Mazda Brings Its First EV MX-30 To Tokyo, But No New Rotary Engine

• The MX-30 EV looks familiar thanks to the expansion of Kodo Design Range.
• Highlights on the inside include a floating central console, floating infotainment and digital dials.
• Host of safety features such as smart brake support, road keep assist and blind spot assist.
• Its e-Skyactiv powertrain is expected to develop 143PS of power.
• The powertrain could draw power from a 35.5kWh battery pack and is expected to have a range of 170 miles (288km).

The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show seems to be dominated by electrified technology as we saw Honda unveil the Jazz hybrid, Toyota debut the BEV electric hatchback, and Lexus take the wraps off the LF-30 Electrified concept. Joining the bandwagon is Mazda, which has revealed its first mass-production electric vehicle (EV), the MX-30 at Tokyo, Japan. It comes powered by Mazda’s e-Skyactiv powertrain that’s coupled with the carmaker’s G-vectoring system. Sadly, Mazda did not stand true to rumours by avoiding the showcase of a new Rotary-engined car at the show.

Visually, the MX-30 looks every bit a Mazda thanks to the expansion of the Kodo Design Range that debuted with the Mazda 3 sedan. The front-end houses the typical Mazda grille that merges onto the sleek cylindrical projector headlamps. In profile, the MX-30 EV looks like a two-door crossover thanks to the suicide-style rear door a la the Rolls Royce Ghost. Five-spoke alloy wheels, black cladding and a sloping roof add to the crossover’s sporty character. At the rear, the crossover gets tail lamps that look similar to the headlamps. And thanks to the blacked-out bumper, the MX-30 looks rugged.  

Inside, the MX-30 EV comes with a futuristic and premium dashboard. Futuristic elements include a floating central console, a 7-inch touch panel for the AC and digital dials. Meanwhile, the dashboard comes draped with leather, wood stripped from tree barks and silver inserts that up the ante. Features in the MX-30 EV include smartphone connectivity, climate control, heated steering wheels, heated seats, cruise control, a multi-info display as well as keyless entry with push-button start. It also comes with a host of safety features such as smart brake support, road keep assist, and blind spot assist. 

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Technical specifications of the MX-30’s e-Skyactiv powertrain are yet to be revealed. However, reports suggest it could develop 143PS of power—a tad more than the Kona Electric’s 136PS power output. The electric motor could draw power from a 35.5kWh battery pack and is expected to have a range of 170 miles (288km). The battery pack comes with a refrigerant cooling system and can be charged via a 6.6kW AC charger. The powertrain also comes with Mazda’s G-vectoring system, which uses the powertrain to enhance the chassis performance and thereby improve the driving experience.  

The Mazda MX-30 EV is expected to go on sale in the international markets early next year. Based on the specifications, the MX-30 EV is a direct rival to the recently launched Kona Electric. It must be mentioned that Mazda had plans to enter India earlier. And we would like to see the Japanese brand hit our shores with their swanky cars. While its success will depend on the car and its price, it is likely to be a cake walk going by the thunderous response to Kia and MG Motor.