mazda-mx-30-long-term-test

mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-review

The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromiseNeeds to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car<hr />Mileage 1162 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,686 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 122 miles Dealer price now £27,787 Private price now £24,699 Trade-in price now £24,750 Running cost £84.95<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">18 February 2022 – An unexpected ending</h3>And there you have it, six months with my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> have gone by in a flash and with that, an end to one of the most interesting experiences I’ve ever had with a car. One that continuously challenged what I thought I wanted and needed from an electric vehicle (EV). As to whether it's proof that less is more – let’s answer that right now.

I must confess, the moment the MX-30 was first revealed I wanted to run one. Those concept car looks, the eco space age interior and, having driven the petrol-powered <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/cx-30/hatchback/review/n19748">Mazda CX-30</a>, the promise of tidy, car-like handling.But perhaps the biggest attraction was the chance to understand the concept of this car better. It doesn't merely look different to anything else on the road – the package itself is like nothing I've seen before. The fairly conservative range, larger family SUV proportions and quirky Mazda RX-8-style rear-hinged doors immediately stood out.The MX-30 is supposed to be an “urban runaround” (exemplified by the 124-mile range) yet it’s too large to fully justify that title. With all that mass, I was expecting a seriously spacious SUV inside, and while I was never wanting for more room in the front, the rear seats were noticeably small, and hampered by awkward rear access, poky footwells and a sloping roofline.

Still, the longer I spent in the MX-30, the more I got into a rhythm with it and the more I could work with the quirky features. I found myself saying, “I know it can be a faff to get in and out of the back seats but I love these doors!”, realising quite quickly that you can make compromises, but only if that compromise works for you.Those needing to put a baby seat in the back might want to look elsewhere, but in my world (that’s myself, my girlfriend, my immediate family, and the occasional friend), the doors were an exciting party piece with minimal interference.There’s no doubt about it, though, its size irked me in town. My previous car was the smaller <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/renault-zoe-long-term-test-review-report-1/n22780">Renault Zoe</a>, and I missed its urban proportions, although the MX-30's great rear-parking camera, responsive blind-spot monitors and sharp handling helped lessen the frustration.

There are real benefits to a larger car, too. For example, the boot is a lot more useful than it is in the Zoe and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i3/hatchback/review/n14">BMW i3</a> – both cars explicitly designed for the city. From vacuum cleaners and suitcases to folding bikes and wooden flooring, there was seldom a load that demanded more space, especially with the rear seats folded flat.Then there’s the space up front. It wasn’t only stunning to look at, but seriously spacious too, and made more appealing by spot-on ergonomics, considered cubbies and a perfectly positioned armrest.The infotainment system was a total revelation, proving that simplicity is everything when you’re behind the wheel. It was fast, easy to operate on the move (thanks in part to its rotary controller) and refreshingly unfussy. In fact, it's second only to the fabulous BMW iDrive system, in my opinion.

Now to the range – undoubtedly the biggest question mark hanging over the MX-30 when it first arrived. The 124-mile official figure doesn’t instantly inspire confidence, and it meant I needed to top up more often. But with a light right foot, access to lamppost chargers on my street and an easy commute, I never felt the sweats of range anxiety.Where it did make a difference was when I was wanted to use the car for longer journeys. A fairly standard 120-mile round trip to my girlfriend’s parents in Hove, for example, was simply unachievable without charging at the other end – something I didn’t have to worry about in the Zoe.<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">Electric cars</a> still won’t suit everyone, and with its limited range, the MX-30 even less so, but if, like me, you spend the majority of your life between the high-rises, less can be more. You'll have to make compromises and the rear seats will be a deal-breaker for some, but if you’re looking for something unique, it's a refreshing take on the urban EV.

I do wish it could go further on a full battery – charging less often is naturally more convenient – but it isn’t a major problem, especially if you have access to a home or handy lamppost charger.Where so many car manufacturers compete with variations on the same theme, the Mazda MX-30 stands out as a completely unconventional offering, and that’s a very good thing indeed. To my mind, it’s a future classic in the making.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-7/n24181">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Hatchback

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-30

Mazda MX-30 long-term test

Mazda MX-30 long-term test review

<h2>What we're looking for </h2><ul><li>Long range and ultra-fast charging capability</li> <li>Luxurious and comfortable interior</li> <li>Smooth ride and capable handling</li> <li>Lots of high-tech driver aids</li> <li>Strong performance and great refinement</li></ul>

Large Electric

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromiseNeeds to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car<hr />Mileage 1162 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,686 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 122 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">3 February 2022 – Office from Office</h3>It’s Friday afternoon, and the works in my neighbours flat have hit a deafening high. No matter what room I go into, and no matter how loudly I blast my music it is inescapable. Luckily for me, I have a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> mobile office, and a very effective one at that.The rear space in my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">MX-30</a> may be reminiscent of flying economy (minus the tray tables) in terms of space, but it’s all business class in the front and as I discovered, the perfect place to work for an hour in complete bliss.

There’s plenty of space to sprawl out, especially with the steering column fully retracted and the driver's seat as far back and as low as it will go. It may not provide the peace and tranquility of a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/rolls-royce/cullinan/4x4/review/n18282">Rolls Royce Cullinan</a> but the Mazda’s impressive levels of refinement do an excellent job of cutting outside city noise, keeping distraction to a minimum.I definitely won’t need persuading to go into the office again.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-7/n24107">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30 long-term test: report 8

<h2>What we're looking for </h2><ul><li>Generous enough real-world range to fit most lifestyles</li> <li>Plenty of charging options and quick top-up times </li> <li>Usable space and strong practicality</li> <li>Comfortable ride that isn’t hindered by a heavy battery</li></ul>

With so many electric cars now on offer, we've split the smaller models from the larger ones to ensure that we're able to compare direct rivals.

As well as being adept at coping with city life, small electric cars need to be roomy enough for a couple of adults and able to drive a decent amount of miles between charges.&nbsp;

There are some great small electric cars to choose from. The affordable Seat Mii Electric proves you don't have to have break the bank to go green, the Renault Zoe has been improved in every area, making it a great small EV prospect, and the Kia e-Niro was named our overall 2019 Car of the Year.

Small Electric

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromiseNeeds to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car<hr />Mileage 1127 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,686 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 122 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">11 January 2022 – There’s nothing wrong with a classic</h3>Frank Sinatra, Rolex watches and Apple Macs with removable battery packs. There’s nothing wrong with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-cars-in-what-car-history-how-theyve-evolved/n21382">looking back at a great classic</a> – especially when it can inform the future.You see, while car manufacturers continue to push touchscreen information systems, many of which are either riddled with bugs or are difficult to operate on the move, Mazda has instead decided to stick with the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ motto and keep things as traditional as possible.

The 8.8in infotainment screen is brilliant, albeit fairly rudimentary by 2022 standards. It won’t let you operate the system with your fingers, nor will it let you play the latest video games (like you can in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a>) but it’s sharp and the icons are colourful and clear. I’m also able to find all the key features in seconds aided by simple menus that make navigation even easier.On first appearance, I did half wonder why it’s been cropped by the horizon line of the dash, but that’s just an illusion. I find it’s perfectly placed in my eye line, but not so much that I’m seeing half a tablet while I’m merging lanes.Fan’s of BMW’s rival iDrive system (that’s all of us here at What Car?) will be right at home in my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">MX-30</a>. For starters, everything is operated by a fairly unassuming rotary dial. Using it may not feel as futuristic as prodding a screen, but I’m thankful for its simple and effective functionality, especially when on the move. With no hint of delay between turning the screen and the dial responding, it’s definitely a welcome relief from the slightly laggy touch-based system in my previous <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/renault-zoe-long-term-test-review-report-1/n22780">Renault Zoe</a>.

The climate control and heated seat controls have their own separate touchscreen lower down on the dashboard, and Mazda has provided shortcut buttons to make activating the various functions on the move as easy as possible. While the touchscreen works well enough and impresses those friends of mine who expect the MX-30's futuristic exterior to inform its interior, from a driver’s perspective I’m grateful for the shortcuts; I can adjust the temperature with a few simple clicks and turn everything off completely with a single button.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-3/n23963">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30 long-term test: report 7

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromiseNeeds to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car<hr />Mileage 948 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,686 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 120 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">18 December 2021 – Mixed messages</h3>There’s a difference between confusion and misunderstanding. A misunderstanding is a failure to understand something correctly, while confusion is uncertainty about what is intended or required.Why the English lesson you ask? Well, I thought I was starting to understand my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> but recently I’ve found myself more confused by the purpose of this car and its position in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2021/n17000">electric car</a> class. I’ve also started to wonder whether Mazda might have misunderstood its own brief.

You see, the MX-30 is supposed to be a purpose-built, urban tool, designed for short journeys in city centres, but while the modest 124-mile official range supports that concept, the oversized dimensions appear to contradict it.At a quick glance or in the right photo you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s relatively compact, but this is definitely a car I needed to see and experience in person to comprehend. It’s longer than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/used-review/n804">previous-generation Nissan Qashqai</a> and wider than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kamiq/hatchback/review/n19999">Skoda Kamiq</a>. While I’m not suggesting I’ve been wrestling with Goliath, I do think that a dedicated city car should be smaller.

The elevated, SUV-style ride height does bring visibility advantages, and it’s obviously helpful to have rear seats to accommodate those mates who like to sneak a quick lift from time to time. However, the moment I get into Central London, it feels larger than it should and, dare I say it, a bit cumbersome, especially when I'm trying to park in a tight space (something I found a breeze in my previous car, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>).It’s not as though you’re treated to a particularly spacious interior, either. I have plenty of room behind the wheel, but the sloping roofline eats into rear head room and the rear footwell is… well, let’s go with compact. Pair those things with small fixed windows and a charcoal-black rooflining, and you end up with what feels like a claustrophobic escape pod. Kids will be okay, but you can expect adults to complain.

It’s a similar story with the boot, which is acceptable but far from exceptional. To put things in perspective, I’ve got less space in the MX-30’s load area than you get with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a> and consequently I’ve found myself dropping the rear seats for 95% of chores.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-3/n23911">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30 long-term test: report 6

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromiseNeeds to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car<hr />Mileage 933 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,588 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 118 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">4 December 2021 – Consistency is king</h3>When people hear that you drive an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric car</a>, they usually ask about the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-the-real-world/n23331">range</a> before anything else. But while it’s all well and good knowing the maximum number of miles the car can cover between charges, consistency is also important.

For example, when a colleague ran a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/honda-e/hatchback/review/n20882">Honda E</a> he saw the real-world range tumble from 110 miles to 90 when cold weather set in. So, I’ll admit, I entered the winter months with some trepidation, given that my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> is another electric car with a relatively small battery.Fortunately, it has actually continued to get remarkably close to the 124 miles quoted in the brochure, come rain, shine or frost, so I now feel confident before setting off on most journeys that I’m going to make it home without a top up. That counts for a lot in my book.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-3/n23847">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30 long-term test: report 5

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromiseNeeds to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car<hr />Mileage 823 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,588 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 110 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">13 November 2021 – Style with compromise </h3>When almost everyone does a particular thing the same way, it’s generally because it’s the best way. And yet, I still tend to find myself falling for things that are a bit different, even knowing they’ll probably make my life more difficult.In the case of my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a>, it’s the quirky, rear-hinged back doors that have me questioning my own sense of logic. You see, I really like them.

I think they're a wonderfully unique feature that helps distinguish the MX-30 from almost everything else on sale. I get a kick out of them every time I squeeze their tactile mechanical latches to release them. And as a big fan of the old <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/rx-8/coupe/used-review/n474">Mazda RX-8</a> sports car, I love the fact they so clearly take inspiration from that model.I’m not oblivious to the glaring practicality issues that they bring, though. To ensure they don’t fly open on the move, they can only be opened if the front doors are already open. This means that if you’re parked alongside another car and space is tight you get out and find yourself trapped between the front and rear doors.Then there’s the fact that the front seatbelts are tethered to the back doors, so someone in the front has to unbuckle before you try to grab something from the rear seat behind them – or risk being pulled along for the ride.

I spend the majority of my time with no more than one passenger, which probably explains why none of this has put me off, but anyone hoping to use the MX-30 as they would any other comparable small SUV might well find its back doors just frustrate.It’s only when you compare with three-door cars that they bring any practical advantages, because they mean the front door doesn’t have to be as long, and consequently it’s easier to get out of the front of the car in tight spaces. However, when trying to get to the rear you’re still left with a distinctly narrow gap to clamber through.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-3/n23735">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30 long-term test: report 4

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromise.Needs to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and provide minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car.<hr />Mileage 787 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,588 Price as tested £32,045 Test range 100 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">20 October 2021 – That old familiar feeling</h3>A Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, large fries, fizzy drink and an apple pie from that restaurant with the golden arches will cost you roughly £7.50, right? Well, for the same price, I can charge up my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> from near-flat to full. It feels exciting to know I can drive more than 120 miles for little more than this calorific feast if the mood took me, but as a wise person once said, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.

Up until this point, I’ve spent most of my time in the city doing trips of three to five miles – journeys my MX-30 or, frankly, any half-decent e-bike can do with its eyes closed. Now however, with the What Car? office opening up, my 22-mile commute has returned and with it, a stark reminder that 'cheap' isn’t always clever.You see, I’ve calculated that I’ll be able to do up to five days to and from the office before needing to charge. That might not sound too bad right now, but that’s a prediction based on ideal conditions and optimum electrical efficiency (more on that in a moment) and having already done a handful of journeys, I’m starting to worry.The moment I get onto the dual carriageway, the range begins to drop faster than it would in slow-moving city traffic. Even with the regenerative braking system in its least invasive mode, and with the lightest of feather feet, I’m only managing to achieve 3.0 to 3.2 miles per kWh. Put simply, while I regularly see 124 miles of range after charging (echoing the Mazda’s official figure), I’m only able to travel 90-112 miles in the real world. Given how much I lift and coast and how frequently I use the regenerative braking paddles, I suspect I might have already hit my efficiency ceiling.

It might sound like I’m being pedantic, but with a limited range to begin with, every mile matters in the MX-30, and that has resulted in me changing the way I drive and interact with the car – and not in a progressive way.For one thing, I’m less inclined to use the seat heaters and climate control, both of which are responsible for nabbing a mile or two of range on any given journey. I’m also noticing my eye connecting with the range gauge more frequently than it should. Driving with almost scientific precision to eke out every last drop of juice, is, in a word, exhausting.Having briefly jumped back into a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a> similar to the one I ran previously, I was instantly reminded of the freedom it afforded me. Up to 240 miles of electric range and a consistent 4.5 to 4.7 miles/kWh meant I could drive as I would normally do in any combustion-engined car, and it felt liberating.

The point is, just because you have a short commute, or spend your time in the city centre (as I have done in the past couple of years), it doesn’t mean you want to spend your life at charging points. Suffice to say, as I return to the office, I know that will become a more frequent reality.The neighbours haven’t complained about me hogging the lamp-post chargers yet, but I fear they might start to soon.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-4/n23646">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30 long-term test: report 3

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The car Mazda MX-30 145 Sport Lux Run by Louis Shaw, social media managerWhy it’s here To prove that it's both possible and preferable to run an electric car with a smaller range in the city without compromise.Needs to be A comfortable commuter, with plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and provide minimal compromises compared with a combustion-engined car.<hr />Mileage 708 List price £30,545 Target Price £29,588 Price as tested £32,045 Official range 124 miles (WLTP) Test range 123 miles<hr /><h3 dir="ltr">30 September 2021 – In the lap of luxury</h3>More often than not, car conversation seems to centre around exterior design, something I’ve personally experienced in the past few weeks with my <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a>. I’ve lost count of the number of people coming over to ask me questions, usually mumbling the words, “that’s a handsome thing” as they walk towards the car.

I completely understand it. While manufacturers continue to try to gauge public trends, figuring out the right balance between funky, futuristic design and more 'conservative' EV conversions, I love that Mazda has gone bold with the MX-30 and, for better or worse, it’s certainly attracting attention.But, as good as a car looks on the outside, owners (myself included) spend 99.9% of their time inside the car. In that regard, it’s even more impressive behind the wheel than the RX-8-inspired rear doors, swooping coupé lines and inverted front grille combined.

I cannot understate the quality of the material finish. Weeks into ownership, I continue to be blown away as I get comfortable in the hot seat. Everything from the chrome finish on the steering wheel buttons to the air conditioning vents and ‘vegan’ leather-clad gear selector feels beautifully screwed together and incredibly luxurious.It’s not just the perceived quality of the materials that hits you, but also the functionality of the interior. The seats are as comfortable as they are visually inspired, and there are loads of thoughtfully designed cork cubbies, offering more storage for your phone and water bottles than you could ever need.

That incredible centre console, despite looking like something out of a Star Wars-esque flying metropolis, is positioned perfectly in front of your hand, allowing easy access to the rotary controller. It’s a shame about the short range because I could spend a lot longer in the car than the circa 120 miles range would take me.So far, the only place where style appears to interfere with usability is in the rear. The combination of a swooping roof line and small windows slightly obscures rearward visibility. That  said, the mirrors are pretty good and my Sport Lux trim comes with rear-facing cameras as standard for those trickier parking spaces.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mazda-mx-30-long-term-test-report-1/n23570">Read more on our long-term Mazda MX-30 &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/long-term-tests">Read about more long-term test cars &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

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Mazda MX-30 long-term test

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