Ever heard of the Mazda MX-30? It's Mazda's MX-5-styled CUV that's currently available in a few global markets as both an electric and hybrid car.
Last we heard, the car maker was working on using a rotary engine as a range extender for the car, though now we know that the MX-30 is coming to North America, courtesy President of Mazda North …
Kind of dead on arrival with only a 35kWh battery (for a 150 mile max range) and only 144 HP and 200 lb ft of torque. For that money, the new Bolt EUV has a 66kWh battery and will do over 250 miles, with 200 hp and 266 lb ft. And probably cost less, too. AND, while the Mazda looks good inside and out, those suicide rear half doors are still going to make it hard to get in the rear seats, especially with rear facing child seats.
The fact that it's only for CA explains why it exists.
With a 150 mile range I could see this being a fantastic second/commuter car actually. Price will matter. And I don't live in CA.
Keith Tanner said:The fact that it's only for CA explains why it exists.
This. Haven't we moved past compliance cars by now?
The Battery pack size has absolutely nothing to do with being a compliance car, at least officially.
Mazda talked about the battery pack size, and the reason they chose it, when they launched the car in 2019.
https://europe.autonews.com/blogs/why-mazda-thinks-smaller-battery-just-fine-mx-30
With my own anecdotal data.. the majority of people who I sold CX-5's to would absolutely find a place in their life for the MX-30 with range extender.. if priced right. Most of my CX-5 customers were single, or couples without children.
They liked the styling and size of the CX-5 as well as that higher SUV seating position.
That's certainly an interesting way to spin it, but I think far more poeple are shopping based on range and performance than they are on total life-cycle emissions. I mean, I get their point and they're probably not wrong. But I also think that Americans will buy electric cars due to their economics or due to how they look and feel. And I'm not sure what Mazda is promising is going to be competitive on either of those fronts. It's not as good of a deal as the Bolt, and it's not as cool as Tesla. Why buy it?
Also, is it just me or does that fast charging math say "it's got super super slow Level 3 charging speeds."
I keep waiting for one of the manufacturers to bring out an EV sporty car, something that's not a SUV or CUV or whatever. After all, Tesla's first car was that modified Lotus, so we know they can do it.
Tom Suddard said:That's certainly an interesting way to spin it, but I think far more poeple are shopping based on range and performance than they are on total life-cycle emissions. I mean, I get their point and they're probably not wrong. But I also think that Americans will buy electric cars due to their economics or due to how they look and feel. And I'm not sure what Mazda is promising is going to be competitive on either of those fronts. It's not as good of a deal as the Bolt, and it's not as cool as Tesla. Why buy it?
It's going to be very interesting to see how it does...
Tom Suddard said:That's certainly an interesting way to spin it, but I think far more poeple are shopping based on range and performance than they are on total life-cycle emissions. I mean, I get their point and they're probably not wrong. But I also think that Americans will buy electric cars due to their economics or due to how they look and feel. And I'm not sure what Mazda is promising is going to be competitive on either of those fronts. It's not as good of a deal as the Bolt, and it's not as cool as Tesla. Why buy it?
Agreed, total life-cycle emissions will not sell cars, here or anywhere I don't believe. How it looks, range, ease of charging and how many cup holders will determine how many they sell. Performance doesn't even sell cars anymore for the most part.
Those doors are cool until you live with them. My GMC Sierra Denali has them and they completely blow. Every time someone in back wants to get in or out the front person has to open there door. Complete PITA.
In reply to stuart in mn :
Taycan? Lucid Air? Hell, Model S Performance? They're out there, they're just sedans.
I was all excited.
Then I saw it.
It's a berkin blob.
Sigh.
This is a strange cross between a Leaf and an i3. It has similar performance and range to both as well as downsides from each. Why?? There must be reasons that we will probably learn later.
cmcgregor (Forum Supporter) said:In reply to stuart in mn :
Taycan? Lucid Air? Hell, Model S Performance? They're out there, they're just sedans.
That's the whole thing - they're sedans, not sport coupes or roadsters.
I'm curious what the range extender really does for the thing. As it is, it makes a great around-town / commuter, but I couldn't see it as my only car. I really like the looks of this thing but it needs a good 3" drop all around. Basically like the 3 but with tightened up lines and what looks like better rearward visibility.
It's Mazda's MX-5-styled CUV....
In addition to GRM branded rose colored glasses, apparently we now need GRM branded beer goggles too... The extra strong ones.
pres589 (djronnebaum) said:I'm curious what the range extender really does for the thing. As it is, it makes a great around-town / commuter, but I couldn't see it as my only car. I really like the looks of this thing but it needs a good 3" drop all around. Basically like the 3 but with tightened up lines and what looks like better rearward visibility.
I agree about the looks, but as far as I can figure out the idea with the MX-30 is to experiment with a rotary range extender. Last I read, the constant speed of the range extender actually makes it an ideal application for a rotary as compared to the i3 range extenders, which people for some reason seem to actively avoid on the resale market? I'm not sure why that is, I assume it's either reliability or just a pointless extra expense for most people shopping used i3s.
Having lived with those rear doors in our i3, they are a huge PITA.
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