Mazda Unveils MX-30, First Electric Car With 'Freestyle' Doors

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Mazda Unveils MX-30, First Electric Car With Rear-Hinged 'Freestyle' Doors

By Mark Lugris

Published Oct 23, 2019

On both sides, the MX-30’s rear doors open from the back instead of the front.

Via Mazda

The Mazda MX-30, the Japanese automaker’s first electric car, includes a rather unique design for its side doors. On both sides, the MX-30’s rear doors open from the back instead of the front. The car also lacks a center pillar; therefore, passengers are provided with a large entrance when both doors are open.

According to AutoCar, Mazda had used these “freestyle” doors on its RX-8 as well. As for its other features, the Mazda EV crossover, which the company refers to as an SUV alternative, will include a drivetrain with 141 bhp and 35.5kWh battery with an estimated range of 130 miles.

Although its range is far below the Tesla Model 3, which delivers 250 miles with its Standard Range Plus version, or the Chevy Bolt, which provides 238 miles, it exceeds the Nissan Leaf, which only offers 84 miles, and is only slightly less than the Mini Electric, which promises 145 miles. Mazda says that it decided on a smaller battery to reduce emissions over the total lifecycle of the vehicle and expects the MX-30 to be purchased as a second car by many buyers.

As for charging, the Mazda MX-30 can get up to an 80% charge within 30 to 40 minutes on a DC (50kW) charger. If it is being charged on an AC wall box (22kW) the MX-30 will be fully recharged within 4.5 hours. Owners can also charge with a standard plug socket.

Inside, the MX-30 features a 7-inch touchscreen that can be used to control the car’s air-conditioning. The touchscreen has been placed above the gear shift on the car’s central console, which is partially manufactured out of cork. It also features state-of-the-art safety features such as Smart City Brake Support, Lane-Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System, and Turn-Across Traffic.

Mazda will begin accepting pre-orders for the MX-30 next summer and expects the car to ship in Japan in the second half of the year, and to Europe in early 2021. CNET says that the EV is also planned for the US. Although exact pricing has not yet been confirmed, AutoCar reports that the MX-30 will probably start at below $38,500.