Mazda has announced that the new MX-30 Electric Vehicle (EV) has entered production at its Ujina plant in Japan. The new model is Mazda’s first EV and is promising to bring a fun driving experience to the electric car market with its funky new crossover.
And production of the new MX-30 has now started at the firm’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima, Japan. This plant also produces both the CX-5 and CX-30 SUVs, too.
The MX-30 features a 35.5kWh battery, which Mazda claims will allow for a 124-mile electric range which means that it has just the right range for the average urban motorists.
The cool styling is headed up by the rear-opening back doors which is an idea that was also used by the rotary-powered RX-8 which has now been retired while the interior takes advantage of recycled materials. It also utilizes a lower touchscreen for the climate control, which is something typically found in far more expensive models.
Mazda has already confirmed pricing for a new ‘First Edition’ model, which will be limited to just 500 units. Highlights on this version includes the choice of free metallic paint colours, along with a head-up display, electric driver’s seat and adaptive cruise control to name but a few features. Reservations for the MX-30 First Edition start from £27,495 in the United Kingdom which is about RM146,000 before local taxes and handling costs are included.
PRESS RELEASE: Two days ago on the 19th May 2020, Mazda began production of the all-new Mazda MX-30, the company’s first all-electric vehicle, at Ujina plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan. A stylish and versatile SUV, the MX-30 has been created in response to the increasingly high demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) amongst the environmentally conscientious in Europe.
The new MX-30 is equipped with e-Skyactiv1 – Mazda’s new electric drive technology. The front-wheel-drive powertrain combines a 107kW (145PS) AC synchronous electric motor with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, equipping the new SUV with a driving range of approximately 200km (WLTP combined).
Sized to provide the optimum balance between a driving range which gives customers peace of mind and CO2 emissions from an LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) perspective, the system battery can be charged to 80% within approximately 40 minutes using DC rapid charging.
The MX-30’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has been specifically tailored to complement the vehicle’s inherently smooth all-electric driving behaviour. In combination with the new SUV’s comprehensive i-Activsense safety systems, it offers customers a uniquely quiet, seamless driving experience which was a critical brief for the engineers – the EV has to be as great to drive as every other Mazda car.
The latest expression of Mazda’s award-winning Kodo design philosophy reinforces this new direction for Mazda in powertrain technology development. Its uncompromisingly simple styling emphasises the MX-30s beauty as a solid mass, while centre-pillarless freestyle doors and a framed glasshouse hint at the open, spacious feeling of the cabin.
The ergonomically excellent interior features a driver-centric cockpit, a floating centre console, Mazda’s first seven-inch touch-screen air-conditioning panel, and a range of new, environmentally friendly materials such as cork and door trim fabric incorporating fibres from recycled plastic bottles.
Available to order now, the MX-30 will arrive in European dealerships from autumn 2020 onwards.
Note 1: MX-30 WLTP electric power consumption: 14,5-19,0 kWh/100km; Range: 200-262 (city); WLTP CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Note 2: MX-30 NEDC electric power consumption: 16,0 kWh/100km (combined); Range: 237-298 (city); NEDC CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
