Electric Mazda MX-30 Enters Production In Japan, Will Reach Europe In Autumn

Today marks the start of production of Mazda’s first-ever production electric vehicle, the MX-30 crossover.

Built at the company’s Ujina plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan, the Mazda MX-30 has beed designed specifically for the European market. The electric crossover will travel a long way to its main destination, but given the £30,495 ($37,430) starting price in the UK and €33,990 ($37,320) in Germany, it will probably be worthwhile.

The Mazda MX-30 features an e-Skyactiv front-wheel-drive powertrain featuring a 107 kW (145 PS / 143 HP) AC synchronous electric motor and a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Watch: Is The 2020 Mazda MX-30 Good Enough To Win Over Buyers?

The driving range according to the WLTP test cycle is 200 km (124 miles) and Mazda says that’s more than enough to satisfy European customers who drive an average of 31 miles (50 km) on a daily basis. The battery can be charged to 80 percent within approximately 40 minutes using DC rapid charging. Those who want a longer range are advised to wait a little longer, as the automaker confirmed last month it will offer a small rotary engine range extender from 2021.

Sized similarly to the Mazda CX-30, the MX-30 is based on the Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture which has been specifically tailored “to complement the vehicle’s inherently smooth all-electric driving behavior.” The EV is said to offer “a uniquely quiet, seamless driving experience” thanks in part to the comprehensive i-Activsense safety systems.

The MX-30 adopts Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy but is less conventional than any other model in the lineup thanks to the lack of B-pillars and rear ‘freestyle’ doors inspired by the RX-8. The interior stands out too thanks to the floating center console, Mazda’s first seven-inch touch-screen air-conditioning panel, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Those include cork and door trim fabric incorporating fibers from recycled plastic bottles.

European customers can already place orders for the MX-30, which will arrive in dealerships from autumn onwards.