You will be reading a lot about electric and plug-in hybrids this year as more car companies start to move away from gas vehicles. Mazda has been going more upscale lately with its fun-to-drive lineup of cars and crossovers. Now, it has an all-electric Mazda ready to join the lineup.
True to form, Mazda’s first electric crossover is fun to drive as 150 instant horsepower and a decent amount of torque moves this small ride. I enjoyed the commute with its polished ride, and it handled the curves very well.
However, the range is only 100 miles on a full charge, which limits the Mazda’s usefulness for longer trips. Mazda continues its Kodo design language with the MX-30, which uses a minimalist approach that gives it a more upscale look than other sub $40,000 vehicles.
Rear styling really catches your eye with unique floating taillights that jut out from the body. Unique to the MX-30, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open. That’s because the back doors open in the opposite direction from what you are used to.
It makes getting in and out easier, as long as the front doors are opened first. Inside, the power seats get you in the correct position and the overall look and feel are of a pricier premium vehicle. There is a neat mix of materials used throughout the cabin, with some cork covering the cup holders and some on the center console.
Price: As tested $38,600 before Federal and State tax credits.
MPG: I managed 98 miles on a single charge.
Safety: i-ACTIVSENSE; smart brake support; lane departure warning system; lane-keep assist; Mazda radar cruise control with stop & high beam control; driver attention alert; blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert; adaptive front lighting system
Options: $495 Machine Gray Metallic
Things to know: The all-new Mazda MX-30 is the company’s first electric vehicle. It combines an upscale look and feel with a fun-to-drive attitude.
Pros:
- Small size is a boon for city driving and squeezing into tight spaces
- Luxurious interior without the high price tag
- Comfortable ride; handles well on back roads
Cons:
- Limited availability at this time
- Back doors cannot be opened unless front doors are open
- Limited range hurts the overall appeal of this solid vehicle
