Test of the Mazda MX-30, a superb electric car, but not for all

Not to mention all those who need a second car only to do the shopping.

Mazda MX-30 2023, electric and even more

The Mazda MX-30 2023 will run the heads. From its modern and so sophisticated style to the refinement of its exceptional mechanics, it is both the small urban SUV that will sneak with ease, and at the same time the one that will take you to the four corners of the province thanks to its unique technology. It will be, as it is currently, available with its 100% electric motorization and its 35.5 kWh battery, providing some 161 kilometers of autonomy and a power of 143 horsepower. But the new version will mark the union between an iconic motorization at Mazda, and the most modern technology.

A Mazda MX-30 2023 PHEV in sight

From mid-year in fact, the Mazda MX-30 2023 will be offered with a petrol engine capable of extending the autonomy of the stylish SUV. Be careful, we are not talking about any engine. We are talking about a new application of the rotary engine, an innovation that Mazda has exploited in the past with its magnificent RX-8s and which has marked history. The petrol engine will not have the mission of propeling the car. Rather, he will act as a generator who will allow the battery to be loaded and thus increase the distance traveled on a single load. Beyond these mechanical modifications, the Mazda MX-30 2023 will keep its different look. The presence of antagonistic doors will always be in order, just like the two -tone colors of the bodywork. A new range of color will appear for the model.

A high -end interior

The cabin will retain its exceptional finishing quality, and will always take advantage of the presence of recycled and recyclable materials, in particular the cork surrounding the central console. A long list of technologies will complete the attributes of this Mazda MX-30. All MX-30 models will offer the I-ActivSense system which includes the cruise control with “stop & go”, the monitoring of the dead angles with the cross-circulation alert at the rear and many other functions. Active Mazda Active Driving Projected in the Waves, which includes a circulation panel recognition system and a navigation system will also be. Stylish, refined and with more autonomy, the Mazda MX-30 2023 will be more than ever the model that will turn the heads.

Test of the Mazda MX-30, a superb electric car, but not for all !

Oh dear ! I just tried the first Mazda electric car and I was pleasantly surprised ! This car behaves super well, the comfort of the seats is great and the suspension is worthy of a Mercedes ! On the northern river cabossé path between Val-Morin and Val-David, I have rarely seen a car erased road imperfections as effectively.

It was the Mazda dealer in Val-David who lent me the car on December 22. They currently have two. One is in the exhibition hall and the other is used for tests.

It’s been a long time since I wanted to try one, because I like the design of this car and I know that Mazda still makes fun cars to drive.

And as in fact, I loved walking in MX-30. In no time, I felt comfortable, which is always a good sign when you try a new car. Even the rear visibility was good, the weak point of many modern cars with the look seen.

The power was not fantastic (143 horsepower), but I found it correct for me. And when we speed up a little strongly, we hear a special sound, a kind of engine of the future, I liked it !

And another thing that I really enjoyed is regeneration. With my Bolt Euv, there are only two levels of regeneration and I find the low level too low and the strong level too strong !

(For novices, regeneration is the braking effect when you release the accelerator. It’s very interesting, because it allows us to brake less, but we must like the intensity decided by the manufacturer.))

With the MX-30, there are two paddles behind the wheel, making it possible to increase or decrease regeneration. With that, I found the level that suited me perfectly ! I hope Chevrolet will offer that in his new Equinox EV and Blazer EV.

Is it an interesting car to transport teens to the back ? No way ! There is no matter how much door with a reverse opening side, entering the back is not easy and the space once installed is rather limited.

My bolt euv is a limousine for rear occupants compared to this mazda ! In short, this car is interesting for a family with young children or a childless couple.

Now let’s talk about the great weak point of the MX-30: its autonomy. This car may be beautiful, the habitable may be chic, the driving may be at the top, which may well want to have a vé with only 161 km of autonomy in summer (about 90 in winter) ?

Well, know that there are many Quebecers who always stay inside a small perimeter with their car. And the radius of action of the MX-30 is larger than you think !

Not to mention all those who need a second car only to do the shopping.

Here is roughly the radius of action of an MX-30 in winter. If you live in the center of this card, you can go everywhere and come back to the same load, a distance of about 90 km round trip.

Obviously, you have to live in a house with a garage entrance and a charging station so that you can connect the car as soon as you arrive at home.

Besides, be aware that given that the battery is small (35.5 kWh), it recharges in two hours from 33 % to 100 % on a 240 volts terminal. It is therefore possible to empty it in part during the day and to put it 100 % fairly quickly, ready for new adventures in the evening !

This is what I experienced from 2017 to today with my little Spark EV which has only 120 km of autonomy. Those who read me regularly know that this car always gives me precious services.

I started with a petrol car and an electric car (Toyota Matrix + Spark EV) and today I have two electric cars (Spark EV + Bolt Euv). Many people do that !

You ride little or are looking for a vé as a second car ? Mazda MX-30 can be an interesting choice, especially since it is sometimes possible to get it very quickly.

The two MX-30s that I saw and tried at Mazda Val-David on December 22 are still for sale currently. Anyone can buy them ! Which means that the waiting time for these two cars is only 24 hours !

But beware ! Yes for the Mazda MX-30, but only for those who never go away a lot from their home and who can have a charging station installed (to run electric of course !) in their garage entrance.

About the columnist

Eternal freelancer, holder of two baccalaureates, Daniel Jasmin was initially journalist for the magazines of Claude Charron (Monday, 7 days). In the 80s, he created the neon gallery, rue Saint-Laurent in Montreal. In the 90s, he wrote the internal newspaper of Petro-Canada. Finally, from the 2000s, after having held a column in the newspaper La Presse with his father, he embarked on the creation of board games (Bagou, controversy, Baby-Baomer, Generation X, Generation Y). Son of the writer Claude Jasmin, Daniel Jasmin has always been interested in cars and electric cars since the launch of the Leaf. In 2017, it bought its first 100% electric vehicle. Completely seduced by this new technology, he returns to his job as a journalist, but to talk this time about electric car ! Daniel Jasmin email address: [email protected]