Say hello to…
…the Mazda MX-30 a small SUV available as either a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric car. The hybrid, tested here, has an official electric range of 53 miles from a 17.8kWh battery. Mazda calls the plug-in hybrid R-EV and the electric motor combines with a 830cc engine to produce 170hp.
Perhaps the most notable attribute of the MX-30 is that the rear doors are rear hinged and require the front doors to be open to be able to operate.
Mazda offers the MX-30 in three trim levels.
- Prime-line
- Exclusive-line
- Makoto
Standard equipment on the Prime-line includes 18-inch alloys, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, 7-inch infotainment screen, 7-inch driver’s display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satnav, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring and connected services.
Exclusive-line adds powered driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats and keyless entry.
Makoto adds 360-degree monitor, adaptive LED headlights, heated steering wheel, UK three-pin socket and uprated stereo.
Is The Mazda MX-30 Suitable For My Fleet
Despite the overall growth of PHEVs, drivers looking for a B-SUV that’s a plug-in hybrid don’t have a lot of choice. While lack of competition doesn’t make what’s left a good choice, in the Mazda’s case both the on-paper and real-world EV range make the case compelling for fleet drivers. Mazda claims an EV-only range of 53 miles, but we had no problem exceeding that in mixed driving.
Leasing A Mazda MX-30
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the MX-30 R-EV in Exclusive-line trim for £387 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Maintenance is forecast at £27 a month on the same mileage, according to Gensen Reports. And Class 1A NIC comes in at £28 a month.
Driving A Mazda MX-30
First things first, we need to discuss the (rear) doors. There are pros and cons to having the rear doors, rear hinged. On the upside, they give a smoother look to the exterior with no visible handle and when they’re open the access to the rear seats is better than you’d traditionally get in a conventionally doored car, particularly given the limited rear legroom. However, the negatives are not to be ignored. The main one is that you have to open the front door in order open the rear door. Which, if you have kids and they need collecting and dropping off frequently is far from the simple act of just opening a single door. And when parking between other cars, if both front and rear passengers want to get out, it can get a bit crowded between the two open doors.
Once you are in the car, the cabin is rather special and far more classy than in other cars in this class. Mazda has made fantastic use of different materials such as cork to cover parts of the central console and the overall impression is one of a cabin from a much more luxurious brand.
But even the interior isn’t without its quirks. While the majority of rivals have touchscreen infotainment systems, the MX-30’s is controlled via a dial – similar to that first used by BMW’s early iDrive system. It takes a little getting used to, but is relatively intuitive.
On the road, the MX-30 is, as you’d expect, quiet in EV mode and even when the motor kicks in that refinement remains.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the low-speed ride comfort which is overly jiggly for a car in this class. Interestingly, at higher speeds the car settles down well. And on twisty B-roads the MX-30 is fun and engaging with minimal bodyroll.
This combination, along with the rear doors and limited rear legroom, makes you think the MX-30 is a car best suited to those who don’t (regularly) carry back seat passengers. Because if you want an fun and interesting small SUV that’s also a PHEV, there’s a lot going for the MX-30 R-EV.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Mazda MX-30
Quirky but very appealing thanks to a long battery range and a quality interior.
Mazda MX-30
- Model: MX-30 R-EV 170 Exclusive-Line
- Power: 170hp
- Torque: 260Nm
- Max speed: 87mph
- 0-62mph: 9.1seconds
- Official mpg: 282.5mpg
- Test mpg: 164.1mpg
- Official range: 53 miles
- Test range: 67 miles
- CO2 emissions: 21g/km
- BIK tax band 2024/25: 8%