- mazda's first full-electric model, the mx-30, is a crossover of an entirely new design.
- the new model made its debut at the tokyo auto show.
- the mx-30's small rear "suicide" doors, body cladding, and generally sporty look are what one would expect from a mazda with mx in its name.
mazda revealed a new model called the mx-30 at the tokyo auto show today. it's the automaker's first fully electric model, and it takes the shape of a small crossover that's 173 inches long, around the same size as the cx-30 that slots in between the cx-3 and cx-5 in mazda's suv lineup.
we’re confused about mazda’s use of the mx acronym for this new model, as those two letters have traditionally been reserved for sports cars such as the mx-5 miata. the car does, however, have half rear suicide doors that are reminiscent of those on the rx-8 sports car, so we suppose that could be viewed as a tie-in with mazda’s sportier offerings. the rear half-doors make this look much more legitimately like a coupe/suv than many other that claim that mantle. the swoopy c-pillar has a contrasting color that emphasizes the rakish rear end.
mazda calls the door setup a “freestyle” door, and the b-pillar-less design appears to make rear-seat access decently simple. inside, the company is emphasizing the earthy angle for the interior, employing "natural" materials including cork. the overall dashboard design is similar to the new mazda 3 and cx-30, although it incorporates a new, second screen lower on the center console.
at this point, mazda is mum on any details on the mx-30's powertrain, saying only that it’s an ev with a 35.5-kwh lithium-ion battery pack. we don't know the power output of the front-mounted electric motor, or what kind of driving range numbers it might generate.
pre-orders start in europe now, and deliveries will start next year in that market. we expect the mx-30 to come to the u.s. at some point in the near future, but its arrival on american shores will likely follow other markets by several months.