2022 Wheels Car of the Year contender: Mazda MX-30

From the outset, Mazda’s electric foray looked like it would have a tough time convincing the judges it deserved to be there. Not only does the MX-30 E35 have a relatively short range rated at 224km on WLTP (but more like 180km in the real world) and modest performance, it also comes at an eye-watering price of $65,490.

Compared with some other EVs on the market and even a couple in our fleet this year, the unorthodox Mazda’s value equation appears impossible to solve. And yet, the quirky crossover started to melt a frosty reception early on with some irresistibly charming features.

As only the third model in Mazda’s history to wear the MX badge, its first pure-electric coupe-profiled crossover certainly deserves to be labelled ‘Mazda Experimental’ but has it been too much of a risk?

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Perhaps the biggest departure from the company’s Kodo design language to date received both praise and criticism from all six judges including our design authority Ferlazzo. “The MX-30 makes a fashion statement but pushes the boundaries of practicalities,” he said.

Most notably, the E35’s ‘freestyle’ doors (particularly on the driver’s side) copped the most mire as an example of style over apparent substance. “Overlapping, suicide doors seemed innovative on RX-8, but quite impractical on a city-style electric hatch,” agreed Jez.

On the inside, the polarising design continues. Inwood criticised the cork touch-points for their reconstituted and plastic appearance compared with the more natural and beautiful material showcased by the MX-30 concept. That aside, the cabin ambience, finish and quality is in keeping with the Japanese car maker’s bid to push its brand into more premium territory and won favour with all that climbed aboard.

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With just 107kW and 271Nm from its single motor and 35.5kWh battery, performance expectations were decidedly low, but the MX-30’s electric drivetrain adds just 160kg to the kerb weight of the petrol versions and its road manners were surprisingly sprightly.

Front-end grip was impressive, as was body control especially through the lane-change test with an eagerness to change direction and recover without complaint.

Combined with crisp steering, the driving experience earned the MX-30 more respect than most had been prepared for.“Good to see Mazda continue its aim to please drivers even with an EV,” commented Jez.

“Distinctive interior design and materials reminiscent of the BMW i3
– but so is the price” - Jez Spinks

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A strange Jetsons-meets-combustion sound generated under acceleration polarised judges’ opinion but all agreed the boomy cabin noise over bumps was too much for an otherwise quiet and comfortable EV.

Curt suggested that Mazda may have been a little too experimental with this latest MX, and that its various interesting facets might have worked better in different applications. “It’d fare better with genuine SUV body style and packaging.

Or shoehorning its range and outputs into a light Fiat 500 competitor – a funky urban runabout – at a price starting in the high threes or low fours,” he said.

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Compared with the petrol and very-mild hybrid versions of the MX-30, the electric E35’s less conventional powertrain is a better pairing with its mould-breaking design, and one might argue the forthcoming rotary range-extender is the version that’ll better honour the MX moniker.

Ultimately, it was the questionable packaging, meagre range and mighty price disparity that relegated this intriguing Mazda to the ‘not quite’ pile.

A practically compromised exercise of style over substance, but nonetheless a fascinating glimpse into what Mazda is capable of in an exciting new electric arena.