Last week, I had the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of a 2022 Mazda MX-30 electric compact SUV to enjoy the abundance of beautiful nature in Vancouver’s own backyard — The North Shore.
The familiar roads and local highways take on a whole new experience inside this beautifully-designed all-electric vehicle, built with both the environment and sustainability in mind.
First off, this is Mazda’s first battery-electric vehicle, and they’ve taken the SUV concept to a whole new level, from vegan leather seating to moulded cork accessories (the latter a nod to the company’s roots as a cork manufacturer). Yes, we’re betting that more than a few of you didn’t know that Mazda began in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd., known today as Uchiyama Manufacturing Corporation.
Interior Components, Bose Sound
With this in mind, Mazda worked with the Japanese company in designing the MX-30’s interior accents using heritage cork, a water-repellant material that was married with a unique injection-moulded resin that was able to be precisely cut and fitted for the console — and it’s beautiful. Mazda spent over a year developing and testing the cork’s coating agent for durability. In fact, the quality vegan leather seats, accents and stitching are what make the MX-30 stand out from a design perspective.
Another unique feature of this all-new EV are the freestyle doors that swing out once the front door is opened, to allow rear passengers into the vehicle. This gives an overall impression of openness versus the traditional 4-door model. As I head up to Capilano Suspension Bridge, I notice the responsive steering, breaking and all-around comfort.
[Cliffwalk, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park]
A lovely stroll on the Suspension Bridge, Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure makes me realize how lucky we are to call this part of Canada home.
Once I’m through marvelling at the stunning scenery and festive park decorated for Halloween, it’s back into the MX-30 for lunch and a short hike around Deep Cove.
I tune into Sirius XM and enjoy the Bose sound system, one that Mazda gave some thought to over the standard speaker placement inside the passenger doors.
[BOSE speaker placement, MX-30]
The woofers are now in the cowl side above the kick panel, which not only frees up space for bigger door pockets but allows the bass energy to envelop in the floor, firewall and kick panel areas. The rich bass created here is amazing; Mazda has appropriately named the system BassMatch. Without motor sound, a richer audio experience is delivered to everyone on board.
Mazda and Bose are actually celebrating a 30-year partnership this year too, having started with the 3rd-gen Mazda RX-7. These two brands have forged innovative technologies to make the Mazda an aural escape, no matter whether you’re headed to town for groceries or on the Sea to Sky headed to Whistler and beyond.
Battery size matters, too. Mazda set out to develop a size that wouldn’t produce too large an environmental footprint, while allowing for a comfortable, estimated range of 161 km on a full charge. The average Canadian drives between 40 and 50 km per day; an overnight charge at home or a quick-charge at a charging point gets you ready for a new day or road trip.
As an incentive, Mazda offers an eight-year/160,000 km warranty with an MX-30 purchase. As well, a two-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services will allow you to remotely monitor and control the MX-30’s process over time via the MyMazdaApp. Things like remote start/stop charging, checking battery levels, remotely setting climate control – even locking the doors – are all accessible via this app.
Charging Times
The 35.5kWh battery can be charged from 20% to 80% within approximately 36 min. (Level 3 DC 50kW fast charger), 2 hours, 50 min. (Level 2: AC 240V/30 amps charger) or 13 hours, 40 min. (Level 1 AC 120V/15 amps charger).
Deep Cove is a gorgeous part of the North Shore, and taking in the changing leaves and ocean views after lunch offers a peaceful break in an otherwise busy week. I highly recommend kayaking the Indian Arm fjord if you haven’t already (Deep Cove Kayak can set you up with a rental for a few hours).
Much of what you’d expect in an SUV is part of the standard MX-30 package too, including Front Cross Traffic Alert, 360-degree view monitor, Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability and more. Premium features range from heated front seats and power moonroof with interior sunshade to the Bose 12-speaker audio system.
Visit Mazda Canada online for more info and availability.
