X of ideas
motorway and at the likes of busy town roundabouts.
Mazda’s ingenuity goes further, though, as the audio system creates sounds that are familiar motorists’ ears and help them better control the car.
But the power actually comes from a silent, lightweight, 35.5kWh, lithium-ion battery and electric motor developing 145PS to drive the front wheels.
This ensures the MX-30 is capable of sprinting to 62mph in just 9.7 seconds, with a top speed of 87mph, while the range runs to about 124 miles.
Using 50kW DC rapid charging, it will take just 36 minutes to go from 20 to 80 per cent capacity, while an AC outlet of 6.6kW will achieve the same in three hours.
Matching Mazda’s renowned innovative spirit is its reputation, these days, for building machines that are stunningly designed and thoroughly upmarket.
The MX-30 doesn’t disappoint, with a trademark flowing and dynamic design featuring a coupe-like profile for the upper half. Meanwhile, plenty of cladding lower down – helping to house sturdy 18in alloys – ticks the robust SUV box.
The quality of the interior blew me away
– it was solidly, thoughtfully put together and featured eco-friendly harvested cork and fibres from recycled plastic bottles, as well as plenty of other plush, soft-touch materials.
It was exceptionally comfortable and practical, with loads of room up front, including a floating centre console independent from the dashboard that allowed for extra stowage.
In another clever quirk, the car has no centre pillars, as the rear doors open backwards, allowing for easier access to suit a young family of four or five.
A 366-litre practically shaped boot is decent for the holiday suitcases, with a handy DIY loadspace of up to 1171 litres if you fold the back seats.
There are three main specs – SE-L Lux, Sport Lux and GT Sport Tech – as well as a First Edition limited to just 350 cars in the UK, with prices ranging from £25,545 to £30,045 on the road including the government grant.
Impressive equipment across the range includes auto LED light clusters, rainsensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed assist, sat nav and a head-up display. There is also a seven-inch TFT colour driver display, a seven-inch centre console colour touchscreen for the climate control and, above it, an 8.8in colour infotainment screen with full smartphone connectivity.
It’s all wonderfully clear and easy to use – with Mazda’s Multimedia Commander dials and buttons placed handily between the driver and front passenger.
All versions feature a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift leaver, while higher trims include a blend of pleasing cloth and faux leather.
Safety and security features are equally impressive and include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and smart emergency lane keeping and braking functions, with the likes of driver attention alert available at the top spec.
Moving up the range adds a variety of exterior finishing options and the likes of heated front seats, smart keyless entry, adaptive headlights, powered sunroof, heated steering wheel, 360-degree view monitor and 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Rivals will be rightly worried by the MX-30 because what buyers will get is an eco-friendly, handsome, premium-class car at a highly competitive price.