Priced on-the-road without insurance at RM198,780, the range-topping review unit of the MX-30 High came draped in Soul Red Crystal M, one of five available colour options.
This all-electric compact crossover represents the Japanese carmaker’s vision of sustainability for an electrified future by blending its signature design philosophy with eco-friendly technology.
Exterior
The MX-30 provides a combination of modern styling that’s combined with tradition to create an unmistakable Mazda presence.
For starters, the sleek LED headlights flank its signature grille that’s been minimised and hasn’t been sealed off – unlike most electric vehicles (EVs) have done.
The overall presence of the MX-30 has more elegance infused into its styling cues through its sculpted body panels that hint at agility and style.
Viewing its side profile, the eyes are immediately drawn to its coach doors, or what Mazda terms Freestyle Doors, which ultimately grant wider access to the rear seats.
Overall, the MX-30 has proportionate body dimensions and comes with 18-inch wheels and 215/55 series tyres.
Interior
The cabin doesn’t particularly exude a premium impression visually but rather, it’s the attention to detail that helps it along.
Keyless entry with push-start function and Walk Away Lock function certainly adds to the convenience.
There’s an immediate sense of warmth and sophistication through the use of eco-friendly materials including cork and recycled fabrics that cover the soft-touch high-vis areas.
The fabric-leatherette upholstered seats with white contrasting stitches are firm with a good amount of back support.
Thigh support is also adequate with the driver allowed to hunker down low via the eight-way powered adjustable controls with two-way lumbar support.
The dark confines of the cabin are driver-centric with all of its intuitive controls well laid out for ease of reach.
Illumination is taken care of by LED bulbs that can “fade” off and on while the frameless rearview mirror with auto-dimming function does well to stay out of the driver’s peripheral vision.
For colour and contrast, there is a 7.0-inch colour TFT LCD multi-information display directed at the driver, including a wide 8.8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment system (without touch) and a 7.0-inch touch-sensitive LCD panel dedicated to the climate controls – all of which provide crisp and highly legible graphics.
Additionally, the heads-up display provides an illuminated speed indicator on the windscreen ahead of the driver.
Unfortunately, the reverse camera could do with an improvement to its feed.
Having the range-topper means entertainment comes from a sophisticated 12-speaker Bose sound system that accords not only crisp but also detailed sound reproduction – even for phone calls.
The drive
Efficiency and smooth power delivery are the MX-30’s main priorities.
Even the usual sighting of a Sport driving mode toggle switch has been done away with.
However, this hasn’t hampered its driving abilities.
The single electric motor delivering 143hp and 271Nm to the front wheels is still able to provide sufficient power delivery, albeit smoothly.
The electronic power-assist steering system is direct and light when in heavy traffic before hefting up for cruising duties and the brakes have an adequate amount of bite to them.
Pitch and roll aren’t very apparent with the suspension able to mitigate uneven road surfaces well and allowing for some spirited driving moments when presented with tight meandering routes.
In that instance, the left paddle-shifter should be engaged to increase the resistance of its regenerative system to not help prevent over-cooking the brakes but also recoup some of the spent energy.
Single-charge range
With its 35.5kWh battery, the MX-30’s proverbial legs are rather short compared with many newer entrants which offer more than double the range.
After a combination of full-throttle inputs along with some cruising and crawling in traffic, its initial 97% state of charge was drained down to 52% after 84km.
Admittedly, range anxiety did set in along with a strong urge to nurse the throttle to the next destination before heading home to juice up the battery.
Some 30km later and the battery was drained down to 36% with 70km of range left.
Without a dedicated wall charger installed, the included three-pin home charger managed to charge up the MX-30 to almost full in about eight and a half hours.
Conclusion
The MX-30 is undoubtedly meant for single urbanites looking to make a stylish and eco-conscious statement while having enough coin to call this fully-imported EV their own.
Even with its modest range against the competition, this EV’s battery can be fully charged after a good night’s sleep via a three-pin plug-point – something EVs with a large-capacity battery will not be able to do.
While being distinct in its design, it will provide owners with an enjoyable drive that’s quiet and arguably comfortable.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mazda MX-30 EV High
Motor: e-Skyactiv water-cooled synchronous AC
Maximum power: 143hp
Maximum torque: 271Nm
Battery: 35.5kWh lithium-ion
Transmission: Single-speed automatic EV
Steering: Electronic Power Assist System
Range: 199km (NEDC)
Brakes: Front ventilated discs; rear solid disc
Suspension: Front MacPherson struts; rear torsion beam
Kerb weight: 1,668kg
Features: Seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, dynamic stability control, traction control, emergency stop signal, hill launch assist, auto-hold function, keyless-entry with push-start button, walk-away lock, automatic adaptive LED headlights with automatic levelling, LED daytime running lights and rear light clusters, LED fog lights, blindspot monitoring system, rear cross traffic aleert, front cross traffic alert, lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist system, driver attention alert, smart brake support, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, cruising and traffic support, automatic wipers, electronic parking brake, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, 7.0-inch TFT LCD multi-information display, heads-up display, paddle-shfiters, single-zone climate controls, LED cabin lights, eight-way powered driver’s seat with two-way lumber adjustment, fabric-leatherette coimbination seat upholstery, 12-speaker Bose sound system with 8.8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, two-USB ports, 360-degree view monitor with dynamic guide lines, 18-inch alloys with 215/55 series tyres and tyre repair kit.
Price: RM198,780 (on-the-road without insurance)
