DOWN THE ROAD
Mazda MX-30
The first production electric car from Japanese manufacturer Mazda, the MX-30 has been revealed at the recent Tokyo Motor Show and according to the automaker this battery electric SUV type vehicle was developed for customers who do not want to sacrifice driving pleasure when they buy an electric car.
With its unique freestyle doors, ecological materials and 35,5 kwh battery giving it a range of approximately 200 km, exceeding the 50 km average daily drive of the European customer, the MX-30 marks a further step in Mazda’s multi-solution approach to reducing emissions following the arrival of the Skyactiv-x engine.
The MX-30, due to arrive in European dealerships during the second half of next year and in South Africa soon after, provides a natural and responsive driving feel by accelerating, turning and braking exactly as the driver intend in everyday driving situations – achieved through the innovative approaches in the e-skyactiv package.
This also includes the battery being rigidly integrated into the vehicle body structure as this enhances overall body stiffness and provides excellent response to driver input. Also, given the importance of sound to the perception of torque and speed to a driver, Mazda has also created an electronic sound system inside the MX-30, synchronized to motor torque in sound frequency. This leads to less variation in vehicle speed, stimulating very stable driving and is further supported by electric G-vectoring Control Plus.
The MX-30 has a distinctive Kodo design with a sense of oneness flowing from the top of the A pillar to the rear end. The freestyle doors give it a distinctive and elegant cabin silhouette and provide customers with easier access. Eco-friendly materials have also been introduced in the interior.
Why MX?
Mazda has used the MX prefix on several products designed and engineered to challenge auto industry assumptions at the time, such as the MX-5 that was created when roadsters were dismissed by other manufacturers. The MX-30 SUV creates a completely new EV experience with a unique interior and exterior design and great driving dynamics, according to Mazda.