Electric Mazda CX-30 unveiled

 New model a sister ship to battery-pure MX-30 about to go on sale here.

The CX-30 EV at the Shanghai motor show, above, is a derivative of the petrol edition popular with Kiwis (below) that appears to run the same drivetrain as the MX-30 Electric (bottom) about to release in New Zealand.

MAZDA’S electric vehicle family has doubled, but chances of one day seeing the ‘second child’ CX-30 in New Zealand alongside the battery-fed MX-30 about to go on sale here seem slim at best.

The fully mains reliant version of the CX-30 unveiled at the Shanghai motor show yesterday would conceivably attract Kiwi interest, as the petrol versions on sale here are popular sellers.

However, Mazda Japan has made clear the new car – called CX-30 EV - is for China only at this point.

That point is reinforced by it being set to be produced solely by the brand's Changan Mazda joint venture in Nanjing, China, rather than in Japan, the sourcing point for all Mazda NZ’s passenger product.

Despite having very different body styles – the MX-30 being more rakish and noteworthy for having pillar-less freestyle doors, which open outwards from the central B-pillar point – the MX-30 and the CX-30 are closely related.

 Both are based on a common architecture, also shared with the Mazda3, and physical dimensions are very close.

The MX-30 formats in two distinct drivetrain provisions – there is one model designed to run with petrol engine-assisted hybrid and another that avails in full electric. Both are destined for New Zealand availability, pricing yet unknown.

The CX-30 EV also appears to share technology with the expressly battery MX-30 Electric.

The MX-30 MX Hybrid, meantime, is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine paired to Mazda's M Hybrid system, producing maximum outputs of 114kW and 200Nm through a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels only.

The addition of the mild-hybrid system means the model's official fuel consumption figure is reduced to a claimed 6.4L/100km on a combined cycle.

The MX-30 Electric looks much the same as the mild hybrid car, save for some subtle electric badging on the exterior and a combined AC/DC charging point where the fuel cap would normally be – on the rear right-hand side of the vehicle.

The electric model is powered by a 107kW/271Nm electric motor on the front axle and boasts a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted beneath the floor. It is thought the CX-30 EV has the same powertrain. 

The MX-30 Electric is capable of up to 200km on a single charge according to the World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP). The CX-30 EV is thought to have the same range, which is notably lower than some key competitors, like the Hyundai Kona EV, which has 484kms on WLTP.

Styling differences between the CX-30 EV and regular model that Kiwis know are minimal, though the placement of the battery pack under the floor means the electric model rides somewhat higher than its petrol-powered counterpart. It runs on 19-inch wheels and has 'e-SkyActiv' badging.

 It is not clear if the CX-30 EV could provision as the MX-30 Electric also ultimately will, with a petrol-fed rotary engine range-extender drivetrain.

CX-5 family adds second turbo model

New sports-themed SP25T is a $2800 cheaper alternate to full-out Takami

NOW there are two – derivatives of Mazda’s top-selling CX-5 sports utility, that is, with a fiery turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine.

One outcome of a mild refresh of the model line is that the 170kW and 420Nm SkyActiv-G 2.5T that has previously restricted to the flagship $61,795 Takami is now also under the bonnet of a new introduction to the family.

At $58,995, the SP25T is effectively a Takami that presents with a bit less plush – so, no leather or sunroof - than the top dog and a slightly sportier ambience, the pair being mechanically identical and both delivering a maker-cited 0-100kmh time of 7.7 seconds.

The engine’s outputs are 30kW/168Nm more than the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine offered in mid-spec models.

Mazda NZ says a feature of the SP25T trim is a blackout theme – appropriate, the brand feels, in a country where the national sporting colour is black.

The exterior elements include black metallic alloy wheels and piano black exterior mirrors, while the interior gets black deluxe leatherette/suede seat trim along with a black decoration panel. To set off the black, red stitching has been added to seats and steering wheel.

David Hodge, Mazda NZ managing director, believes the SP25T grade will add to the CX-5s’ solid reputation. 

“With the blackout features it will appeal to New Zealand motorists who want all the great features of the CX-5 but in a sportier package.  It will certainly make a statement on the road.”

Other changes to the CX-5 line up include the addition of privacy glass to GSX models and turbo badging on the SP25T and Takami grades. All models now feature wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, though via USB.   

One revision that has appeared overseas will not get here until year-end. That’s the adoption, in high-end models, of a 10.5 inch Mazda Connect infotainment display. For the interim, the upgrade cars will maintain the previous line’s 8.0-inch interface.

The enhanced screen has been on US-market CX-5 models since last August and has a faster processor.