Australian first drive: Mazda MX-30 E35 electric SUV

When Mazda introduced the MX-30 small crossover to its already comprehensive small vehicle family in March 2021, it wasn’t immediately obvious how it fitted in. With the CX-3 looking after the compact SUV crowd, the Mazda 3 taking care of the hatchback audience and the CX-30 filling in any gaps between them, how could the mechanically almost identical MX-30 find any attention at all?

Aside from an extremely mild hybrid system, it’s mechanically very similar to the 2021 Wheels Car of the Year, while its exterior design is mould-breaking in some respects but practicality-compromising in others. And if that wasn’t challenging enough, the MX-30 comes at a price premium to its CX-30 sibling.

However, the petrol-powered MX-30 was arguably acting as a scout sent to prepare the ground for the main event that is the introduction of Mazda’s first pure-electric vehicle – the MX-30 E35 Astina.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

While the petrol versions broke little new ground beyond their attractive façades and interesting interior approach, the newest offering keeps the promises that its radical exterior design made when it was first unveiled.

The MX-30’s shell features the biggest evolution of (or perhaps departure from) Mazda’s Kodo design language yet, with three-tone colour schemes, points chamfered from the signature grille, heavily sculpted light clusters and a nod to the iconic RX-8 with ‘freestyle’ (read: suicide) rear doors.

But the battery-electric drivetrain now found in the flagship E35 Astina is the true gem of the model line.

It pairs a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery with a single AC synchronous motor on the front axle for a simple but elegant package. Figures on paper are not record-breaking with 107kW and 271Nm but its relatively small battery and motor only adds around 160kg to the petrol version’s kerb weight for a total of about 1650kg.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

Chuck the keys to an Uber Eats driver and the electric MX-30 would be the end of cold tacos and soggy burger buns

That’s relatively hefty for a small crossover but not for an electric small crossover and that translates to surprising if not incendiary performance. Pin the quiet pedal from standstill and the MX-30 is eager to respond with strong acceleration and will even occasionally chirp the front tyres. There’s less muscle for acceleration at speed but the rapid throttle response is typically EV-sharp in nature.

It’s really the torque figure that has the most influence on the Mazda’s performance, especially when negotiating inner-city traffic where you can also play with the five-level regenerative braking.

In the highest setting, the regen effect is not quite as aggressive as some other EVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace or BMW i3 nor is it quite calibrated for true one-pedal driving, but still efficient enough to maximise battery range.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

The two coasting modes at the opposite end of the spectrum are arguably even more interesting, creating an eerie but likeable frictionless glide. Both modes will boost battery life depending on the driving style and conditions and, in the middle setting, the MX-30 will behave in a more orthodox manner.

When you have to rely on the brake pedal during more enthusiastic driving the feel is atypically progressive, confident and lacks much of the soggy bounce that’s felt in some other EVs.

The chassis is equally rewarding, the additional weight positioned low down where it helps adds a sense of stability and sure-footedness. As well, the weight feels equally distributed and there’s a surprising resistance to understeer with heaps of front-end grip.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

Coupled with a sharp and fast steering tune, the E35 is certainly the pick of the MX-30 range for drivers that like to drive, especially if a majority of their driving duties happen in suburbia.

Its small proportions are a hoot to muscle through city traffic and it’s most at home among the skyscrapers and hook turns of Melbourne CBD. Chuck the keys to an Uber Eats driver and the electric MX-30 would be the end of cold tacos and soggy burger buns.

There’s virtually no electric motor whine on acceleration so Mazda engineered a synthetic noise that’s fed into the cabin via the stereo under load for a distinctly Jetsons report. There’s no low-speed noise produced on the outside a-la Hyundai Ioniq or Mini Cooper SE, which makes my favourite pastime of sneaking up on pedestrians in car parks an absolute breeze.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

Beyond the involving dynamics, smooth electric drive, and unique design, there’s an intangible charm and personality to the electric MX-30. Perhaps it’s a combination of the risky styling and zero-emissions drivetrain but the E35 has a confidence about it that the G20e doesn’t exude.

Add to that the same range-topping level of equipment you get in the equivalent petrol MX-30 and a boot that only sacrifices six litres of space at 311L. Unfortunately, the front-drive electric powertrain occupies all the under-bonnet space so there are none of the extra front storage advantages you find in some other EVs.

Standard kit highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, glass sunroof, Bose sound system, adaptive LED headlights and an 8.8-inch central digital display, complemented by a fully digital touchscreen for the climate and comfort settings as well as a 7.0-inch digital display for the driver’s information.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

And with an abundance of electricity at its disposal, the E35 has electric almost everything. The steering wheel and front seats are heated while the driver’s seat is 10-way electrically adjustable.

A relatively short range of 224km on a full charge may put off some interested parties but it’ll probably be ample for a majority of city dwellers. That said, if you feel like leaving the big smoke behind you, it’s enough to make a return journey from Melbourne to Ballarat or Sydney to Bowral, for example.

Charge times are correspondingly short with a full charge possible in a little over half an hour with a high-power 50kW charger.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

But all of this comes at a price and the new flagship of the MX-30 range will set you back $65,490 before on-road costs, which creates a bit of a sticking point.

Compared with other EVs, that sticker price isn’t wildly out of line, but it is when you compare battery sizes. Nissan’s Leaf E+ costs about the same but its 62kWh battery will go nearly 400km, while Tesla’s base Model 3 has a relatively huge 450km range for about $65,000. Hmmm.

Interestingly, Mazda had the option to bring in a less generously equipped E35 that would have commanded a cheaper price but opted for the Astina grade in a bid to align its electric strategy with the premium end of its product offering, rather than the more affordable point.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

With standout exterior styling, a smart cabin decked out with Maztex synthetic hide, tasteful fabrics and even cork inserts, the electric MX-30 certainly feels premium and takes Mazda another step along the road to premium brand territory.

All versions of the MX-30 sit comfortably alongside the impressive Mazda 3 and CX-30 but the battery version has a unique sense of pride about it.

Finally, the MX-30 has the unique drivetrain to match its unique looks and the entire car feels most complete as an EV. But it comes at a price. At about $15,000 more than the petrol G20e Astina the cost of entry into Mazda’s zero-emissions club is certainly exclusive.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

Most authorities agree that the EV tipping point will be price-driven and battery-powered cars won’t be widespread until they reach price parity with petrol and diesel counterparts, so it’s unlikely Mazda’s first electric model will be kick-starting the electric revolution.

And with just 100 allocated to Australia nor could it, even if it was in high demand. Most importantly though, it marks the start of Mazda’s own electric odyssey, and yet another brand to make the switch. Or should that be flick the switch?

The best bit though is that the excitement doesn’t end for the MX-30 range with the arrival of the EV. It’s yet to be confirmed for Australia, but the MX-30 range will gain an even more radical range-extended electric version that generates power onboard using a revenant rotary engine.

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2021 Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina

You could argue the very mild hybrid MX-30 is a bit unremarkable, you might think the EV is a little short on range and we’ll have to wait on the verdict of the rotary until we drive it, but what is absolutely without question is that the MX-30 range is unique and deserves to wear the ‘experimental’ MX badge with pride.