Mazda MX-30

In Brief

The Mazda MX-30 is the first fully electric from the Mazda stable due for Australia in 2021. Nice interior although adult passengers in the rear seats would find a longer drive somewhat cramped. Like the BMW i3 the rear passenger doors are coach style or clamshell as they are sometimes described. It means there is no pillar but with an NCAP 5 star safety rating Mazda states this is not a safety concern. The instrument panel is familiar in an analogue style. The vehicle comes with 5 stage regenerative braking levels. The battery size is quite small by modern standards at just 35.5kWh (30kWh available) that gives in good conditions a range of around 220kms. This was a very deliberate decision by Mazda who argue that the car is lighter and cheaper and provides adequate range (around 200kms) for the majority of drivers. Bear in mind the average daily drive of Australian passenger vehicles is less than 40kms per day. We were a little skeptical of this vehicle when it was first announced but having seen a number of reviews it looks like a well built, fully featured, great fully electric model from Mazda. If you’re already a Mazda enthusiast you’ll appreciate the solid engineering, features and functionality of this first electric offering.