Mazda, a company that has been in the market since, has unveiled the new Mazda MX-30, which was first released with a battery-electric powertrain. However, it seems that more recent developments show that Mazda has made the unfortunate call to cease production of the battery-electric variant of the MX-30. In this article, we are going to review the purpose of this decision and the further direction of this much-loved model.

Background on the Mazda MX-30

Thus, looking back at the Mazda MX-30 before discussing the news on the battery-electric version of the car. The MX-30 is a compact crossover; it was introduced at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show conference. With new technology and its futuristic concept, it will appeal to a young audience that seeks a sleek and environmentally friendly car. MX-30 has RWD, which is unusual for Mazda cars; under the hood, it’s equipped with a 24.5 kWh battery capable of providing up to 100 miles of range. But it was the MX-30’s derivative of the battery-electric version that caused stirs and admiration from critics and car enthusiasts.

Why Mazda Quit Making the Battery-Electric Variant

There are factors that can be attributed to stopping the production of the battery-electric version of the Mazda MX-30. Firstly, the range of the MX-30 is lower than that of the key market entrants, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf – with ranges of 350 and 226 miles, respectively. Still, the MX-30 might be comfortable for environmentally friendly drivers as the car emits little CO2, but the lack of range could be problematic for buyers who have to travel long distances for work or to visit friends and relatives.

Another reason behind Mazda’s decision is the company’s interest in innovation that would allow the production of electric cars to be more efficient and cost-effective. It was with future models that Mazda said it would use a rotary engine generator together with a battery to provide the MX-30 with an electrical range extender. The so-called range extender (RE) version of the electric vehicle enables using an onboard gasoline generator to recharge the battery when it depletes, thereby leaving out range anxiety altogether. It features a semblance of both an electric and a conventional combustible engine car.

Furthermore, the Mazda decision may be due to the increasing prevalence and accessibility of such PHEV variants in the market. Such vehicles, including the CX-60 PHEV, have the features that are most attractive to consumers: an electric driving range as well as a gasoline engine when required. Because of the increased number of PHEV models, Mazda could have concentrated on improving the efficiency of this plug-in hybrid system rather than the battery electric technology.

Personal Opinion

At the same time, let me admit that I am certain the reasons for Mazda ceasing further production of a battery-electric version of the MX-30 are quite reasonable; I confess that I am somewhat disappointed. It needed to be mentioned that the MX-30 may indeed become an evolutionary revolution in the segment of electric cars. However, the limited scope of the destination might have played a decisive role and kept many potential customers away.

However, I am looking forward to the range-extender version that Mazda is working on at the moment. The range extender combines the efficiency and emission-free battery electric vehicle technology with the range and refueling flexibility of a gasoline-powered generator. While advancing on that, I think that Mazda can put up a fight against the best PHEV producers worldwide and encourage more clients to pick eco-friendly vehicles.

FAQ

1. What led Mazda to cancel the battery-electric version of the MX-30?
   The latter reason was the range which is shorter than rivals, the development of the more effective range-extender version, and increasing interest in the plug-in hybrids.
2. Is the MX-30 still on sale?
   Yes, it is still on the market, albeit only in fully electric form with an onboard small generator in the form of the range extender.
3. How does the range-extender version of the MX-30 work?
   The MX-30 range-extender model features a 24.5 kWh battery and an electric motor. The battery part recharges when the battery is exhausted, and a small gas generator assists the driver to proceed with the journey without recharging.
4. Might Mazda produce electric or hybrid cars in the future?
   Based on the identified strategic directions, the primary field of interest for Mazda will be improving the PHEV technology and further considering the other electrified powertrains. However, it is not clear if they will extend the effort towards developing strictly electric vehicles.

End Note

Thus, although Mazda’s decision to cease production of the battery-electric version of the MX-30 is quite comprehensible, it does not mean that the company is not dedicated to sustainable development. Therefore, the creation of a range-extender version and further insistence on PHEV technology allow Mazda to enter the market of environmentally friendly vehicles. If and when customers develop this sensitivity, Mazda’s hybrid/electric vehicle strategy could just be the winning one for the long term.

The company has decided to add their latest turbocharged engine to the mix. The brand-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine has been added to the impressive list of engine options available for the Mazda 3 hatch. The car has been aptly named Mazda3 2.5 Turbo.

The new engine is based on Mazda’s revolutionary Skyactiv technology. This powertrain produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium hi-octane fuel. That is a considerable bump in performance considering the older 2.5-liter engine only produced 186 hp and 134 lb-ft of torque. This engine will change the way people drive the Mazda 3 Turbo as the new engine opens up completely new avenues for drivers.

The 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo model will also include paddle shifters to complete that sporty look, heated front seats, heated and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof, a heads-up display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose system among other things.

The Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo has a starting price of $30,845 for the sedan and $31,845 for the hatchback. The top of the line model with all the premium upgrades will cost around $34,000. The non-turbo 2-liter version will also be available but only in a sedan trims whereas a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter version will also go on sale and will perhaps rake-in the most sales. Mazda will release the car in some premium new colors such as Mystic White Pearl and more.

The company states that the car will be in showrooms by the end of 2020 but seeing how the pandemic is wreaking havoc across the globe the date might be shifted to later.   

The Car Cranks Every Time

Murphy’s Law dictates that the car will fail to start when you need to get to work for an important meeting or some other urgent trip is in the works. One way you can minimize the chances of this type of issue arising is to keep the car in top condition. That means sticking to a strict maintenance schedule that includes support from professionals as well as checking a few things at home. Do that and the chances of finding yourself sitting in the driveway getting angrier by the minute are kept to a minimum.

You’re Always Ready for an Impromptu Road Trip

It doesn’t happen often, but there are times when you want to get away on the spur of the moment. Maybe you decide on a Friday afternoon that you want to go fishing this weekend. Maybe the idea of throwing a few things in a knapsack and going camping sounds like fun. Whatever the case, you need reliable transportation to make that impromptu trip.

Since you keep the car in such good shape, the only thing you’ll likely need is to stop to fill up the gas tank. You know the car will safely get you to and from the destination. That’s one of the perks of ensuring the vehicle is always properly maintained.

You Get More Returns From the Original Purchase

Everybody likes a good deal. Have you thought about how that relates to your car or truck? The bottom line is that if you keep it in top running order, you’re paving the way to get more years of use from the vehicle. Consider that as one way to enjoy more returns from that original purchase. Every year the car stays on the road and gets you where you want to go translates into making the original deal an even better one. Pat yourself on the back if your car is still in great shape and all your buddies have now bought two or maybe three cars since your last purchase.

There’s More Time to Save For Your Next Car or Truck

Another benefit of keeping your car in top shape is providing more time to save for that eventual replacement. Since no car lasts forever, it makes sense to use the time to prepare for the day when you do need to initiate a car search and find something new. Think of what it will mean for your budget if it’s possible to pay for most if not all of that new car using cash.

There are plenty of other reasons to keep your current vehicle in top shape. In fact, you can probably think of a few right this minute. Continue to take the car in for maintenance and keep checking the tires, fluids, and other basics at home. Doing so could mean that you get to drive that car for several more years.

We are dealing here with the facelifted variant of the current model, meaning minor updates at the exterior and inside the cabin, greater amount of power and improved handling characteristics.

As for prices, Aussie magazine PerformanceDrive has detailed the whole list the can be browsed below.

2019 Mazda MX-5 – Full Prices:

2019 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 1.5L 6MT – $34,190
2019 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 1.5L 6AT – $36,190
2019 Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT 2.0L 6MT – $41,960
2019 Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT 6AT – $43,960
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0L 6MT – $39,400
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0L 6AT – $41,400
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF GT 2.0L 6MT – $45,960
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF GT 2.0 6AT – $47,960

2019 Mazda MX-5 RF GT black roof 2.0L 6MT – $46,960
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF GT black roof 2.0 6AT – $48,960.

While the exterior has been generally left untouched, the interior of the brand-new Mazda MX-5 comes with some minor changes which make it more appealing. There are the new detachable cup holders or the new seats adjustments levers, now thicker and providing a better feel.

Technically, the new 2019 Mazda MX-5 drives better and provides increased stability, thanks to the company`s new i-ActivSense safety system, which includes features like traffic sign recognition or autonomous emergency braking, amongst the most important ones. There is also the steering column with rake and reach movement which has now been adjusted for a smoother driving.

In the engine department, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 comes with two engines – a 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four pot – the latter one becoming the most powerful aspirated engine ever built, meaning 135 kW and 205 Nm of torque. It has also received new intake and exhaust, along with con-rods and new cranks.

On the other hand, the 1.5-liter is also more powerful, with now 97 kW and 152 Nm of torque. Visually, the new Mazda MX-5 is better looking, thanks to the new 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, black metallic finish, and a couple more.

Available in four trim variants – Sport, Touring, GT and top of the line Atenza – the 2018 Mazda6 comes with pretty affordable prices. For instance, the entry-level 2018 Mazda6 Sedan Sport 2.5L is offered at $32,440, while the top of the line 2018 Mazda6 Touring Atenza 2.2TD is set at $50,090.

2018 Mazda6 – Full Prices:

Sedan
2018 Mazda6 Sport 2.5L – $32,490
2018 Mazda6 Touring 2.5L – $36,690
2018 Mazda6 Touring 2.2TD – $39,690
2018 Mazda6 GT 2.5T – $43,990
2018 Mazda6 GT 2.2TD – $45,090
2018 Mazda6 Atenza 2.5T – $47,690
2018 Mazda6 Atenza 2.2TD – $48,790

Wagon
2018 Mazda6 Sport 2.5L – $33,790
2018 Mazda6 Touring 2.5L – $37,990
2018 Mazda6 Touring 2.2TD – $40,990
2018 Mazda6 GT 2.5T – $45,290
2018 Mazda6 GT 2.2TD – $46,390
2018 Mazda6 Atenza 2.5T – $48,990
2018 Mazda6 Atenza 2.2TD – $50,090.

Visually, all variants come with new design lines, highlighted by standout mesh grille, new headlights and relocated fog lights, as well as revised front and rear bumpers and taillights. The wheels also come in choices of 17 to 19 inches.

Inside, the cabin has also been refreshed with more elegant materials, like Ultra-Suede, along with Japanese Sen wood accents or aluminum garnishes. Other features also refer to radar cruise control i-ActiveSense safety suite with autonomous emergency braking, or TFT digital instrument cluster with 360-degree parking camera in the top of the line Atenza.

However, the most significant changes occurred under the hood, the new model receiving a more potent engine. We`re dealing here with a new 2.5-liter turbo flat-four cylinder borrowed from the CX-9, and developing in this case 170 kW and 420 Nm of torque; it is also paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive setup.

This particular engine joins the group`s 2.5-liter non-turbo with 140 kW and 252 kW, respectively, or the 2.2-liter twin-turbo diesel with 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque.

The first thing you will notice when looking at the 2018 Mazda6, is the extensive work the car’s look has undergone. The facelift Mazda has opted for is quite a good move. The car seems to fit in well with the automaker’s designated design path. Changes were made in order for the exterior to allow the Mazda6 to handle better. The balance between the exterior and the interior has been seriously tweaked. The final product seems to be characterized by overall cohesiveness.

The engine on this particular model has been borrowed from another model, the CX-9. The 2.5 liter engine is capable of outputting a hefty 250HP. With this much horsepower under the hood, to say this car is a beast is not an overstatement. No matter how you look at it, the people over at Mazda seem to have found the perfect balance between comfort, performance and style. The Mazda6 will probably be one of the most successful models the automaker will manufacture this year.

The 2018 Mazda6 builds on the previous version, improving its predecessor’s weak points while also tweaking the positive aspects it possessed. As it happens, the Mazda6 is probably one of the most polished variants of a vehicle at this point. With their experience, the folks at Mazda have put all their passion in the 2018 Mazda6. The result speaks for itself. The Mazda6 is a serious competitor for any other car make or model in the same category.

Having a base price of about 22.000 dollars, the Mazda6 is not a cheap car, however if you compare the price tag with that of its competitors you will soon realize that this particular model offers the best price to performance ratio you will ever find for a car in its class. Regardless how you look at the 2018 Mazda6, you will come to realize that it has everything you want and need, from an accessible price to a huge amount of gadgets and accessories. The Mazda6 is without a doubt a premium vehicle any automotive fan would dream about having in his own garage.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is announced with five variants, with prices to start from $28,690 in the entry-level CX-5 Maxx 2.0L FWD, and going all the way up to $49,990, in the top of the line CX-5 Akera 2.2L diesel AWD. Please find below the full pricing details released by Aussie publication Performance Drive.

2017 Mazda CX-5 – Full Prices

2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx 2.0L petrol FWD (manual) – $28,690
2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx 2.0L petrol FWD – $30,690
2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx 2.5L petrol AWD – $33,690
2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.0L petrol FWD – $34,390
2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.5L petrol AWD – $37,390
2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.2L diesel AWD – $40,390
2017 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5L petrol AWD – $38,990
2017 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.2L diesel AWD – $41,990
2017 Mazda CX-5 GT 2.5L petrol AWD – 44,390
2017 Mazda CX-5 GT 2.2L diesel AWD – $47,390
2017 Mazda CX-5 Akera 2.5L petrol AWD – $46,990
2017 Mazda CX-5 Akera 2.2L diesel AWD – $49,990.

As we already knwo from previous posts, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 will be available in Australian showrooms in the Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and the top of the line Akera, each one coming with standard features, yet adding its own characteristics depending on the package involved.

For instance, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Max Sport comes with the 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, or SUB sockets, while the Tourign adds head-up display, Suede seat trim and so on.

On the other hand, the GT variant is equipped with the 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, power tailgate or leather. The top of the line Akera completes the lineup with radar cruise control, driver attention alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and so on.

There are also standard features that all variants come with – G-Vectoring Control for a much more comfortable drive, LED headlights, reclining seats with 40/20/20 folding, MZD Connect, digital radio and much more.

The safety features comprise blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with rearview camera, autonomous emergency braking etc. In the engine department, the new CX-5 comes with rather the same engine lineup as the previous model, including a 2.0-liter petrol or a 2.5-liter petrol. The diesel refers to a 2.2-liter mill.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has plenty to offer to its customers, from an extraordinary design and advanced aerodynamics to a high-end interior with the plethora of technology, and impressive performance.

After the event, the Japanese carmaker will launch the model worldwide, with prices to start from $24,045 in the United States. For that you get plenty of high-end features as standard, like 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and more.

Inside, the cabin is tweaked with black upholstery on the seats, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a plethora of safety gizmos and gadgetries – Mazda Conenct infotainment system and more.

In the engine department, the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5 comes with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine, with a six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic, adding as well the optional i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system. Please find below the trim levels and prices released by PerformanceDrive auto magazine.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Touring ($25,915): six-way power driver’s seat, leatherette seating surfaces with Lux Suede inserts, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, auto-leveling LED headlights, a six-speaker audio system, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, illuminated vanity mirrors, a rear center armrest, rear HVAC vents, dual-zone climate control, rear USB ports and a reclining rear bench seat.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring ($29,395): black or parchment leather seating surfaces, 19-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers and heated exterior mirrors. Other additions include Adaptive Front-lighting system, LED fog lights and LED tail lights.

It is a little bit odd that the company didn’t invest new equipment on the 2017 MY CX9; even so, it would follow the same success that the previous model has had so far.

The new 2017 CX9 will still come in four trim levels, with prices to start from an entry-level $31,520 and go all the way up to $44,315 in the top of the line version. The full prices and packages are detailed in the media gallery below.

Starting with the Sport entry-level, the $31,520 worth of amenities refer to 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, electronic parking brake, fabric seats, Mazda Connect infotainment system with Commander control, 7.0-inch colour display and so on.

Moving on to the mid-level CX-9 Touring, this one come with more features as standard, such as Smart City Brake Support, 8.0-inch touchscreen, auto-dimming rearview camera mirror, leather seating surfaces, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Next in kin, the CX-9 Touring adds 20-inch alloy wheels, radar-guided cruise control with smart brake support, roof rails, adding a suite of safety features – lane keep assist and lane departure warning, high-beam control, adaptive front lighting – following head-up display or driver`s seat with memory functions.

Finally, the top of the line Signature is offered from $44,315 and features LED signature grille lighting, Nappa leather, LED accent lighting around the gear shifter, and so on.

As far as the engine lineup goes, the range comes with a 2.5-liter turbo petrol mill with 250 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, running on 93-octane gasoline, as well as 227 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, running on 87-octane gasoline.

In the US, the 2017 MX-5 costs at least $24,915 in the Sport 6MT trim, with prices to go as high as $34,925 in the MX-5 RF Launch Edition 6AT. Full prices for foth the MX-5 Soft Top and MX-5 RF with their trim levels can be seen in the media gallery below.

As we can depict from the media gallery, the new MX-5 lineup consists of three trim levels, Sport, Grand Touring and Club, each one coming with its own styling goodies.

For instance, the Sport trim comes with 16-inch bright-finish alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, as well as black cloth seats,cruise control, leather shifter and handbrake.

On the other hand, the mid-level Club is packed with more goodies like BBS alloy wheels or front aerodynamic lip and spoiler, adding new mechanics as well, such as the Bilstein suspension system, Brembo/BBS package with Brembo brakes, side still extensions and so on.

The top of the line 2017 MX-5 Grand Touring variant is highlighted with more goodies, like automatic headlights with High Beam Control, sound deadening, leather heated seats and so on.

All versions add the latest safety features also available on other Mazda models, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure, and so on.

The engine range comprises a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G mill with 155 horsepower, being sent to the wheels bia a six-speed manual transmission.