MAZDA has begun production at Ujina plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan, of the all-new MX-30, the company’s first all-electric vehicle.

The new MX-30 is equipped with e-Skyactiv – Mazda’s new electric drive technology, a front-wheel-drive powertrain combining a 107kW (145 PS) AC synchronous electric motor with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, equipping the new SUV with a driving range of approximately 125 miles (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) combined figure).

Sized to provide the optimum balance between a driving range which gives customers peace of mind and CO2 emissions from an LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) perspective, the system battery can be charged to 80 per cent within approximately 40 minutes using DC rapid charging.

The MX-30’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has been specifically tailored to complement the vehicle’s inherently smooth all-electric driving behaviour. In combination with the new SUV’s comprehensive i-Activsense safety systems, it offers customers a uniquely quiet, seamless driving experience which was a critical brief for the engineers

The latest expression of Mazda’s award-winning Kodo design philosophy reinforces this new direction for Mazda in powertrain technology development. Its uncompromisingly simple styling emphasises the MX-30’s beauty as a solid mass, while centre-pillarless freestyle doors and a framed glasshouse hint at the open, spacious feeling of the cabin.

The ergonomically excellent interior features a driver-centric cockpit, a floating centre console, Mazda’s first seven-inch touch-screen air-conditioning panel, and a range of new, environmentally-friendly materials such as cork and door trim fabric incorporating fibres from recycled plastic bottles.

Standard interior equipment includes a windscreen projecting head-up display, eight-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, a colour seven-inch TFT dial display, a leather wrapped steering wheel and chrome trim accents.

As you’d expect the MX-30 First Edition comes with Mazda Connect, navigation, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the technology tally also includes Mazda Radar Cruise control and a driver’s knee airbag.

Customers ordering a Mazda MX-30 First Edition will also qualify for a free wall box home charger, while the car is equipped with both a Type 2 mode 2 charge cable for three-pin plug charging and a Type 2 mode 3 charge cable for AC charging via home or public charge points. Additionally, the DC socket allows for rapid charging up to 50Kw. In this charge mode a charging time of 30 to 40 minutes can deliver up to 80 per cent battery charge.

UK pricing for the full Mazda MX-30 range, which will arrive here in 2021, will be announced later this year, but the Mazda MX-30 First Edition is available to pre-order now at £27,495 but will have a limited UK allocation of just 500 cars.