Mazda is going to be bringing its first all-electric vehicle to plug soon within the sort of the MX-30 SUV, which can offer a plug-in hybrid variant, too.
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| (2022) Mazda MX-30 |
Overview
The SUV will be equipped with a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a front-mounted motor, according to Mazda. Pre-orders for European consumers have already begun, and the MX-30 is expected to be on sale in the United States in early 2022.
What's New for 2021?
The MX-30 is not just a brand-new model for Mazda, but it is also the first time the Japanese carmaker has tried out an all-electric drivetrain. It's around the same size as the current CX-3 and hence the impending CX-30 crossovers, but it adopts the MX name from the MX-5 Mia ta, giving us optimism that it'll be a performance-oriented electric-SUV alternative.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- According to Mazda, the MX-30 will only have one engine, which will be located in the front under the SUV's hood.
- As a result, the MX-30 will only be available with front-wheel drive
However, we've learnt that a plug-in hybrid version will be available, which would combine an electric motor with a rotary internal-combustion engine, so all-wheel-drive may still be an option. Mazda hasn't revealed the MX-30's official power numbers, but given our experience with electric cars, even the smallest ones, such as the Nissan Leaf, offer quick acceleration.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The MX-30 will be able to charge using both regular AC and more sophisticated and quicker DC chargers. The actual range is unknown, but in order to compete with the Chevrolet Bolt EV and hence the Hyundai Kona Electric, the MX-30 will need to have a range of roughly 250 miles.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't provided MX-30 fuel economy figures, but similar electric vehicles like the Kona Electric and Bolt EV have MPGe ratings of 120 and 119, respectively. We anticipate a similar rating for the MX-30.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Natural and ecological materials like as cork and breathable cloth upholstery created from recycled plastic bottles are used in the MX-30's cabin. The front seat looks to readily accommodate two adult Americans, while the back seat appears to be considerably more tight, both in terms of head and legroom.
A floating center console is right in style, freeing up storage space behind a computerized screen that controls the temperature control system. We don't know how much cargo space will be available behind the MX-30's back seats, but if the similarly sized CX-3 is any indication, Costco runs may necessitate folding the rear seats flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A secondary display sprouts from the dashboard to hide infotainment functions like the sound system, navigation, and rear camera, in addition to the digital panel for the MX-30's climate controls and vehicle settings.
We anticipate it will feature Mazda's newest infotainment system, which debuted on the three sedans and hatchbacks earlier this year, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The MX-30 hasn't been subjected to crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but we anticipate Mazda to make its array of driver-assistance systems standard. The package of technologies, dubbed I-Activsense, includes collision-mitigation and lane-keeping functions to help lessen the risk of an accident. The following are important safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition is available.
- There's also lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring is available, as well as a rear cross-traffic warning.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
If the MX-30 doesn't get unique warranty coverage, it should come with the same set of insurance as its stablemates, the CX-3, CX-5, and, by extension, the CX-9.
- The warranty is limited to three years or 36,000 miles.
- A powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles is included.
- There is no complementary care available.