satisfy you.

But that'll be a fair bit pricier - just as the competitor models in this class are that can go significantly further on a single charge, cars like the Renault ZOE and the Kia e-Niro. That may be extra range you don't really need. Plus neither of those cars are as good to drive or as well finished inside as an MX-30. So we can see the appeal here. You might too.

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[darwenrover]

Like how the rear suicide doors has a nod to the RX-8.

[entropy]

Great looking car but range is a bit low. Edit, needs lowering a bit, the gaps between the wheels and arches looks silly and the arches have too much plastic.