Mazda teased its first full-electric model for the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show and we all assumed it’d be a CX-5 or CX-3 with an electric drivetrain. We should’ve known better than to doubt Mazda though.
The Hiroshima-based carmaker unveiled the MX-30; an all-new model, and little in the form of details but we frankly can’t be bothered because the small crossover has suicide doors like the RX-8. It’s a pretty rad move for a modern car and one that isn’t on the top tier of pricing.
Not only are there cool doors, it also marks the return of the MX acronym that’s traditionally associated with the marque’s sports cars and although it might seem like diluting the nameplate, we’re pretty sure the MX-30 will continue with the Jinbai-Ittai human-centric philosophy of man and machine that’s standard with all Mazdas.
Mazda themselves refer to the doors as “freestyle” but nobody is going to stop referencing the RX-8 doors here. The lack of a B-pillar means even the half-sized rear doors should make for easy ingress and egress. It’s about the same size as the CX-30 and takes on a coupe silhouette. Of course, the entire design toes the Kodo Soul of Motion design language.
Step inside and you’ll notice the dash is an evolution of the current Mazda 3 with a new second screen directly in front of the raised gear lever. They’re also keen to highlight the earthy angle employed inside with the use of natural materials including cork and other recyclable materials.
Now with any electric vehicle, range and powertrain info is vital. Mazda haven’t yet revealed those except that there’ll be a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Nothing on the power output or range. The moniker for the EV drivertrain is e-SkyActiv and we’re pretty sure you’ll be seeing that badge on more Mazda models in the future.
