Mazda MX-30 2024: the misunderstood one
The average price of new vehicles in Canada is reaching new heights, making affordable models more relevant than ever. While options are becoming fewer and fewer, the electric vehicle niche can still benefit from government rebates.
In this sense, the Mazda MX-30 is one of the most accessible electric vehicles on the market, with shorter waiting times. With a starting price of $42,650 (MSRP), it benefits from both provincial ($7,000) and federal ($5,000) subsidies. Admittedly, the official range of 161 km is not attractive, but you have to look at it another way.
The MX-30 isn't intended to be used as a primary vehicle, but rather as a daily commuter. After all, the average commute in Canada is about 25 minutes a day. That's a few dozen kilometers or even less. It's a task the MX-30 can handle with ease, summer or winter.
City-dweller at heart
Excellent in urban environments, this is where the MX-30 will score highest in terms of range. Prolonged stops, traffic, low speeds and regeneration during braking are key to adequate energy consumption. The steering wheel-mounted paddles allow you to modulate braking forces without bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. In short, you should be able to increase your maximum range to 190 km (in ideal conditions).
In terms of handling, the MX-30 remains true to the brand's philosophy. The steering is precise and firm, while the low center of gravity and low weight ensure exemplary handling. As for the engine, the 200 lb-ft of torque is more than enough for quick city trips. On the other hand, the 143 horsepower proves a little short on the highway and during maneuvers when you need to plan. In mixed conditions, the onboard computer recorded a range of 176 km (or consumption of 18.2 kWh/100 km) during our summer tests.
As for recharging, the maximum power of 40 kW is lower than that of the competition. Even so, the MX-30 requires just 36 minutes to regain 20-80% of electrons using a 50 kW terminal. In winter, expect a drop in range, to between 100 and 120 km approximately.
Relatively practical
The body's distinctive format is due to the antagonistic doors. While this is an attractive feature, there are a few points to note. Firstly, the door sill integrates the pillar, which impairs rear-side visibility. Secondly, access to the vehicle is somewhat limited, especially as the roof slopes slightly. Fortunately, the driver's seat incorporates two buttons to move the seat and backrest for easy entry and exit. Two adults can sit on the bench for short distances, although headroom and windows are reduced. The trunk, meanwhile, has a good load volume, while the under-hood storage compartment is conspicuous by its absence.
The interior is well-finished, with high-quality materials. The uncluttered, linear layout includes instrumentation and a multimedia system with simple yet elegant interfaces. The latter is controlled via a knob and buttons on the center console. In general, this configuration proves effective, if moderately user-friendly. In addition, all air-conditioning and heating controls are operated via a 7-inch touchscreen, whose ergonomics are beyond reproach. For those interested, the MX-30 GT includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
What about the MX-30's future?
While Canada markets an electric-only powertrain, the same cannot be said for Europe. The Old Continent is entitled to the R-EV plug-in hybrid version, which houses a smaller battery and a rotary engine. Mazda Canada has not imported it, as the brand wishes to focus on customers' electrification needs. As a result, the CX-90 and the new CX-70 are better suited to consumer demands, and both offer hybrid powertrains. The CX-50 will also feature hybrid technology in 2025.
As for the future of the MX-30, our neighbors to the south have abandoned it after just two years, while it continues its work in Canada. Mazda has sold 255 units so far in 2024 (January to June), while it sold 148 in 2021, 812 in 2022 and 314 in 2023. In short, these figures point to an uncertain future for Japan's small electric SUV. We'll find out in due course!
