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The automaker is dipping its toe into the electric grid with
the limited-production MX-30 hatchback that, for now, is
sold only in California. Since the automaker builds the MX-
30 using the CX-30’s bones, both have the same length,
width, wheelbase and cargo capacity. Unique to the MX-30
is a pair of unconventional rear doors that latch clamshellstyle
from the inside. Also setting the MX-30 apart are
unique pinched-nose grille and taillight treatments along
with an available black-painted roof surrounded by silver
gray pillars. The MX-30’s interior is a modest departure
from CX-30’s, with variations in the control panel, door
trim and console. In both cases, the 8.8-inch touch-screen
appears partially sunken into the dashboard. Mazda’s new
e-Skyactiv electric-drive system consists of a relatively
small 35.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack plus an 80.9-kilowatt
electric motor. This combination produces 143 horsepower
and 200 pound-feet of torque. The estimated range is 100
miles, which is significantly less than competing vehicles.
Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lanekeeping
assist and driver-attention alert. The Premium Plus
N E W F O R 2022
2022 Mazda MX-30
Base price: $34,650
Type: Compact electric utility vehicle
Motor (h.p.): 80.9-kilowatt (143)
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Layout: Front-wheel-drive
Base mpg-e (city/highway/combined): 98/85/92
Base weight (lb.): 3,600
trim also gets front-traffic alert and steering
intervention that kicks in if the driver attempts
to change lanes while another vehicle is
occupying that space. Also in the works is
a plug-in hybrid version that uses a rangeextending
gasoline engine to supply juice to
the batteries.