Used Mazda MX-30 (Mk1, 2020-date) buyer's guide: quirky EV is low on range but big on style

Verdict

We've come to expect great things of Mazda, which is renowned for its hi-tech powertrains, fine dynamics and great-quality cabins, as well as its impressive reliability. But upon its 2020 launch, the Mazda MX-30 featured a battery that provided  a range much the same as the original Nissan Leaf’s – a car launched in 2011. To say we were disappointed is a big understatement, but despite this, the readers of DrivingElectric.com voted the MX-30 their favourite electric car in 2021. The obvious solution is to buy a range-extender, which can go for up to 400 miles at a time – but prices for these are much higher than for an electric MX-30, and that puts it up against some superb family cars that are simply better all-rounders.

Although Mazda didn’t start selling cars in the UK until a little more than 50 years ago, the company has already celebrated its centenary. That was in 2020 – a momentous year, because it was also when Mazda introduced its 
first-ever production EV, the MX-30.

Stylish, ultra-safe according to Euro NCAP, great to drive and with novel rear-hinged back doors, the MX-30 promised much. But in the fast-paced EV world, sadly the Mazda newcomer didn’t deliver; in two separate Auto Express twin tests it came second to the Jeep Avenger and Kia Soul EV respectively, both of which cost more but offered better value, with much greater usability in terms of range and practicality. As such, the MX-30 is a real mixed bag, yet it’s one that may still be worth considering.

History

Orders opened for the MX-30 in September 2020, with the first cars hitting UK roads the following March. Priced from £25,545 for the 500-strong First Edition, all MX-30s were the same mechanically. They featured a 35.5kWh battery to give a claimed range of just 124 miles, with a rapid charge possible in 36 minutes.

However, updates in summer 2022 increased the maximum DC charging rate from 40kW to 50kW, cutting the time to fill up the batteries to 26 minutes. At the same time, extra interior and exterior colour schemes were introduced. For those put off by the limited range, an MX-30 R-EV plug-in hybrid was introduced last autumn. This range-extender had a 17.8kWh battery to give up to 53 miles purely on electricity.

Which one should I buy?

The most affordable MX-30s are the BEV editions, and while they have a limited real-world range, if one of these works for you, there’s no reason not to buy one. However, the range-extender is far more usable and will be easier to sell on, although you’ll pay that much more to buy one.

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Equipment levels are generous, with the entry-level SE-L Lux having 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, parking sensors front and rear, navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Sport Lux adds privacy glass, an auto-dimming driver’s door mirror, heated front seats and keyless entry. The GT Sport also has a 360-degree camera, tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker hi-fi plus extra driver-assistance systems.

Alternatives to the Mazda MX-30

The original Kia Soul EV of 2014 didn’t impress, but its 2020 successor is far easier to recommend because it’s good to drive, sensibly priced and has a long range. The Hyundai Kona Electric is even better – enough to bag our 2023 Car of the Year award, which tells you all you need to know about how multi-talented it is.

Other EVs to consider include the Vauxhall Mokka Electric and its cousins, the Peugeot E-2008 and Citroen e-C4, plus the Volkswagen ID.3. If you’re looking at buying a plug-in hybrid, we’d suggest that you check out the Kia Niro (which also comes in regular hybrid form), the Peugeot 308 (which sits lower than the Mazda) and the Ford Kuga, which is a bit bigger than the MX-30.

What to look out for

Keep in trim

The initial range was SE-L Lux, Sport Lux and GT Sport; in summer 2022 these became Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Makoto.

Mirror image

The £64.12 price given over the page for door mirror glass is for an entry-level MX-30; one with auto-dimming costs a hefty £241.

Glass act

Rattles from the front doors were common on early cars. These are due to the windows moving within their channels, but they can be fixed.

Real-world range

Mazda claims up to 165 miles of city driving are possible on a full charge; in winter on the open road, things can drop to half of that.

Interior

To go with the distinctive exterior design is an equally stylish cabin. Not only does it look modern without being intimidating, but the quality of materials is also generally excellent. Whereas some makers focus on black trim too often, Mazda offers lighter shades, too, including grey and brown.

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There are two digital displays: a lower touchscreen for the heating and ventilation, plus one on top of the dash for further functions, controlled by a dial. What lets the MX-30 down is the cramped rear cabin, access to which is awkward because of the rear-hinged half-doors. There’s better news in the boot, though, because this can stow a very useful 332 litres, which increases to 1,146 litres with the back seats folded down.

Running costs

All MX-30s need to be serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles, with attention alternating between Minor and Major at £75 and £208 respectively. The Minor service is only a series of checks of the tyres, brakes and cooling system, whereas the Major one includes fresh brake fluid and a replacement cabin air filter – but it’s still largely just a series of checks. After 15 years or 125,000 miles, the coolant needs to be replaced, at a cost of around £120; subsequent to this, the same job must be undertaken every 62,500 miles.

Mazda offers service plans for a mere £12.09 per month (£25.72 for the range-extender), while the standard warranty runs for three years or 60,000 miles. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, however.

Recalls

There have been only two recalls for the MX-30, with the first one affecting a mere 29 cars made between May and November 2020. This initial campaign was launched because of potential airbag glitches; in a collision the fabric could split, significantly reducing the effectiveness of this supplementary restraint system. A new airbag was the fix.

The second recall came in May 2023, with 1,060 MX-30s being affected, all made from April 2022 
to March 2023. A software fault within the on-board charger led to the Mazda thinking it was connected to a charging point when it wasn’t. The result was the car refusing to move; the solution was a software update.

To see if a Mazda is subject to an outstanding recall, put its VIN into https://tinyurl.com/3kk2sjj6.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The MX-30 has never appeared in our Driver Power surveys because it hasn’t sold in big enough numbers. Yet the CX-5 Mk2 has achieved a top-10 score in each of the past three years (including a second place in 2022), while the Mazda 2 came 33rd out of 50 this year. Very encouragingly, Mazda came seventh out of 32 in our 2024 Brands survey, with quality, reliability and safety all getting the thumbs-up.

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