Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Mazda and sold as a battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or mild hybrid (MHEV) variant. Based on the CX-30, it was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. Production of the vehicle, which is Mazda's first mass-produced electric car, began at their Ujina factory on 19 May 2020.

Mazda is one of the first and only automakers currently producing a Wankel engine with a rotary piston, it was last delivered in the Mazda RX-8 and is sold in the Mazda MX-30 since October 2023. It works as a generator and increases range with the support of an electric motor.

Overview
The MX-30 features clamshell doors, referred to as "freestyle doors" by Mazda and previously seen on their rotary-engined RX-8 sports car. It uses MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

The MX-30 is powered by an electric motor supported by a 35.5 kWh battery with a power output of 105 kW and 264 Nm torque, offering a range of 209 km. Up to 80% charge can be achieved within 30 to 40 minutes via 40 kW DC charging. With a 6.6 kW AC (1 phase, 230V, 29A) charging unit, the MX-30 is claimed to get fully recharged within 4.5 hours.

The plug-in hybrid variant was presented on 14 January 2023. Its drivetrain operates in series, featuring a rotary engine that acts as a range extender to recharge the batteries, but not to power the vehicle's wheels directly. The Wankel engine is a naturally aspirated single-rotor unit with a chamber volume of 830 cc, petrol direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation, a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter. Its rated power output is 55 kW. In Japan, Australia and New Zealand, a gasoline-powered all-wheel-drive mild hybrid version is also available. This version is powered by Mazda's 2.0 L e-Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine.

Europe
The MX-30 was introduced for the Europe region in the third quarter of 2020. Two powertrain options were available: e-Skyactiv (BEV) and e-Skyactiv-R (PHEV).

Japan
The MX-30 went on sale in Japan in 8 October 2020, in a sole grade with four combination packages available. At launch, a 100th Anniversary Special Commemorative Vehicle special edition variant was available, to commemorate the 100th anniversary since the founding as its predecessor Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, Limited in 1920. The e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid powertrain was marketed first, as it was easy option for many consumers and battery electric vehicles were not high selling compared to hybrid electric vehicles.

In January 2021, the MX-30 EV was released in Japan with 3 grades available at launch: EV, EV Basic Set, and EV Highest Set.

In November 2023, the MX-30 with the e-Skyactiv-R powertrain was introduced in Japan as the Rotary Plug-in Hybrid, with a special edition Edition R variant available.

Australia
The MX-30 went on sale in Australia in April 2021, with three grades available at launch: Evolve, Touring, and Astina. Two powertrain options are available: e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid (G20e) and the battery electric e-Skyactiv (E35), the latter powertrain comes exclusively in the Astina grade that went on sale shortly in August 2021.

New Zealand
The MX-30 was launched in New Zealand in May 2021 in a sole variant, the e-Skyactiv BEV in the Takami grade. In October 2021, the e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid powertrain in the Limited grade followed.

North America
The MX-30 EV went on sale in USA in August 2021 with sales limited to the state of California, as a sole variant, a Premium Plus package option was available. In July 2023, the MX-30 was discontinued in the USA due to slow sales of less than 600 units and Mazda USA focusing on introducing newer hybrid cars.

The MX-30 EV went on sale in Canada in February 2021, with two grades: GS and GT.

Malaysia
The MX-30 EV was launched in Malaysia in 29 June 2022, with deliveries began in January 2023, with two grades: Mid and High.

Singapore
The MX-30 EV was launched at the Singapore Motor Show on 16 January 2023, in a sole variant.

Safety
The Mazda MX-30 received a 5-star rating by the Euro NCAP in 2020. It was also the first car to achieve a maximum rating under the new Euro NCAP criteria.

Awards and reviews
The MX-30 made the 10 Best List of the 2020-2021 Car of the Year Japan Awards. It also won the 2020 Red Dot Design Award in the Electric Vehicle category.

Nonprofit consumer organisation Consumer Reports stated, "With such a small battery, the EPA-estimated range is a scant 100 miles. That would have been competitive a decade ago, but it's not in today's EV market." CR called it a "strange little car" and found the vehicle noisy but applauded fit and finish and said it was "a fun little handler."