Mazda is finally bringing a car to the socket. But the Japanese manufacturer is also taking the usual idiosyncratic path with the MX-30: Mazda does not take part in the range competition that is customary in the industry and instead uses a small, lightweight battery for short distances and a favorable ecological balance. Autohub has now made a picture of the everyday suitability of the Stromer with the coupé-shaped roof line and the doors that open in opposite directions.
With a length of 4,40 meters, the MX-30, which is based on the “small” platform specially designed by Mazda, just barely joins the compact class. That with dynamic accents Tailored sheet metal clothing follows the pattern of the current SUV even without a large radiator grille, but contrary to the mainstream it comes with doors hinged in opposite directions and without a B-pillar. The sophisticated construction, which will remind Mazda fans of the RX-8, enables the sleek silhouette of a coupé and promises easy access to the second row.
Room for four, better for two
Even without an additional parking space, that's easier said than done. The order is technically predetermined, first open the front door, then the rear door, slide the driver's seat forward, then you can sink into the comfortable back seat, which is also similar to a sofa in terms of the upholstery. A look towards the middle of the five-seater reveals, on the one hand, that the space indicated there in the tightly dimensioned rear of the MX-30 should be left free. On the other hand, the small windows block the light from getting inside. They offer little view of the outside and cannot be opened a crack.
High quality interior with environmentally friendly accents
At the front, however, the feel-good factor is in the green: Comfortable seats, good all-round visibility and plenty of space are impressive. The feeling of doing even more good for the environment in this largely emission-free vehicle inspires felt-like door panels made from recycled PET bottles, vegan artificial leather made from partially recovered fibers and applications made from cork on the door handles and in the center console, which is used in the manufacture of bottle caps as the rest.
There are no USB ports in the rear
Before the finger touches the start button, which Mazda knows exactly where it is, the searching gaze glides over the "floating" center console with the classic gearshift lever and its various, not entirely easily accessible storage options. Then the hand feels - just as unsuccessfully - under the cover of the armrest until, after a few contortions, it is finally found under the seven-inch touchscreen for the air conditioning behind the center console: One of two USB ports for charging your constantly thirsty smartphone. You don't even have to look for it in the second row. Trouble is already inevitable with the rear passengers, regardless of their age group.
Artificial sound matched to the electric motor
But now it should finally start with the MX-30. No, that is not an illusion, in fact, after the first more powerful acceleration of the front-wheel drive electric car, there is a gentle hum like a gasoline engine. Actually, an electric car doesn't make any driving noises. Mazda helps and adds sound to the interior of the MX-30, which is externally dependent on the cable through the fine writing "Electric" on the rear side window, with a subtle sound that is tuned to the torque of its electric motor. This should help the driver to better assess the speed. Which can be confirmed.
Short range, but low CO2 emissions
In the dashboard stretched to the width, the view falls after 15 kilometers driven on the display of a (remaining) range of 187 kilometers. That seems reasonably reassuring for the remaining 60 kilometers of the test route planned here and should be enough for the upcoming mix of city traffic, motorway and country roads. "The use of the small 310 kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs just 35,5 kilograms, is intended to provide an optimal balance between range and low CO2 emissions in the entire eco-balance," explains Joachim Kunz, Senior Product Development and Engineering, on the occasion of the presentation of the MX-30 in Leverkusen.
A rotary engine as a range extender
"A range of 200 kilometers for an electric car is normally completely sufficient," adds Kunz, referring to the 48 kilometers that European commuters cover on average. For the rare cases with longer journeys, Mazda will long-term offer a version of the MX-30 with a range extender, for which there is plenty of space in the engine compartment. And because Mazda always likes to swim against rather than with the current, it should be a small Wankel engine that should always run at the optimal speed and, if necessary, provide power for the engine and / or the battery. This will help to reduce range fears.
Charging is only single-phase for the time being
Until then, it makes sense to use paddles on the steering wheel to optimize the strength of the recuperation in five stages and thus gain additional range. But even then, trips with a pure Stromer must be carefully planned. With DC power and a CCS plug with up to 50 kW, the MX-30 can be charged in less than an hour at fast charging stations. Unfortunately, such power donors are not found on country roads, but rather on motorways. Because Mazda only allows single-phase charging for its first electric car when charging with alternating current, you have to invest 22 hours to charge even with a 4,5 kW wallbox, and it can take up to 12 hours with a domestic socket.
Successful set-up, low center of gravity and precise steering
With the 107 kW / 145 PS electric motor and a maximum torque of 271 Newton meters, the MX-30 is extremely lively. For the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h, the data sheet shows a value of 9,7 seconds; the governed top speed is 140 km / h. Very wise, otherwise the battery would be empty all too quickly. The combination of a successful set-up, the precise steering with good feedback and the battery-related low center of gravity of the 1.7-ton MX-30 ensure a good mood on the winding country roads in the mountainous Bergisches Land, which is named after the Herzogturm Berg.
Helpful assistance with a head-up display and APP
The head-up display shows all the information from the navigation system on the route, any speed limits and speed in a razor-sharp and easily visible manner in the windshield, so that you don't have to wander too often to the 8,8-inch touchscreen on the dashboard. which is controlled with a practical turn-push switch. If something distracts the driver's attention anyway and the vehicle threatens to drift off the road, the lane departure warning system brings it back on its way with a targeted steering impulse. Anyone who has lost track of the overview and lost sight of their MX-30 in the parking garage can use the MyMazda app with the vehicle finder, which also provides information about range and charge status and can control the air conditioning remotely.
The Mazda MX-30 is available from € 32.645,72. With An environmental bonus, manufacturer subsidies and 16 percent VAT have to be put on the table for only 23.165,72 euros for the Japanese e-SUV by the end of the year. Then, among other things, with traffic jam and lane change assistants, traffic sign recognition, full LED headlights, a sound system with eight loudspeakers, a navigation system, Apple Car Play and Android Auto up to the head-up display, most wishes are fulfilled.
