Mazda MX-30 Review 2023
The Mazda MX-30 is a breath of fresh air in the electric vehicle sector. With its sleek design and innovative features, it brings a new dimension to eco-friendly driving.
Rivals to the Mazda MX-30 include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Vauxhall Mokka-e and Peugeot e-2008.
Our Mazda MX-30 review covers:
- Quirky exterior design with accentuated rear-hinged doors
- Clean and minimalist interior design
- 350-litre boot, expanding to 1,155 litres with rear seats down
- Engine options with 35.5 kWh and 17.8kWh battery capacity
- Three trim levels are available: Prime Line, Exclusive Line and Makoto
Pros:
- Distinctive Design
- Sustainable Interior
- Engaging Driving Dynamics
Cons:
- Firm Ride
- Limited Range
- Small Infotainment Screen
The Mazda MX-30 boasts a distinctive and eye-catching design that sets it apart from many other electric vehicles on the market. The MX-30 features a compact SUV shape with clean lines and a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty and modern appearance. One of its standout design elements is the use of rear-hinged doors, often referred to as "freestyle" doors, which add a unique and stylish touch. These doors create an open and inviting cabin entry, enhancing the vehicle's overall aesthetic. Inside, the MX-30 offers a minimalist and eco-conscious cabin design. Mazda has made a conscious effort to use sustainable materials, such as cork and recycled fabrics, in the interior. The overall design is clean and uncluttered, focusing on simplicity and functionality.
When it comes to practicality, the Mazda MX-30 has its strengths and limitations. The front seats are generally comfortable and spacious, providing ample room for the driver and front passenger. However, the rear seats might feel a bit cramped for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline. Additionally, the rear-hinged doors can make entry and exit from the rear seats slightly more challenging, especially in tight parking spaces. The MX-30 offers decent storage options within the cabin, including door pockets, cupholders, and a centre console compartment. While it's not exceptionally roomy, it provides sufficient storage for everyday items.
The boot space of the Mazda MX-30 is one area where it faces some limitations. The MX-30's boot space is relatively modest, and it's smaller than what you might find in some competing electric crossovers. This is partly due to the space taken up by the battery pack. The 350-litre boot can accommodate groceries, small luggage, or everyday items, it may struggle with larger cargo or bulky items. You can expand its cargo capacity to 1,155 litres by folding the rear seats down. However, the sloping roofline limits the height of items that can be loaded into the boot when the rear seats are folded.
The interior of the MX-30 stands out as one of the most appealing among compact electric SUVs. Its design strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, avoiding any sense of starkness. The controls for the car's various features are intuitive, making them easy to locate and operate. What truly elevates the experience is the quality of materials used throughout the cabin. From the dashboard plastics to the seat fabrics and even the inclusion of cork on the centre console, there's a delightful tactile quality to everything. It's worth noting that the choice of cork is not just a stylistic decision but also a nod to Mazda's heritage as a cork manufacturer.
In terms of technology, every MX-30 model comes equipped with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, complete with built-in navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and DAB radio. The interface is sleek and user-friendly, with control facilitated by a rotary controller on the centre console. For those who prefer seamless smartphone integration, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be accessed using the same controller.
Another notable feature is a secondary touchscreen display lower down on the dashboard, primarily responsible for managing heating and ventilation. Mazda has made improvements compared to similar setups in other vehicles, ensuring a more user-friendly experience. However, some users might still favour physical buttons for these essential functions. Mazda has anticipated this preference and thoughtfully incorporated physical buttons on either side of the screen for added convenience.
Three trim levels are available: Prime Line, Exclusive Line and Makoto.
The base-level MX-30 comes generously equipped with a comprehensive set of standard features. It includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated satellite navigation, as well as seamless connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver benefits from a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience. In terms of driver assistance, the MX-30 offers adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.
For those opting for the Prime Line specification, you'll enjoy additional amenities such as heated part-leatherette seats with electric adjustment and a memory function for the driver. Keyless entry adds to the convenience of this package.
Stepping up to the top-of-the-range MX-30 brings all the features from the lower trims and more. This includes a premium Bose stereo system for exceptional audio quality, a heated steering wheel for added comfort, adaptive headlights for improved visibility, and a comprehensive 360-degree parking camera system to aid in manoeuvring and parking.
The Mazda MX-30 offers two engine options to suit diverse driving preferences. First, the E-SKYACTIV EV variant packs a 145 PS (107 kW) electric motor, delivering a responsive and efficient driving experience. It operates as a Front Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicle with a 1-speed automatic transmission, typical for electric vehicles. This model features a substantial 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, enabling a range of approximately 124 miles on a full charge. While not the most extensive range in the electric vehicle market, it is well-suited for daily commutes and urban driving, making it a practical choice for eco-conscious drivers.
The MX-30's E-SKYACTIV R-EV variant ramps up the power with a 170 PS (125 kW) electric motor, providing a more dynamic driving experience. Similar to its counterpart, it operates as a Front Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicle with a 1-speed automatic transmission. However, it comes with a smaller 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, resulting in a shorter electric-only driving range of approximately 53 miles. This range is well-suited for shorter trips and urban commuting, making the MX-30 E-SKYACTIV R-EV an appealing choice for those looking for a balance between performance and electric efficiency in their compact crossover.
Overall, the Mazda MX-30 is a stylish and eco-conscious addition to the electric vehicle market. It offers a unique design, a comfortable interior, and an engaging driving experience. While its range may not be class-leading, it's a practical choice for city dwellers and those looking for a distinctive EV option in the UK.
The Mazda MX-30 is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £27,940.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £215.54.
If you're considering leasing a Mazda MX-30, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Mazda MX-30 can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.
