Mazda is officially in the electric car business with the launch of the MX-30.
What is the MX-30 I hear you ask? Well, it’s a compact crossover style coupe that comes in hybrid and pure electric form.
Based on the CX-30, it has the same length and width but sits a bit lower, is priced from from $33,990 and is due to go on sale here in the next few weeks.
The launch of the CX-30 also marks the return of the rear-facing, “suicide” doors that were such a defining feature of the discontinued RX-8 sports car — remember it?
The hybrid will be first cab off the rank, with three grades to choose from : Evolve, Touring and Astina — priced from $33,990, $36,490, and $40,990 — all before on road costs.
Mazda’s first ever hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder direct-injection ‘Skyactiv- G’ petrol engine, paired with Mazda’s M Hybrid mild hybrid system and a 6-speed auto.
Combined outputs are 114kW and 200Nm, while it uses a claimed 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle (NEDC).
Mazda says the e-Skyactiv G combines the virtues of Skyactiv G with the M Hybrid system to provide improved fuel efficiency, a smoother transition from idling stops and a more refined driving feel.
Energy is recovered during deceleration, improving efficiency and braking ability, while the system can shut down the petrol engine before the car comes to a complete stop, thanks to a new belt-driven integrated starter motor (ISG).
Not only does the ISG smooth the transition to an idling stop, it also aids re-start by assisting to spin the engine’s crankshaft.
The result is a reduction in noise and vibration.
The MX-30 Electric combines a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 107kW/271Nm electric motor, delivering a range of 224km from a single charge.
Given the average Aussie commute is a 32km round-trip, Mazda says the MX-30 will deliver fuss-free, silent driving over the course of a five-day working week – without the need to charge.
Ten airbags are included as standard: front, curtain, front-side, rear-side, front far-side (driver) and a driver’s knee airbag.
Standard equipment includes:
- 18-inch silver alloy wheels
- G-Vectoring Control Plus
- Exterior mirrors with power adjustment and auto folding function
- Auto on/off LED headlamps
- Rear spoiler
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Advanced keyless push-button start
- 8.8-inch widescreen colour display (Mazda Connect)
- 7-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Eight-speaker audio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth audio
- Satellite Navigation
- Dual-zone climate control with touchscreen controls
- Auto dimming interior rear-view mirror
- Electric parking brake with Auto Hold function
- Leather wrapped gear shifter
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Paddle shift gear control
- Black and grey cloth seat upholstery
- Rear seats with 60/40 split and centre fold-down armrest
The $1500 Vision Tech pack adds 360 degree View Monitor, Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), Driver monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), and Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing] (SBS-RC).
Two grey metallics are available across the range for $495 while the following three-tone colour schemes are available on the G20e Astina:
- Ceramic Metallic with black roof and grey pillars – $995
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic with black roof and grey pillars – $1490
- Polymetal Grey Metallic with black roof and silver pillars – $1490
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