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
Mazda Unveils Mazda MX-30,
First Mass-Production EV at Tokyo Motor Show
Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle, named Mazda MX-30, at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.1
A new addition to Mazda's car lineup, the MX-30 is the automaker's third new-generation model. Aiming to offer an experience that lets customers relax and be themselves and deepens the bond between car and owner, the model offers a creative time and space that invites new ways of using a vehicle.
Under the Car-as-Art ethos, the styling of MX-30 aims to raise its artistic value and expand the expressive range of Mazda's Kodo—Soul of Motion design language. Based on a concept of “Human Modern,” the design stays grounded in the beautifully honed, handcrafted forms of Kodo, yet aligns itself with changing values and new lifestyles.
Spaces in and around the center console give the cabin an open feel, and environmentally conscious materials such as cork and fabrics made from recycled materials are used in ways that bring out their natural appeal, creating a comfortable interior space. In addition, the MX-30 adopts freestyle doors2 so customers can invent new and creative ways of using the car.
In line with the human-centric philosophy, Mazda engineers were determined to deliver the same Jinba-ittai driving joy that every Mazda offers in the EV as well. The model adopts Mazda's new electric-drive technology, e–Skyactiv, and combines outstanding response with smooth dynamic behavior to achieve performance that drivers can enjoy naturally.
“In any era, Mazda wants people to experience exuberant moments in life through cars,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO at the show. “We will continue striving to deliver creative products and technologies so our customers will love and hold onto their Mazda for a long time.”
1 Press days are Oct. 23 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and 24 (8-11:30 a.m.) The show is open to the public from Oct. 25 through Nov. 4.
2 Center-opening double doors
Please visit following websites for more information.
Mazda's 2019 Tokyo Motor Show website.
https://www.mazda.co.jp/experience/tokyomotorshow2019/en/
Mazda MX-30 special website
https://www.mazda.com/en/new-generation/mx-30/
(The website will be available from 12:00 on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. JST)
PR: Mazda MX-30
Mindfully designed with a purpose: Your lifeFrom the outset, the development team behind the Mazda MX-30 wanted to create a car that would become a partner to its owner. It should appeal to be driven daily, and every time a customer gets behind the wheel, their affection for it should grow, and they can be more true to themselves. Everything about the model, from the styling that breeds a sense of familiarity, to the open-feeling cabin that sets the mind free, is uncompromisingly designed around the user.
LIVING TRUE TO YOURSELF
"For those who desire a life with things that soothe and please the spirit; for those who want to live positively, actively choosing possessions and experiences that, by their own standards, are a match for their lifestyle; for those with the wisdom and inventiveness to tackle problems facing people, society and the earth in their own style, without overextending themselves; and for those who wish to create good times together with the people around them and with people all over the world. For those customers, the Mazda MX-30 offers a creative time and space that will allow them to live true to their natural selves."
TOMIKO TAKEUCHI, MAZDA MX-30 PROGRAM MANAGER
With the MX-30, the company hopes to offer not only a new choice for customers but new and life-enriching ways of using and spending time with your car. In addition to the above-mentioned values, the adoption of the freestyle doors not only enhances functionality but opens up a wide range of new and creative uses for the MX-30. Mazda hopes that, in addition to enjoying the drive, customers will use the car creatively and make it truly their own.
INTERIOR FOR PEOPLE & ENVIRONMENT
For the interior, we valued a sense of openness. The interior space with a floating theme gives a sense of unity, and you can find Mazda’s attachment to the environment, and to interior comfort and craftsmanship, through materials such as Heritage Cork. On top of this, the space created through opening the free-style doors gives a further open feel, to stimulate the senses of both the driver and passengers.
MATERIAL
The team created an open-feeling cabin interior and paid particular attention to the selecting the right materials and showing them in ways that bring out their best. Heritage Cork used in the console tray is designed to emphasize the texture and visual warmth of the material. The door trim features a fibrous material with a texture that seems to contain air, creating a material-based sense of openness within the cabin. Both of these materials are designed to be low-impact and sustainable. The door trim uses fibers made from recycled plastic bottles and the cork is harvested from the bark of trees without felling. The comfortable interior of the MX-30 is composed of such environmentally friendly materials.
KODO DESIGN
The relationship between people and cars continues to change over time. Today, during such a period of change, Mazda puts forward a ”Human Modern” concept, through the MX-30, to express our daily joy with cars. Based on Mazda’s emphasis on beautiful shape and craftsmanship created with human hands, we explored a new direction that closely matches with a modern lifestyle. We have created a unique design that embodies “Kodo” extension through an unprecedented approach to expression.
A MAZDA-UNIQUE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Mazda wants people to purely enjoy driving in any situation, and that applies as much to a BEV as it does to any other kind of car. The MX-30 incorporates further-evolved Mazda-unique Jinba-ittai driving performance, achieved through our human-centric development philosophy. Every time you drive the MX-30, you can experience an enjoyable everyday driving experience.
PEACE OF MIND
The demand for safety is increasing day-by-day. As such, Mazda MX-30 is equipped with our further-enhanced advanced safety technology, i-Activsense. Specifically, our injury and damage-mitigating brake technology, Smart Brake Support (SBS), adds a collision prevention function at intersections. Another new technology assists avoiding deviation from the driving lane through monitoring the curb, in addition to lane markings. Despite the MX-30 adopting Mazda's center-pillar-less Freestyle door system, excellent collision safety performance is achieved through a rigid body and structures that efficiently absorb crash energy. In addition, the frame structures pay minute attention to the protection of the high-voltage battery. The MX-30 incorporates these latest safety philosophies and technologies to enable safe and joyful driving.
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