Mazda begins production of its all-electric MX-30 SUV in Hiroshima

Earlier this month, Mazda announced it had begun production of its first all-electric vehicle, the MX-30 SUV, at its Ujina manufacturing plant ‘No. 1’ in Hiroshima, Japan. The upcoming SUV, which is due to come out in early 2021 is based on the company’s e-Skyactiv powertrain.

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The MX-30 will feature a front-wheel-drive (FWD) system that will output up to 107 kW (143 hp) of power thanks to its AC synchronous electric motor. It’ll also last 124 miles (200 km) on a single charge due to it housing a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack. As for its recharging capabilities, the SUV will get to 80% in approximately 40 minutes when paired with a DC rapid charger.

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Staying true to the ‘Jinbai Ittai – car and driver as one’ ethos found across Mazda’s combustion engine range, the Mazda MX-30 comes fitted with Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus), which aims to enhance the chassis’ performance; Mazda claims it uses a “motor torque to optimise the front-rear load shift for improved stability”.

In terms of the vehicle’s design, the MX-30 uses Mazda’s award-winning Kodo design philosophy, which sees clay modellers design life-sized models of vehicles. As such, to make the SUV look and feel premium, Mazda has incorporated a three-tone design finish with a black roof and metallic grey upper side panels to contrast the ‘Soul Red Crystal’ or ‘Ceramic Metallic’ main body colour.

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The same design principles also apply to the interior of the vehicle, where the First Edition model features a light grey cloth and stone leatherette combined with orange seat stitching. Furthermore, the centre console appears to be ‘floating’ and the inclusion of a 7″ touchscreen air-conditioning panel is a first for the automaker. It’s also reassuring to learn that the materials used throughout the cabin consist of cork and door trim fabric incorporating fibres from recycled plastic bottles.

Commenting on the Mazda MX-30 First Edition, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, Jeremy Thomson, said: “our first all-electric Mazda heralds an exciting start to Mazda’s second century in business. With the First Edition MX-30 order book now open, customers in the UK can reserve a car for just £800 for delivery early in 2021.”

“A battery electric vehicle conceived and created with Mazda’s well-renowned focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, driver focused dynamics and class-leading interior quality, the MX-30 will be a standout addition to the rapidly evolving EV marketplace. Part of Mazda’s multi-solution approach to efficient vehicles, the launch of our first pure electric car is a milestone moment for the brand and a landmark moment for our dealers and customers here in the UK.”

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Indeed, if you’re interested, the Mazda MX-30 can be ordered through the manufacturer’s website with an £800 deposit. Prices start from £27,495, with the Ceramic Metallic or Polymetal Grey Metallic single colours included within the price. An additional £950 adds a three-tone Ceramic Metallic finish, while £1,250 will give you the three-tone Soul Red Crystal Metallic colour, instead. Further, if you qualify, Mazda will throw in a free wall box home charger with your order.

Full specs of the Mazda MX-30, below.