Mazda MX-30 2023

  • 2023 Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia walk-around video tour – 199 km range; RX-8-style doors; from RM198k

    The Mazda MX-30 was launched in Malaysia last June, with the first local spec units arriving earlier this year in January. As such, here’s a full walk-around video tour of the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) in its range-topping EV High variant that is priced at RM198,780 on-the-road without insurance – this figure factors in current incentives applicable to fully-imported (CBU) EVs.

    One unique feature of the MX-30 is its “freestyle doors,” which are rear-hinged like they are on the RX-8. In this video, Hafriz Shah demonstrates how they work and shows you what life is like for passengers in the rear seats.

    He also goes through the EV’s other quirks and features, including its powertrain that features a front-mounted electric motor rated at 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW) and 271 Nm of torque. This is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h.

    2023 Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia walk-around video tour – 199 km range; RX-8-style doors; from RM198k

    Powering the electric motor is a underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 35.5 kWh, which provides up to 199 km of range on a full charge. For charging, the onboard AC charger (Type 2) can handle up to 6.6 kW, with a full charge taking five hours. There’s also DC fast charging (CCS2), which sees the battery get from a 0-80% state of charge in just 36 minutes with an input of 40 kW.

    Built on the same SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture as the CX-30, the MX-30 is about the same size as its internal combustion engine stablemate, measuring in at 4,395 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,655 mm.

    Standard kit for the MX-30 includes LED exterior lighting (headlamps, DRLs, taillights and fog lamps), rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch TFT LCD multi-info instrument display, an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen (with Android Auto and Apply CarPlay), a seven-inch climate control display, trim made from sustainable materials, dual-zone climate control and paddle shifters.

    The EV High specifically gets a 12-speaker Bose sound system, fabric/leatherette combination upholstery, an eight-way powered driver’s seat with heating, lumbar adjustment and memory functions, a 360-degree camera and a powered sunroof.

    Mazda’s i-Activsense suite is also included and features Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking, front and rear), Mazda radar cruise control with stop & go functionality, blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), lane departure warning System (LDWS), driver attention alert (DAA) with driver monitoring, lane-keep assist system (LAS), adaptive LED headlamp (ALH) system, front cross traffic alert (FCTA) as well as cruising and traffic support (CTS).

    Five colours are available for the MX-30, and the three pictured here are Polymetal Grey, Zircon Sand and Soul Red Crystal, the last two accompanied by a black roof. Other options are Machine Grey and Jet Black Mica, the latter also a two-tone option with a black roof.

    For an even closer look at the MX-30, check out our detailed gallery of the EV and let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

     
     
  • 2023 Mazda MX-30 EV – first local spec units arrive in Malaysia; 145 PS, 199 km range; priced at RM199k max

    2023 Mazda MX-30 EV – first local spec units arrive in Malaysia; 145 PS, 199 km range; priced at RM199k max

    The first units of the Mazda MX-30 have arrived in Malaysia, several months after the electric vehicle (EV) was launched in June last year. Pictured here is the range-topping MX-30 EV High, which is priced at RM198,780 on-the-road without insurance, and is one of two available variants – the other being the MX-30 EV Mid.

    Power comes from a 355-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the vehicle floor that has an energy capacity of 35.5 kWh, which is good for a range of 199 km on single charge following the NEDC standard.

    This powers a front-mounted electric motor rated at 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW) and 271 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h. For charging, the MX-30 accepts a maximum AC input (Type 2) of 6.6 kW, with a full charge taking about five hours when plugged into a wallbox.

    Using a normal power plug and at a maximum rate of 3 kW, it’ll take 12 hours to fully top up the battery. The quickest method is DC fast charging (CCS2) at 40 kW, which will get the battery from a 0-80% state of charge in just 36 minutes.

    2023 Mazda MX-30 EV – first local spec units arrive in Malaysia; 145 PS, 199 km range; priced at RM199k max

    Standard kit includes auto LED headlamps with signature illumination on the High spec (the Mid doesn’t get the fancy lighting signature), LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, LED fog lamps and reverse light, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, four front and six rear parking sensors as well as 18-inch alloy wheels (with 215/55 profile tyres).

    Inside, there is an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), joined by an additional seven-inch touchscreen display for the climate controls – a first for the brand. A third screen being a seven-inch TFT LCD multi-info display is in front of the driver, while other amenities are dual-zone climate control, an electronic parking brake, LED interior lighting, paddle shifters, a windshield projected head-up display as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.

    The MX-30 EV Mid gets fabric seats, six-way manual adjustment front seats, a reverse camera and an eight-speaker audio system, the last of which is upgraded to a Bose 12-speaker system in the High. The High spec also gains combination fabric/leatherette upholstery and adds on an eight-way adjustable powered driver’s seat equipped with memory, lumbar and heating functions, a 360-degree camera and powered sunroof.

    2023 Mazda MX-30 EV – first local spec units arrive in Malaysia; 145 PS, 199 km range; priced at RM199k max

    As for driver assistance systems, the automaker’s i-Activsense suite includes Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking, front and rear), Mazda radar cruise control with stop & go functionality, blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), lane departure warning System (LDWS), driver attention alert (DAA) with driver monitoring and lane-keep assist system (LAS) as standard on both variants

    The Mid spec comes with adaptive front lighting (AFS) and high beam control, while the MX-30 High spec gets an adaptive LED headlight (ALH) system. Additionally, the MX-30 High adds on front cross traffic alert (FCTA) as well as a cruising and traffic support (CTS) feature.

    Customers can choose from five exterior colours, namely Polymetal Gray and Machine Gray, as well as two-tone finishes: Jet Black Mica (with silver roof pillar), Zircon Sand (with black roof) and Soul Red Crystal (with black roof). The Mazda MX-30 comes with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, and the battery gets an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty coverage.

     
     
  • 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launched in Malaysia: 2 variants, 199 km range, deliveries in Q4, priced at RM199k max

    2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launched in Malaysia: 2 variants, 199 km range, deliveries in Q4, priced at RM199k max

    Following its preview back in April, Bermaz Motor has now announced that bookings have officially opened for the Mazda MX-30 EV, with prices topping out at RM198,780 for the fully-imported from Japan offering. However, it’ll be a while before the car hits the road, as first deliveries to Malaysian customers are expected to begin only sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, barring any disruption in production and supply timelines.

    At the all-electric crossover’s official introduction today, the company also revealed that two variants of the five-seater will be available for our market, these being a MX-30 EV Mid and MX-30 EV High (this is the model that gets the headline price), the difference in the two being in the level of equipment and features.

    Common to both is an e-Skyactiv powertrain, consisting of an electric motor developing 143 hp (145 PS or 107 kW) and 271 Nm of torque, and this drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission (reduction gear).

    The motor is juiced by a 35.5 kWh, 355 volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the vehicle floor, and this is good enough to give the MX-30 a maximum operating range of approximately 199 km on a full charge. Other performance numbers include a 0-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds and a 140 km/h top speed.

    In terms of charging, the MX-30 comes with an onboard AC charger (Type 2 port), which allows charging at a rate of up to 6.6 kW. At the maximum rate, it takes five hours to get the battery to full via a wallbox, while charging at a maximum rate of 3 kW through a normal power plug takes around 12 hours to fully top up the battery. The car also supports DC fast charging (CCS2 port) at a maximum rate of 40 kW, and getting the battery from zero to an 80% state of charge takes 36 minutes at the max rate.

    A recap on the dimensions and other relevant numbers. Underpinned by the same SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture platform seen on the CX-30, the MX-30 measures in at 4,395 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and has a 2,655 mm-long wheelbase, giving it about the same dimensions as the CX-30, although it is taller by 30 mm. Kerb weight is listed at 1,645 kg, identical for both variants.

    2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launched in Malaysia: 2 variants, 199 km range, deliveries in Q4, priced at RM199k max

    The specifications for the MX-30 that are heading our way have also been detailed. Standard exterior kit includes auto LED headlights (LED Signature on the High spec), LED daytime running lights, LED Signature rear combination lights as well as LED fog lamps and reverse light. Also on, rain sensing wipers and advanced keyless entry, along with four front and six rear parking sensors. Both variants ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, wrapped with 215/55 profile tyres.

    Inside, the MX-30 features a horizontal wide dashboard in which the central and passenger-side air vents are placed on a single plane. Unlike the CX-30, the driver doesn’t have two dedicated air vents on either side of the instrument binnacle, with the rightmost unit being of a different design.

    Also, the MX-30 has three screens instead of just the two found on the CX-30. Aside from the infotaintment display and a 7.0 inch TFT LCD multi-info instrument display, the EV gets an additional seven-inch touchscreen display to control the car’s climate controls. A first for the brand, the display is located just ahead of the raised, dual-tier centre console.

    Novelties include the use of sustainable materials for trim, and these include cork as well as “breathing” fabric made from recycled PET bottles for the door cards.

    Common equipment on both variants include dual-zone air-conditioning, an electronic parking brake, LED interior lighting, paddle shifters, a windshield projected heads-up display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio control switches and an 8.8-inch touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

    The MX-30 EV Mid gets an eight-speaker audio system, fabric seats, six-way manual adjustment front seats and a reverse camera, and the High spec brings the speaker count to 12 units with the introduction of a Bose sound system.

    2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launched in Malaysia: 2 variants, 199 km range, deliveries in Q4, priced at RM199k max

    The High spec also revises the upholstery to a fabric/leatherette combination and adds on an eight-way adjustable powered driver’s seat equipped with two-way lumbar adjustment, a two-position memory and a heater function. The reverse camera system on the variant features 360º view monitoring, and also to be found on the High spec is a powered sunroof (with slide/tilt functionality).

    In terms of safety kit, the MX-30 EV comes equipped with seven airbags (front driver/passenger, front side, front/rear curtain and driver’s knee), dynamic stability control (DSC), traction control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill launch assist and ISOFIX child restraint anchor points.

    As for driver assistance systems, the automaker’s i-Activsense suite includes Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking, front and rear), Mazda radar cruise control with stop & go functionality, blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), lane departure warning System (LDWS), driver attention alert (DAA) with driver monitoring and lane-keep assist system (LAS) as standard on both variants.

    The Mid spec comes with adaptive front lighting (AFS) and high beam control, while the MX-30 High spec gets an adaptive LED headlight (ALH) system. Additionally, the MX-30 High adds on front cross traffic alert (FCTA) as well as a cruising and traffic support (CTS) feature.

    Five exterior colours are available for the 2022 Mazda MX-30. Besides Polymetal Gray and Machine Gray, the car can also be specified in three two-tone finishes, these being Jet Black Mica (with silver roof pillar), Zircon Sand (with black roof) and Soul Red Crystal (with black roof).

    The Mazda MX-30 comes with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, and the battery gets an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty coverage. Those interested in an MX-30 can pre-order the vehicle at the Mazda Glenmarie Flagship showroom, with the order books open as of today.

     
     
  • Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – why a 35.5 kWh battery, only 199 km electric range, low 140 km/h top speed?

    Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – why a 35.5 kWh battery, only 199 km electric range, low 140 km/h top speed?

    The Mazda MX-30 was previewed in Malaysia just a few days ago ahead of a launch set to take place in the fourth quarter of this year. We don’t have official pricing just yet, but Bermaz Auto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh has revealed that the company is working on bringing the price under RM200,000 after factoring in the current incentives the government is providing to electric vehicles.

    In terms of specifications, the MX-30 boasts a front-mounted electric motor that provides 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW) and 271 Nm of torque, which allows for a top speed of 140 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds.

    The electric motor draws power from an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 35.5 kWh. The battery can be charged via an AC input (Type 2 port) of up to 6.6 kW, and with a wallbox delivering the maximum rate, a full charge takes five hours. There’s also DC fast charging (CCS2 port), with a 0-80% state of charge taking 36 minutes with an input of 40 kW.

    A fully charged battery is claimed to deliver 199 km of range, which can be a little troubling for would-be EV buyers with range anxiety. As we mentioned in our original post, buyers with a maximum budget of RM200,000 for a new EV will have several options besides the MX-30. For instance, the Hyundai Kona Electric is offered in three variants with prices ranging from RM149,888 to RM199,888.

    Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – why a 35.5 kWh battery, only 199 km electric range, low 140 km/h top speed?

    There’s also the MINI Cooper SE 3 Door (RM178,240.73), Nissan Leaf (RM168,000) as well as the base variant (Lite) of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (RM199,888) beneath said price point. These non-Mazda alternatives are all capable of delivering over 199 km of range, as we list out below:

    • Hyundai Kona Electric – 39.2 kWh, 305 km; 64 kWh, 484 km (WLTP)
    • MINI Cooper SE 3 Door – 28.9 kWh, 232 km (WLTP)
    • Nissan Leaf – 40 kWh, 311 km (NEDC)
    • Hyundai Ioniq 5 Lite – 58 kWh, 384 km (WLTP)

    This begs the question: why does the MX-30 come with a smaller battery and less range than most of the competition under RM200,000? On a related note, what is the MX-30’s target market given its specifications?

    This question was posed to Yeoh during a Q&A session following the unveiling of the MX-30 recently. According to Yeoh, the MX-30 is more of a “utility vehicle” aimed at a different segment of customers that only require a city runabout where daily drives won’t exceed 100 km. It’s likely such customers aren’t too demanding when it comes performance either.

    Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – why a 35.5 kWh battery, only 199 km electric range, low 140 km/h top speed?

    Mazda’s decisions for the MX-30 were deliberate to minimise the vehicle’s environmental impact, which includes the entire manufacturing process. As explained in an Automotive News Canada report, the MX-30’s battery was sized according to the emissions generated from producing the car’s electrical components and factoring in a battery swap at 160,000 km to “maintain battery performance.”

    The carmaker notes that EVs with larger batteries are more polluting over their life cycles, and a majority of customers don’t necessarily require a copious amount of range on their routine commutes.

    Additionally, a smaller battery also makes an EV lighter, contributing to making the vehicle more efficient, while potentially reducing wear and tear on things like tyres and brakes. Managing the MX-30’s weight is also important in keeping with Mazda’s reputation of providing vehicles that are fun to drive.

    With these explanations, Yeoh said the MX-30 is a well-balanced vehicle for its use case and that it is the company’s duty to manage customer expectations. What are your thoughts on Mazda’s reasoning? If you had to put down money, how much are you willing to pay for the MX-30?

    GALLERY: Mazda MX-30 preview in Malaysia

     
     
  • 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – electric crossover with RX-8-style doors; 199 km range; < RM200k est

    2022 Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – electric crossover with RX-8-style doors; 199 km range; < RM200k est

    Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, has previewed the MX-30 ahead of a launch set to take place in the fourth quarter of this year. The brand’s first mass-production electric vehicle (EV) made its global debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show and was sighted here without disguise last December.

    The Japanese carmaker markets the EV powertrain used in the MX-30 as e-Skyactiv, which consists of a 35.5-kWh, 355-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the vehicle floor that delivers a maximum range of approximately 199 km.

    The battery powers an electric motor rated at 145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW) and 271 Nm of torque that drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission (reduction gear). In terms of performance, the MX-30 will take 9.7 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h and has a top speed of 140 km/h.

    For charging, the MX-30 comes with an onboard AC charger (Type 2 port) at up to 6.6 kW. Using a wallbox at the maximum rate, it takes five hours for a full charge, while a normal power plug providing 3 kW will take 12 hours. Alternatively, there’s also DC fast charging (CCS2 port), and following the provided spec sheet, getting from a 0-80% state of charge takes 36 minutes with an input of 40 kW. Bermaz Auto, the parent of Bermaz Motor, said it will partner with local charging providers like TotalEnergies to support MX-30 customers.

    2022 Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – electric crossover with RX-8-style doors; 199 km range; < RM200k est

    Measuring in at 4,395 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,655 mm, the MX-30 shares the same SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture with the CX-30 and nearly the same dimensions too, although the EV crossover is 30 mm taller.

    Despite the shared platform, the MX-30 has a more distinctive design compared to the CX-30, with key cues at the front being a recessed honeycomb grille that blends into the round elements of the slim headlamps. Meanwhile, the lower apron is in black and sports a horizontal slat that splits the intake into two, joined by light strips at the corners of bumper that serve as the daytime running lights and indicators.

    Along the sides, we find the most unique aspect of the MX-30, its doors. In a throwback to the RX-8, the EV comes with rear suicide doors – the company prefers to call them “freestyle doors” – which are rear-hinged. Like the RX-8, you’ll first need to open the front doors first before you’re able to access the rear ones.

    The MX-30 also comes with thick body cladding in the lower portion of its body, along with a coupe-like roofline and the Mazda script set upon a silver plate on the C-pillars. Moving to the rear, the two-piece taillights have large round elements to mimic what’s up front, along with short light bars that intrude into the tailgate.

    You’ll also notice the trim above the taillights, which are colour matched to the upper side panels, framing the rear window along with a black rear spoiler. Elsewhere, the black cladding covers a large portion of the rear bumper and integrates the reflectors and rear fog lamp. This particular example sports a tri-colour theme with a Soul Red Crystal primary colour, dark metallic upper side panels and a black roof.

    On the inside, there’s a horizontal wide dashboard where the central and passenger-side air vents placed on a single plane. Unlike the CX-30, the driver doesn’t have two dedicated air vents on either side of the instrument binnacle, with the rightmost unit being of a different design as well.

    Additionally, the MX-30 has three screens instead of just the two – instrumentation and infotainment – in the CX-30. The third is a seven-inch touchscreen display to control the car’s climate controls, which is another first for the brand, and is located just ahead of the raised, dual-tier centre console. Mazda also uses sustainable materials inside the cabin, including cork as well as “breathing” fabric made from recycled PET bottles for the door cards.

    In terms of equipment, we were told the preview car is actually a United Kingdom-spec example and comes with 18-inch alloys, dark grey cloth/ brown leatherette upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, a powered sunroof, automatic air-conditioning, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. As a side note, this being a UK-spec car is the reason why it comes with a CCS2 port for DC fast charging instead of a CHAdeMO port that is found on Japan-spec MX-30 variants.

    As for safety, there’s seven airbags and a host of passive systems like ABS, EBD, brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control, traction control and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Active systems include Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking, front and rear), Mazda Radar Cruise Control, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert and a 360-degree camera. Final specifications for our market aren’t available just yet, but it will apparently not differ significantly.

    Practicality-wise, this MX-30 offers 332 litres of boot space, including the underfloor storage that must sacrifice a few litres to make room for one of the Bose speakers. With the 60:40 split-folding rear seats tipped down, that figure increases to 1,137 litres.

    If you’re hoping for a front trunk (frunk), there is none because the space under the bonnet is taken up by the electric motor. If it looks a little odd that there’s still so much room in the “engine bay,” that’s because the MX-30 was designed to accommodate a mild hybrid powertrain featuring an e-Skyactiv G 2.0 litre NA four-cylinder engine in selected markets like Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

    2022 Mazda MX-30 EV in Malaysia – electric crossover with RX-8-style doors; 199 km range; < RM200k est

    Official pricing for the MX-30 wasn’t revealed at the preview, but Bermaz Auto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh revealed during a Q&A session that the company is working on bringing the price under RM200,000, with the current EV incentives factored in. For context, the MX-30 starts at 27,650 British pounds (RM153,543) in the UK for the base Prime-Line and rises to GBP33,450 (RM185,751) for the top-spec Makoto.

    Beneath the RM200,000 price point, the MX-30’s chief rival will be the Hyundai Kona Electric, which was launched last November and is offered in three variants and two battery capacities (39.2 and 64 kWh), with prices ranging from RM149,888 to RM199,888.

    Under RM200,000, there’s also the base variant of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 available, along with the MINI Cooper SE and Nissan Leaf. Would you pick the MX-30 offer these alternatives? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

     
     
 
 
 

Latest Fuel Prices

PETROL
RON 95 RM2.05 (0.00)
RON 97 RM3.47 (0.00)
RON 100 RM5.00
VPR RM6.00
DIESEL
EURO 5 B10 RM2.15 (0.00)
EURO 5 B7 RM2.35 (0.00)
Last Updated Mar 28, 2024