2022 Wheels Car of the Year contender: Mazda MX-30

Short range and high price take their combined toll on quirky EV

C Brunelli 220321 COTY 2022 Mazda MX 30 45
Gallery115

From the outset, Mazda’s electric foray looked like it would have a tough time convincing the judges it deserved to be there. Not only does the MX-30 E35 have a relatively short range rated at 224km on WLTP (but more like 180km in the real world) and modest performance, it also comes at an eye-watering price of $65,490.

Compared with some other EVs on the market and even a couple in our fleet this year, the unorthodox Mazda’s value equation appears impossible to solve. And yet, the quirky crossover started to melt a frosty reception early on with some irresistibly charming features.

As only the third model in Mazda’s history to wear the MX badge, its first pure-electric coupe-profiled crossover certainly deserves to be labelled ‘Mazda Experimental’ but has it been too much of a risk?

C Brunelli 220321 COTY 2022 Mazda MX 30 74
115

Perhaps the biggest departure from the company’s Kodo design language to date received both praise and criticism from all six judges including our design authority Ferlazzo. “The MX-30 makes a fashion statement but pushes the boundaries of practicalities,” he said.

Most notably, the E35’s ‘freestyle’ doors (particularly on the driver’s side) copped the most mire as an example of style over apparent substance. “Overlapping, suicide doors seemed innovative on RX-8, but quite impractical on a city-style electric hatch,” agreed Jez.

On the inside, the polarising design continues. Inwood criticised the cork touch-points for their reconstituted and plastic appearance compared with the more natural and beautiful material showcased by the MX-30 concept. That aside, the cabin ambience, finish and quality is in keeping with the Japanese car maker’s bid to push its brand into more premium territory and won favour with all that climbed aboard.

C Brunelli 220321 COTY 2022 Mazda MX 30 47
115

With just 107kW and 271Nm from its single motor and 35.5kWh battery, performance expectations were decidedly low, but the MX-30’s electric drivetrain adds just 160kg to the kerb weight of the petrol versions and its road manners were surprisingly sprightly.

Front-end grip was impressive, as was body control especially through the lane-change test with an eagerness to change direction and recover without complaint.

Combined with crisp steering, the driving experience earned the MX-30 more respect than most had been prepared for.“Good to see Mazda continue its aim to please drivers even with an EV,” commented Jez.

“Distinctive interior design and materials reminiscent of the BMW i3
– but so is the price” - Jez Spinks
C Brunelli 220321 COTY 2022 Mazda MX 30 7
115

A strange Jetsons-meets-combustion sound generated under acceleration polarised judges’ opinion but all agreed the boomy cabin noise over bumps was too much for an otherwise quiet and comfortable EV.

Curt suggested that Mazda may have been a little too experimental with this latest MX, and that its various interesting facets might have worked better in different applications. “It’d fare better with genuine SUV body style and packaging.

Or shoehorning its range and outputs into a light Fiat 500 competitor – a funky urban runabout – at a price starting in the high threes or low fours,” he said.

A Brook 220211 COTY 2022 Mazda MX 30 9
115

Compared with the petrol and very-mild hybrid versions of the MX-30, the electric E35’s less conventional powertrain is a better pairing with its mould-breaking design, and one might argue the forthcoming rotary range-extender is the version that’ll better honour the MX moniker.

Ultimately, it was the questionable packaging, meagre range and mighty price disparity that relegated this intriguing Mazda to the ‘not quite’ pile.

A practically compromised exercise of style over substance, but nonetheless a fascinating glimpse into what Mazda is capable of in an exciting new electric arena.

Price/as tested $65,490/$67,190
Motor Single (front) 
Power  107kW 
Torque  271Nm 
Transmission Single-speed reduction, FWD
Weight  1654kg (claimed)
Consumption  18.5kWh/100km
Length/width/height 4395/2035/1555mm
Wheelbase  2655mm
Safety  5 stars (ANCAP) 
0-100km/h 9.3 seconds
Weight (heavier than claimed) 6kg
Noise at 100km/h 74.4db

COMMENTS

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.