2022 Mazda MX-30 Mid e-Skyactiv Review

Recently, the C-segment hatchback market in Malaysia has seen the introduction of many new models emphasizing crossover designs. While consumers are pursuing practical space, they are increasingly focusing on unique designs and driving quality. As Mazda's first all-electric model, the MX-30 Mid e-Skyactiv taps into the market with its signature "Kodo" design and compact crossover positioning. Its distinctive appearance, the unique interior quality of the Japanese brand, and actual driving performance are the focal points of our test drive this time—after all, in the all-electric C-segment market, whether it can achieve both "good looks" and "good drivability" will directly influence consumer choices.

At first glance, the most eye-catching feature of the MX-30 is its freestyle doors without a B-pillar, which is extremely rare in cars of the same class. The side profile of the vehicle maintains the fluidity of the Kodo design, with a roofline that slightly slopes downward from the A-pillar and is complemented by black wheel arches and side skirts, giving it a distinctive crossover style. The front face features a closed grille specific to Mazda's electric vehicles, with an oval emblem embedded in the middle. On both sides, the sharply-shaped LED headlights are connected to the chrome trim above the grille, providing high recognizability. At the rear, the L-shaped taillights extend to the sides of the vehicle, with clear illumination thanks to the internal LED lighting. The black lower bumper further reinforces the crossover attributes of the car. Overall, the MX-30 doesn't intentionally aim for a high-tech futuristic electric car look, but instead conveys Mazda's consistent refinement through its detailed designs.

Stepping inside, the interior layout and materials follow the brand's family style. The asymmetrical dashboard tilts slightly toward the driver, making operation convenient. The steering wheel features a three-spoke multi-functional design with a leather wrap that feels smooth to the touch. The physical buttons on both sides are well-arranged, making blind operation hassle-free. The 10.25-inch floating central control screen is equipped with the Mazda Connect system, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, the screen only supports touch operation, and during driving, you still need to control it through the knob behind the gear lever, which might take some time to get used to. The seats are made of a mix of fabric and leather materials; the front seats offer moderate wrapping and good support, while the padding of the rear seats is relatively firm, which might lead to fatigue over long periods of sitting. Regarding interior storage space, the front central armrest box has a relatively small capacity, but the door panel storage compartments and cup holders are generally sufficient for daily needs. The trunk provides a standard capacity of 366 liters, which can be expanded to 1,171 liters when the rear seats are folded down, adequately meeting the needs of short family trips.

In terms of space performance, the dimensions of the MX-30 are 4395×1795×1570mm, with a wheelbase of 2655mm, which falls within the standard range for compact crossover vehicles. The front row offers ample seating space, with a 175cm tall individual having one fist’s worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear space is relatively compact; a person of the same height sitting in the back has about one fist of legroom and approximately four fingers of headroom. Additionally, the raised middle floor makes it less suitable for accommodating three passengers for extended periods. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and two USB ports, offering decent practicality.

Powertrain-wise, the MX-30 Mid e-Skyactiv is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 107kW (145PS) and a maximum torque of 271N·m, paired with a 35.5kWh lithium battery pack. During daily driving, the power output is smooth and linear, with a quick response during initial acceleration. The 0-60km/h acceleration feels brisk, making it well-suited for urban commuting. However, at higher speeds exceeding 100km/h, the power reserve for further acceleration feels slightly inadequate, requiring a deeper press on the accelerator when overtaking. The vehicle offers Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with Sport mode providing a more aggressive power response, although the overall tuning still leans towards comfort.

Handling performance has always been a traditional strength of Mazda, and the MX-30 is no exception. The steering system offers a refined feel, with minimal slop and precise directional response. The car follows turns well, providing drivers with ample confidence. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent setup, leaning towards a firm tuning. It does not entirely filter out small road surface vibrations, transmitting road feedback clearly. However, when traversing speed bumps or large potholes, the suspension produces some noticeable rebounds, affecting rear-seat comfort. That said, the stiff suspension effectively controls body roll during cornering, maintaining vehicle stability.

In terms of range and charging, the official WLTP range is 200km. In actual test drives, city driving achieves about 85% of this range, while on highways the range is approximately halved. With a full charge, it can support a week of city commuting. As for charging efficiency, it supports a maximum of 6.6kW AC slow charging and 50kW DC fast charging. Slow charging from 0% to 100% takes approximately 6 hours, while fast charging can charge to 80% in 30 minutes, making it suitable for users with home charging facilities.

In summary, the core strengths of the MX-30 Mid e-Skyactiv lie in its unique design, precise handling, and solid interior quality, which are long-standing attributes of the Mazda brand. Compared to competitors like the Volkswagen ID.3 or Honda e:N1 in the same segment, the MX-30 has a shorter range but stands out with its design and driving pleasure, making it ideal for young consumers who value individuality and driving experience. For families needing long-distance travel or with higher range demands, they might need to consider more carefully.

Overall, the MX-30 Mid e-Skyactiv is a purely electric vehicle that doesn't try to overly emulate traditional EV characteristics. It doesn't chase after long-range or excessive tech features but instead stays true to Mazda's pursuit of design and driving enjoyment. It's suitable for young users who prioritize unique design, mainly use the car for urban commuting, and have fixed charging conditions. If your driving scenarios are primarily urban and you appreciate unique design and driving quality, the MX-30 would be a great choice.