By: Peter Gregorian
May 13, 2024
The 2024 Mazda MX-30 GT is the brand’s inaugural foray into the realm of all-electric vehicles. Built on the familiar Skyactiv architecture of the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda 3, this model seamlessly integrates batteries and electric power into a well-tested chassis. Thanks to Mazda Canada, we embarked on an extended evaluation of their latest electric offering, allowing ample time to fully acquaint ourselves with the vehicle.
While sharing the platform with two other models in Mazda’s lineup serves to streamline research and development costs, the MX-30 carves out its own identity with a unique appearance. Resembling the CX-30 in the front fascia, its distinctive rear end, adopting a hatchback form, presents an unconventional silhouette that catches attention. Finished in a striking two-tone Zircon Sand Metallic with a gloss black roof, the MX-30 exudes an adventurous aura ready to conquer the concrete jungle.
Despite the coupe-like side profile, the MX-30 distinguishes itself with “Freestyle Doors” which pay homage to the iconic Mazda RX-8. While these doors enhance the vehicle’s cool-factor, they also introduce blind spots due to the sizable B-pillars, slightly offsetting the rear-seat access practicality they provide.
Stepping into the cabin, one immediately notices the thoughtfully crafted interior, featuring a blend of materials aimed at creating a warmer, eco-conscious ambiance. Notable touches include cork accents on door grabs and center console storage, along with recycled fabric trim encapsulating the cabin.
Entertainment is delivered courtesy of a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system which provides clear vocals and deep bass allowing for easy listening across various genres. While wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay access is limited to one of two USB ports, the system remains reliable, albeit with slightly clunky menu navigation. However, Mazda proves that touchscreen technology has a place in the cabin with the intuitive 7-inch display controlling dual-zone climate settings.
Despite its shared chassis, cargo space is limited to 405 liters (14.3 cubic feet), however, with the rear seats folded down this increases to 1,028 liters (36.3 cubic feet) on the GT trim. While not a groundbreaking amount of space for this small hatchback, it is enough for groceries and other light errands.
Notably, European examples of the MX-30 were delivered as plug-in electric hybrids with an electric motor setup paired to a reincarnation of the controversial Mazda Rotary Engine. For the Canadian market, however, only the full-electric variant is available. Given that the MX-30 was not a complete ground-up EV development, Mazda was limited by the constraints of the Mazda Skyactiv chassis architecture when determining size and placement for the batteries.
As such, the MX-30 falls short in the mileage department with a claimed 161 kilometers of range on a full charge. In the real world, with average temperatures of around six-degrees celsius, the vehicle only supplied around 140 kilometers of range.
Addressing range anxiety, most days of commuting to and from work with light errands in between ended with around 30% of battery remaining. Charging the MX-30 at home on a Level 1 charger typically restored the battery to its full capacity within 13 hours, while Level 2 charging provided a quicker alternative at reasonable cost bringing the battery from 45% to 100% in around 3 hours for a cost of $5.50 before taxes and charging fees. Level 3 remained the fastest option, albeit at a higher price point, charging from 30% to 100% in 1 hour at a cost of $25.
The MX-30 should not be mistaken for a quick electric vehicle, although given its full-electric nature, the instantaneous torque makes for effortless lane changes on the highway and navigating city streets. Power is delivered from a 1-speed automatic transmission and 35.5 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery which generates 143 horsepower at 4,500 RPM and 200 lb-ft of torque at 3,243 RPM from its electric motors.
Where Mazda’s touch with the MX-30 really shines through is in the near perfect weight balance and responsive steering feedback. This combination creates an electric vehicle that impresses and masks its 1,658 kilogram (3,655 pound) curb weight incredibly well, even when riding on 18-inch wheels outfitted with Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90 winter tires. Carving corners delivers joy attributed to Mazda’s e-torque vectoring and the instantaneous power delivery which helps pull the vehicle out of corners.
The 2024 Mazda MX-30 is offered in two trims. The MSRP for the GS trim is $42,650. As tested, the MX-30 GT comes fully equipped at $47,024 with the addition of the $550 paint option before taxes. At this price point, it is a hard pill to swallow for a vehicle that suits a certain urban lifestyle where commutes are short and sweet.
The 2024 Mazda MX-30 GT marks the brand’s ambitious entry into the competitive electric vehicle market. While it boasts a distinct design and enjoyable driving dynamics, areas such as range and pricing warrant serious consideration. Nonetheless, it represents a promising step forward for Mazda in the electrification era with dividends already being paid forward to the hybrid plug-in electric CX-70 and CX-90 models.
