Lease a Mazda MX-30: Performance, Interior & More
Mazda was founded in 1920, originally as Toyo Cork Kogyo - a cork-making factory by Jujiro Matsuda. It started producing vehicles in 1931. The name Mazda was derived from Ahura Mazda, the god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom in Zoroastrianism, an Iranian religion. The company is known for its innovative technologies such as the Wankel engine, the SkyActive Platform, and the Kodo Design language. Mazda has also partnered with other manufacturers like Ford (from 1974 to the late 2000s), Toyota, Nissan, and others. Mazda takes a human-centric approach, which can easily be forgotten in the growing EV industry, where vehicles are increasingly mass-produced.
Mazda’s craftsmen dedicate a minimum of 20 years to their craft, earning them the title of Takumi. They use clay models and meticulous paint jobs to ensure each car is special. A fundamental part of Mazda’s ethos is building cars that foster an “effortless and seamless connection to the car.” Mazda claims you can “experience a feeling of oneness and harmony with the car - a bond that’s hard to describe in words—as you accelerate, brake, drive, feel, and smile together.”
Mazda began production of the MX-30, its first all-electric car, in 2020 at its Ujina Plant in Hiroshima, Japan. The MX-30 is a small crossover SUV also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or mild hybrid (MHEV). In 2023, Mazda released the MX-30 R-EV to broaden the appeal of the MX-30 after disappointing sales of the all-electric version, attributed to its small battery and limited range. In the US, sales of the MX-30 electric were discontinued in July 2024 after fewer than 600 units were sold.
In this blog, we will look at the specifications of the all-electric MX-30 currently available as well as performance, interior, infotainment and how much it will cost to lease the car through a salary sacrifice scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme.
MX-30: Specifications and trim levels available
As aforementioned, the MX-30 is a small electric SUV, which has become a saturated market over the last couple of years. Before choosing to lease or buy the MX-30, you may decide to look at alternatives like the MG 4/ZS EV, Vauxhall Mokka Electric or the Peugeot E-2008.
| Power metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Drive Train | FWD |
| Battery Power | 107kW |
| Battery Capacity | 35.5kWh |
| 0-62mph Acceleration | 9.7 seconds |
| Range | 124 miles |
There are three available specifications of the MX-30: the entry-level Prime Line, the mid-range Exclusive Line, and the top-spec Makoto. All of them feature a 35.5 kWh battery and 107 kW of power, meaning there is no difference in speed or range metrics across the models. You can see the performance for all three specifications in the table on the right.
One major drawback, which may explain the poor sales of the MX-30 in America, is its limited range - only 124 miles! This is comparable to the Honda E, which is marketed as an electric city car. However, the new R-EV version of the Mazda MX-30 offers a significantly better range of around 400 miles, thanks to its small petrol engine. This makes it much more practical for everyday use, especially if you plan on taking longer journeys or road trips.
What is the difference between the Prime Line, Exclusive Line and the Makoto?
Let’s understand the difference between the three different specifications available. Across the three specifications you will get the following features:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Safety & Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Air Conditioning - Climate Control | Smart Phone Connectivity (Apple Carplay and Android Auto) | Mazda Cruise Control (MRCC) Featuring Stop and Go |
| Los Angeles | Head-up Display - Windscreen Projected Colour Active Driving Display | FM / DAB Radio with 8 Speakers | Driver Attention Alert (DAA) |
| DC Charging up to 50kW | Manual-dimming Rear View Mirror | Mazda Navigation System | Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) |
| Door Mirrors - Electronically Adjustable, Heated Auto Power-Folding | ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage (attached to rear-outer seats) | 8.8" TFT Colour Centre Display | Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold |
| Dusk-sensing Headlights | Rear Seats 60:40 Split Fold Down | Steering Wheel Mounted Audio and Bluetooth Controls | Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) |
| Front and Rear Parking Sensors | Start / Stop Button | Hill Launch Assist (HLA) | |
| Reversing Camera | Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel and Regenerative Braking Padels | Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) | |
| Privacy Glass (rear side and rear windows) | Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ||
| Rain-sensing Front Wipers with Adjustable Sensitivity and Speed | Pre-crash Safety with Smart Brake Support |
MX-30 Prime Line
The entry-level Prime Line spec starts at £27,995 and you get the following as standard:
18” silver alloy wheels,
Light grey cloth with dark grey trim,
Air conditioning,
Cruise control,
FM / DAB radio with 8 speakers,
Integrated Mazda Navigation system,
8.8” TFT colour display,
Apple Carplay and Android Auto,
Front and rear parking sensors,
Windscreen-projected colour active driving display.
MX-30 Exclusive Line
The Exclusive Line builds upon everything included in the entry-level specification and enhances it further, with a starting price of £29,995. Here are some other features you get with the mid-level spec:
Light grey cloth with stone leatherette and heated front seats,
Power 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory and lumbar support,
Manual 6-way front passenger seat,
Frameless interior mirror and auto-dimming rear-view mirror,
Reversing camera,
Privacy glass (rear side and windows)
Smart keyless entry.
Makoto
The Makoto stands as the limited edition model which has a feel of meticulous attention to detail - it has a starting price of £32,395. You get everything in both specifications, as well as:
Three-pin plug socket which can be used to power devices,
Cruising and traffic support,
12-speaker BOSE surround sound system with BOSE centre point and AudioPilot technology,
360-degree view monitor camera,
Heated, leather steering wheel with regenerative braking paddles,
Sunroof,
Front wiper de-icer.
What’s the electric MX-30 like to drive?
In towns or cities, the MX-30, like other electric vehicles, is straightforward to drive. You simply select the driving direction with the gear selector, apply the throttle and brakes as needed, and steer. The electric powertrain handles the rest efficiently and quietly.
While the MX-30's performance is adequate, it isn't as quick as some other electric cars when accelerating from a stop. This difference is less noticeable in city driving but might be more apparent in other settings.
The MX-30 is generally easy to drive, with light steering and a responsive, agile feel. Finding a comfortable driving position is simple, and visibility is good. The ride quality is smooth, absorbing potholes and bumps more effectively than many alternatives. The regenerative braking system in the MX-30 is well-designed, recharging the battery by reversing the electric motor when braking or easing off the throttle. This system increases braking force, a sensation that may require some adjustment. The regeneration levels can be adjusted, allowing for smoother braking compared to some other vehicles. However, some alternatives, such as the Nissan Leaf, offer more aggressive regenerative braking that allows for "one-pedal" driving, where the brake pedal is rarely needed.
The MX-30 is larger than it might initially appear, measuring 4.4 meters in length, comparable to a Nissan Qashqai and larger than other electric options like the Peugeot e-2008. This means that finding a suitable parking space might require some attention, but the vehicle is equipped with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, making parking easier.
On motorways and open roads, the MX-30's acceleration is less robust at higher speeds, which may make merging with fast-moving traffic challenging. The powertrain also works harder to maintain 70 mph, though this effort is not easily noticed due to the vehicle's smooth and quiet ride. The interior provides a comfortable and relaxing environment, though the vehicle's range may decrease significantly during longer trips, which is not its intended use.
On country lanes, the MX-30 benefits from its relatively small battery, making it lighter and more agile than other compact electric SUVs. The steering provides a good connection to the vehicle, and the smooth ride quality is maintained even on uneven surfaces. This makes the MX-30 enjoyable to drive on country roads, offering both a fun and a comfortable driving experience. However, the limited range means that these drives may be shorter than desired.
Interior and infotainment inside the electric MX-30
Let’s have a look at where you’ll be spending the most time if you choose the lease the MX-30:
Interior
The front seats of the MX-30 offer a good amount of space, ensuring comfort even for taller individuals, with generous head, leg, and shoulder room. The SUV design provides seat height that allows for easy entry and exit, especially for those of average height or taller. The interior also includes various storage options, such as door bins that can hold a half-litre bottle, a cubby hole under the front armrest, and lidded cup holders on the centre console. Additionally, the gear selector is mounted on a plinth, creating a large, open space underneath it, which is ideal for placing a phone, especially with charging ports conveniently located there.
In the rear, while the MX-30 has three seats, the space is more limited. Legroom and headroom are somewhat restricted, particularly for adults over average height, making long journeys less comfortable. The back seats are better suited for younger children, although other compact electric SUVs generally offer more rear passenger space.
There are ISOFIX mounts on the outer seats, but positioning a child seat might require moving the front seats forward. Access to the back seats is also a bit challenging due to the rear-hinged doors, which require the front doors to be opened or closed first. Despite the narrower entry, the design allows for easier handling of children when both doors are open.
The MX-30's boot space is relatively small for its class, offering 350 litres, which is even less than what's available in the Mazda 2 supermini. There are no hidden storage compartments, but the boot has a square shape and a large opening that facilitates loading larger items. While the rear seats can be folded down for more space, the total capacity of 1,155 litres may not be sufficient for extended trips, particularly when compared to larger alternatives like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Peugeot e-2008.
Infotainment
The MX-30 features an interior design that is both clean and simple, avoiding a bare or minimalistic look. The controls for various functions are intuitive and easy to locate, and the materials used throughout the cabin, including plastics, fabrics, and even cork on the centre console, provide a pleasing tactile experience. The cork material is a nod to Mazda’s origins as a cork manufacturer (as mentioned at the beginning of this blog) and is chosen for its durability.
The infotainment system in every MX-30 model includes an 8.8-inch display with built-in satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and DAB radio. The system is user-friendly, operated via a rotary controller on the centre console, and it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for those who prefer smartphone integration.
Additionally, there is a lower dashboard touchscreen that manages heating and ventilation settings. This setup is more user-friendly than similar systems in some other vehicles, though some drivers may still prefer traditional physical buttons for these functions. Mazda has addressed this by including buttons on both sides of the screen. Other standard features in the MX-30 include a head-up display, climate control, and a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display.
Charging the electric MX-30
If you’re planning a long car journey, you’ll likely need to stop and charge the MX-30 a couple of times, given its 124-mile WLTP range. In real-world conditions, you can expect to travel around 100 miles on a single charge. However, recharging won’t take long. Charging from 20% to 80% will take about 30 minutes using a 50kW charger. If you’re charging from a 7kW wall box at home or work, it will take approximately six hours. The cost to charge your Mazda MX-30 will vary depending on where you charge it.
Here’s how much it’ll cost you to charge:
If you charge at home, where the price per kWh is 8p, it will cost you £2.84 to charge from 0% to 100%.
If you charge on the go at a public fast charger where the price per kWh is 80p, it will cost £28.40 to charge from 0% to 100%, and £17.04 to charge from 20% to 80%.
A great way to reduce your charging costs at home is by switching to an EV energy tariff. This type of plan allows electric car owners to charge their vehicles at a lower rate during specific times of the day when grid demand is lower and electricity is cheaper, usually overnight. These tariffs are designed to be both cost-effective and flexible for EV drivers.
Salary sacrifice the electric MX-30 from The Electric Car Scheme
EV salary sacrifice is an employee benefit that allows companies to lease an electric car to their employees, and in return, employees sacrifice a portion of their earnings to cover lease costs. Unlike traditional car leases, where payments come from your net pay (post-tax income), salary sacrifice deducts expenses from your gross salary (pre-tax income). This tax-efficient approach enables employees to maximise their savings.
In the graphic below, you can see how much you could save by leasing the Mazda MX-30 from a government car scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme. Without salary sacrifice, you would be paying £416 for the Mazda MX-30 Prime Line. However, with The Electric Car Scheme, you’ll save £166 in income tax and £8 in national insurance contributions. This means you could be paying as little as £273 per month to lease the MX-30!
At The Electric Car Scheme, we offer an easy-to-use quote tool that allows you to calculate the price of a car based on your salary and lease terms (mileage and length). This tool helps you get an idea of the cars you can choose and how much they would cost.
As you can see in the breakdown, you will need to pay a small amount of Benefit-in-Kind tax, sometimes known as BiK. Electric cars provided through The Electric Car Scheme fall under the category of 'company cars' designated for personal use, making them subject to Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax. Currently, electric cars enjoy a favourable BIK rate of just 2%, valid until 2025, after which it will incrementally increase by 1% annually until 2028. Calculating BIK tax involves various factors, such as the car’s list price (often referred to as the P11D value), its CO2 emissions, fuel type, and the individual’s personal tax rate. The BIK tax liability rises with higher list prices and CO2 emissions.
How does salary sacrifice work for employees?
Three steps explain how salary sacrifice works for employees:
Your employer leases an electric car from a salary sacrifice provider (like The Electric Car Scheme),
Employees get the car (as a benefit) in exchange for your salary,
Your sacrificed salary is not taxable, saving you thousands of pounds.
How does EV salary sacrifice work for employers
As you can imagine, the process for employers is slightly different:
Talk with one of our product specialists to understand how electric car salary sacrifice will work in your business,
Sign up to The Electric Car Scheme (or salary sacrifice provider of your choice). We will handle the scheme setup and launch to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you!
Launch the scheme with the help of one of our Customer Success Managers. This includes an employee webinar, demo days, promotions and more to ensure the scheme launch is successful.
Once your scheme is launched, our EV Specialist and Customer Success teams will regularly be in touch.
Learn more about EV salary sacrifice and green car scheme’s by visiting the rest of our website!
Last updated: 13/08/2024
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
