By Ian Strachan.
The developers at Mazda have clearly been doing their homework, and have researched potential electric vehicle buyers.
They have worked out that there are EV purchasers who don’t want to pay over the odds and rarely make long journeys. And that’s who the Mazda MX-30 is aimed at.
This fully electric SUV starts at less than £31,000, so there’s less purchase penalty for going electric. Its range is just 124 miles -less than most electric vehicles but, Mazda reasons, enough for most short-journey commuters. For those needing the security of longer range, the MX-30 R-EV has a back-up petrol engine.
I test drove the MX-30 in Makoto spec. Its electric motor develops 145PS, has a top speed of 87 mph and will take you from 0 to 60 mph in around 9.5 seconds. Not exactly sparkling performance, but that’s not what this MX-30 is about. Instead it concentrates on comfortable driving, good road manners and high specification. Plus the build quality is exceptional.
The MX-30 is a good looker from all angles. My test car came in an attractive Ceramic Grey with contrast black roof (£1,500 extra). It’s a car with a few idiosyncrasies, such as the backward-opening rear doors, last seen on the classic Mazda RX-8 sports car.
If I had a criticism of the interior it would be that space for rear seat passengers is not particularly generous.
The interior of the MX-30 is modern and well laid out, with a good driving position, high specification and high quality trim materials. In Makoto spec you get a powered sunroof, making the interior light and airy. You also get light grey cloth seats with leatherette trim, powered and heated drivers seat, a heated, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and plenty of storage spaces.
Specification on the MX-30 Makoto also includes electronic air conditioning, all-round airbags, 8.8-inch colour touch-screen navigation system with Bose DAB 12-speaker radio plus Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, radar cruise control, head-up display and a range of safety technology including lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring distance monitoring and front and rear smart brake alert.
You also get 18 inch bright alloy wheels, all round electric windows and door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera and 360 degree monitor and adaptive LED headlights with auto-dim.
Handling on the MX-30 is excellent, with sure-footed grip and a suspension which could handle potholes without too much drama.
The MX-30 is a good option for someone who wants to do the right thing and go electric but doesn’t want to spend too much money or make long journeys. The MX-30 Makoto is £35,550 on the road.
