Mazda began production of the all-new Mazda MX-30, the company’s first all-electric vehicle, in Hiroshima, Japan.

The new MX-30 is equipped with e-Skyactiv – Mazda’s new electric drive technology. The front-wheel-drive powertrain combines a 107kW (145 PS) AC synchronous electric motor with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, equipping the new SUV with a driving range of approximately 124 miles (WLTP combined).

Sized to provide the optimum balance between a driving range which gives customers peace of mind and CO₂ emissions from an LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) perspective, the system battery can be charged to 80 per cent within approximately 40 minutes using DC rapid charging.

The MX-30’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has been specifically tailored to complement the vehicle’s inherently smooth all-electric driving behaviour. In combination with the new SUV’s comprehensive i-Activsense safety systems, it offers customers a uniquely quiet, seamless driving experience which was a critical brief for the engineers – the EV has to be as great to drive as every other Mazda car.

The latest expression of Mazda’s award-winning Kodo design philosophy reinforces this new direction for Mazda in powertrain technology development. Its uncompromisingly simple styling emphasises the MX-30s beauty as a solid mass, while centre-pillarless freestyle doors and a framed glasshouse hint at the open, spacious feeling of the cabin.

The ergonomically excellent interior features a driver-centric cockpit, a floating centre console, Mazda’s first seven-inch touch-screen air-conditioning panel, and a range of new, environmentally-friendly materials such as cork and door trim fabric incorporating fibres from recycled plastic bottles.

With UK pricing for the full Mazda MX-30 range to be announced later this year, the MX-30 First Edition is the first opportunity for UK electric vehicle drivers or EV adopters to take ownership of this unique, stylish and driver focused Mazda BEV. Available with a choice of free-of-charge Ceramic Metallic or Polymetal Grey Metallic single colours, the First Edition can also be ordered with either £950 three-tone Ceramic Metallic or £1,250 three-tone Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

The three-tone design further marks out the MX-30’s unique styling with a brilliant black roof and metallic grey upper side panels to contrast the Soul Red Crystal or Ceramic Metallic main body colour. Inside, the First Edition features a light and modern cabin ambiance with light grey cloth and stone leatherette combined with orange seat stitching.

Standard interior equipment includes a windscreen projecting head-up display, eight-way electric adjustable drivers’ seat, a colour seven-inch TFT dial display, a leather wrapped steering wheel and chrome trim accents.

As you’d expect the MX-30 First Edition comes with Mazda Connect, navigation, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the technology tally also includes Mazda Radar Cruise control and a driver’s knee airbag.

Customers ordering a Mazda MX-30 First Edition will also qualify for a free wall box home charger, while the car is equipped with both a Type 2 mode 2 charge cable for 3-pin plug charging and a Type 2 mode 3 charge cable for AC charging via home or public charge points. Additionally, the DC socket allows for rapid charging up to 50Kw. In this charge mode a charging time of 30 to 40 minutes can deliver up to 80 per cent battery charge.

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director at Mazda Motors UK, 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.”