Mazda MX-30

Boot space is 311L according to VDA standards with the rear seats upright.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2020.

It scored 91 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 68 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 74 per cent for safety assist.

All 2022 Mazda MX-30 models have the following safety features:

• 10 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Rear parking sensors
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Opting for the Astina or the $1500 Vision Technology package on other models brings:

• Front cross-traffic alert
• Front parking sensors
• Cruising and Traffic Support
• Driver attention monitoring
• Surround-view camera

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid consumes a claimed 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle according to ADR testing.

It has a 51L fuel tank and requires a minimum of 91 RON or E10 unleaded fuel.

The 20223 Mazda MX-30 Electric has a claimed range of 224km on the combined cycle according to ADR testing and consumes a combined 18.5kWh/100km.

The maximum DC fast-charging speed is 50kW and the maximum AC charging speed is 6.6kWh.

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a 24V mild-hybrid system.

It produces 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 Electric is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 107kW and 271Nm. It’s mated with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

All MX-30 models are front-wheel drive.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is available in the following exterior paint colours, depending on the variant:

• Arctic White
• Polymetal Grey metallic (+$595)
• Ceramic metallic
• Machine Grey metallic (+$595)
• Jet Black mica
• Ceramic three-tone metallic (+$995)
• Polymetal Grey three-tone metallic (+$1590)
• Soul Red Crystal three-tone metallic (+$1590)

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The MX-30 Electric also has an eight-year battery warranty.

For M Hybrid models, the first five years of servicing costs a combined $1732, and maintenance is required every 12 months or 10,000km.

For the electric E35 Astina, servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km and the first five years cost a combined $919.

The MX-30 Electric is like today’s BMW i3 in that it’s a bit of an oddball with some really interesting bits and a fun drive, coupled with a lofty price tag.

While the BMW could be pardoned somewhat as a trailblazer for the time – and packed construction and materials usually reserved for supercars – the MX-30 is playing in a different age, and is too compromised and too expensive compared to alternatives from other makes.

For the $20,000 over the G20e Astina which matches everything bar the electric drivetrain, you get smoother and quieter driving performance but that’s about it.

You also have less driving range, more weight, and of course you’re competing in a much more premium end of the market.

The real-world range is not good enough for the money. Even if the justification for such a small battery makes sense – less materials intensive, quick charging, and lighter kerb weight – consumers with range anxiety likely won’t give the MX-30 Electric a second look once they see the range.

The core strengths remain, however. The cabin is nicely appointed and has thoughtful, sustainable touches that make the MX-30 a lot more stimulating than its CX-30 sibling, the on-road experience is pleasant and refined, and of course that quirky SUV-coupe design is another point of difference.

With that said, the tight back seat and boot, impractical door design, low-output electric motor and short-range battery are big knocks that are pretty hard to get past at over $70,000 on the road given the ever-increasing amount of competition at this end of the market.

Here’s to hoping the upcoming range-extender version, complete with a rotary petrol engine as a generator, can address some of the shortcomings without sending the price into proper premium brand territory.