What you need to know about the 2020 Mazda MX-30

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the 2020 Mazda MX-30 is the first model slated for mass production. 

The MX-30 unveiled in Japan is the final production version, and the Mazda EV is confirmed for North America. Here’s everything you probably want to know about the latest Mazda electric vehicle to hit the market.

What’s New About the 2020 Mazda MX-30?

The 2020 Mazda MX-30 comes equipped with the All New e-SKYACTIV; a fully electric engine powered by a 35.5-kWh battery. Under ideal conditions the e-SKYACTIV engine is rated for ~200 km range, 140 Horsepower and 195 ft/lbs of tourque. If the range is too low, the MX-30 offers a unique rotary range extender. 

Is the rotary engine back?!

Yes, and no. With the range extender equipped on the 2020 Mazda MX-30; you do get a rotary for the first time in 8 years! 

The rotary engine is used as a range extender, the engine does not directly power the wheels, instead it is used to recharge the battery that powers the MX-30. Additionally, to utilize more sustainable types of fuel the rotary range extender can use gasoline, diesel, liquified propane gas and even hydrogen. 

Speaking of sustainability

The 2020 Mazda MX-30 does not compromise it’s interior; even while using sustainable materials! The MX-30 utilizes recycled plastic for the seat fabric; and natural cork wrapped in protective film. Heritage Cork used in the console tray is designed to emphasize the texture and visual warmth of the material. The door trim features a fibrous material with a texture that seems to contain air, creating a material-based sense of openness within the cabin. Both of these materials are designed to be low-impact and sustainable. The door trim uses fibers made from recycled plastic bottles and the cork is harvested from the bark of trees without felling. The comfortable interior of the MX-30 is composed of such environmentally friendly materials.

Exterior Design

Embodying the next phase of KODO styling, the MX-30 boasts simple, clean surfaces with contrasting lower body cladding, missing B-pillars and opposing rear doors allowing easy access to the cabin (the front doors open 82 degrees and the rear doors swing in the other direction by as much as 80 degrees).

How does it drive?

The car’s dynamics, which proved far more entertaining than those of a conventional EV. It feels exactly like driving a Mazda CX-5, arguably the benchmark in the compact SUV segment.

Because the MX-30 is smaller, logic tells us it will be just as nimble and fun to drive as the prototype, if not more. 

Interestingly, Mazda engineers created a special sound for their vehicle, one that eerily resembles the exhaust note of a four-cylinder engine with an aftermarket muffler. It’s unique yet familiar at the same time, which greatly enhances the driving experience.

When can I get one?

Mazda plans to sell the electric MX-30 from 2020, initially in Europe and later in other markets. All-wheel drive is not available for the time being, but the executives at Mazda are not blind to the fact that AWD is quite important on our continent.

If not this one, maybe a larger electric Mazda will come with AWD in the future. Development has already begun.