Mazda announces MX-30 EV pricing and release date

Mazda's first EV, the MX-30, will start arriving at California dealerships in October with a starting price of $33,470 (+taxes, license, fees, options, and destination). This affordable (for an EV) pricing might get a few folks to try Mazda's citycar. The MX-30 shares a platform with Mazda's ICE CX-30 crossover (see rear view pic after the jump) which could help you determine the MX-30's size. Yes, it's a compact. The MX-30's closest competitor is the BMW i3 in terms of size, range, etc. although the little Bimmer has more power, more standard range and a unique design that made the little EV popular. Alas though, BMW no longer sells the i3 in the US (the rest of the world can still get it...for now) so that leaves the MX-30 to carry the little EV mantle in the US. Honda sells the Honda e compact EV and VW sells the Golf-sized iD3 in the rest of the world cuz dealers said they were too small for the US. But really, dealers don't want to sell EVs because they don't require a lot service which is where dealers make a lot of money (search for some of the dealer horror stories that EV buyers have had to put up with). The MX-30's electric motor puts out 143 hp and 200 lbs/ft. of torque so performance will be quick, but not fast. The MX-30 will also feature lots of tech and safety features (read media release) and the Premium Plus trim adds even more good stuff including premium audio, etc. I like the cork on the console which won't show scratches when you store stuff, Several premium paint options exist including the Soul Red Crystal Multi-tome (which is my fave and one of Mazda's best paint options) and there is a tri-color option with silver and black roof on top of the chosen body color (see pic below). There are a few single paint options available as well. In other words, you can spend as much as you like (and can afford) with the MX-30. BTW: prices don't reflect state and federal government EV incentives so take that in consideration when running the numbers. If you use your car to get to work or to run errands around town, this might be a good car for you. Mazda also has the Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program (you can "borrow" another Mazda for long trips) and $500 ChargePoint credit (for charger purchase or charging) included with ownership. What do you think? More choices, the better I say. Click on "read more" below to view the media release.

Source: Mazda - Media release, pics. Previous post.

Mazda adds power to the 2021 CX-30 with the 2.5-liter Turbo engine

Mazda's CX-30 crossover is a capable vehicle that has styling that is a breed apart from the others. In a good way. The CX-30's styling mimics that of the New Mazda3 but in a raised, crossover form. I personally like it a lot and no one does deep metallic red better than Mazda. For 2021, Mazda decided to make things more interesting by throwing in the 2.5-liter turbochargesd engine and standard all-wheel drive to create the CX-30 2.5 Turbo. The turbo engine creates 250 hp on premium (less with regular) and 320 lb./ft of torque which will move the new CX-30 Turbo down the road much faster than the "regular" CX-30 and its 187 hp. No transmission was listed but expect an automatic. Special black wheels and trim round out the Turbo model which should sit at the top of the model line-up (with prices to match). The dash pic is of a 2020 model since no pic was available for the new version. Might still be tweaking things. Don't rush down to your dealer yet (except to order maybe) since the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo will not be released until late 2020. Looks good and should be fun. More to come. Check out the brief media release (with some additional info) and one pic after the "read more" jump.

Source: Mazda/NewsPress - Pics and media release

Mazda reportedly begins production of MX-30 EV

Mazda has joined the rest of the world's automakers with the start of production of their first electric vehicle (EV), the MX-30.  Since Mazda's "hook-up" with Toyota a few years ago, the company's focus has not been on EVs and technology similar to Toyota's then road forward. Can you say "catch-up time?" First shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, The MX-30 is typically Mazda good-looking and press releases hint at exceptional handling. Of course, many of today's EVs are exceptional handlers in part because of the low-centers of gravity due to in-floor placement of the battery packs.  But the MX-30 has more in common with the BMW i3 than the Tesla Model 3. The MX-30 has a relatively small battery pack with a range of about 150 miles. The MX-30 even has suicide doors like the i3. More like a city car. Of course, many can do well with a "city car" and can survive with a vehicle that's not an "every car." That's why many buy giant SUVs. They might need the SUV's size and utility some day. Of course, they could always rent one for the few times they might need it and save some money, but...

The MX-30 is not a home run...more like a double. It's better for drivers to have more choices and I'm sure that many will be more than happy with their MX-30s. Since production just began, Europe can expect the first vehicles in late summer/early fall. For now the MX-30 will not be available in the US. If you want one, let Mazda know. Brief press releases and pics after the "read more" jump.

Source: Press release and pics from Mazda