2021 Mazda MX-30 officially confirmed for Australia with all-electric SUV setting its sights on Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV

Mazda Australia will take its first step into the electric car market with the launch of its emissions-free MX-30 SUV in mid-2021.

However, those not quite ready to make the leap to an all-electric vehicle (or those who simply don’t have the means to charge an EV at home or at work) can opt for the mild-hybrid version of the stylish SUV due in local showrooms in the first half of next year.

The MX-30 has long been mooted for the local market since its reveal at last year’s Tokyo motor show, with Mazda working on building the business case for the local market and waiting until production of the mild-hybrid to be available.

The full battery electric MX-30 will sport a single electric motor that sends 107kW/271Nm to the front axle, while its 35.5kWh battery pack provides 224km of driving range according to outdated NEDC testing.

There are currently two other all-electric small SUVs available in Australia – the Hyundai Kona Electric and newly launched MG ZS EV that are priced at $60,740 before on-road costs and $43,990 drive-away respectively – which both offer longer driving ranges due to bigger batteries and tested on the more stringent WTLP standards.

While the MX-30’s driving range might fall short compared to its rivals, Mazda says “sizing for the high-voltage battery was carefully considered to fit the inner-urban lifestyle of the target market”, with the brand aiming the MX-30 at young couples without children who live in the inner cities.

The mild-hybrid version however, is powered by a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine that is paired with a 24-volt system, punching out 14kW/200Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and keeping fuel economy to 6.4 litres per 100km.

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Toyota also offers its C-HR with an electrified powertrain, though it’s petrol-electric hybrid set-up differs from the MX-30’s mild-hybrid system that uses its electric motor to exclusively support the internal combustion petrol engine.

Australian pricing and specification are still to be finalised, but all MX-30s should come with a dual 8.8- and 7.0-inch touchscreens for multimedia and climate controls respectively, as well as a 7.0-inch driver display.

Inside, Mazda touts the cabin is made from sustainable materials such as cork for the cupholders, recycled plastics for the door trims and synthetic leatherette for the seats.

While the Japanese brand expects sales to skew in favour of the mild-hybrid, overall sales volume of the MX-30 is expected to remain relatively low due to its niche appeal.

The MX-30 is yet to be awarded a crash-test rating from ANCAP, but it scored a maximum five stars when tested by Euro NCAP in November, 2020 thanks to the inclusion of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and 10 airbags.

Following the launch of the mild-hybrid and all-electric versions of the MX-30 next year, it is expected Mazda Australia will also bring in a range-extender variant that will see the return of the rotary engine, which is currently in development.

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