Driving Mazda’s first hybrid today – the MX-30 SUV launched in April, complimented by the release this week of a full electric version. Mazda SUV’s have had enormous success and deservedly so – they represent 65 per cent of their business, many class leading like the highly acclaimed CX-30. The MX-30 of similar size is the first of a new breed that will see 10 hybrids by 2025. The MX-30 styling different – a body with a sloped rear roof line incorporates front opening rear doors or suicide doors as there often referred to.

First impression – a cramped and compromised SUV shape with difficult rear access via narrow rear doors. The small, fixed windows in the rear doors make the rear seat space claustrophobic at best. Along with the sloped rear roof it’s no place for a good-sized adult. Children seated low would find the space most uninviting. In short, I can’t believe Mazda would consider this to be good design.

The MX-30 hybrid comes in three front drive grades, from $33,990 to $40,990 – all 2.0-litre 114kW six-speed automatic paired with a 24-volt mild hybrid system which utilises a small integrated Starter Generator capturing energy from the vehicles deceleration which would normally be wasted during braking. It then stores the energy and deploys it to assist engine torque and improve fuel efficiency.

Drive impressions next segment.

I’m David Berthon

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