Autonomy challenge – Mazda MX-30

In this new autonomy challenge of #CircutorElectroChallenge we drive a Mazda MX-30, up to the limit of its autonomy, using, as always, our best Efficient and calm Driving skills.

The Mazda MX-30 is the first foray of the Japanese brand into electrification and it has done so without sparing anything, creating a car in line with its KODO design range, "Soul in motion" is the philosophy with which they transmit life and personality to their models.

With an SUV coupé exterior line, probably one of the most striking features of this model is the lack of the center pillar that separates the front and rear doors. This particularity allows a unique accessibility since there is no obstacle at the same time to access the rear seats.

The Mazda MX-30 is urban elegance, since the brand has decided to equip it with a low-capacity battery and therefore reduce both its environmental and economic impact. A very risky bet since one of the aspects that most often worries potential users of electric vehicles is their autonomy.

The consumption obtained already indicates this urban character, but at the same time a wheeler, thanks to its good aerodynamics. It also denotes the fact that the use of the platform of the Mazda CX-30 gives it a weight and dimensions worthy of a car to travel more than to wander around, a little more energy recovery with braking is also missing.

We left the Circutor headquarters, in Viladecavalls, with a full battery and an indication of 164 km of autonomy. Can we improve it by making full use of our Efficient Driving technique?

The first surprise is that today, our friend Toni from INTIAM RUAI, SL joins the team, therefore, there are three of us, in the rain.

Our route is already a classic, the first control stop in Sitges gives us very good vibes and confirms our expectations. After driving 78 km in very favorable terrain, the vehicle maintains 71% of its autonomy and, thanks to a consumption of only 11.6 kWh/100 km, it promises us still 122 km more before recharging.

Two hours after taking the start we reached the second checkpoint, in the town of Castellet, on the edge of the Foix reservoir, we have covered 103 km, we still maintain 58% of the battery although the less favorable terrain has made the accumulated consumption rise to 12.5 kWh/100 km, the rain does not stop, and therefore, the adhesion to the asphalt is not the best.

On our way through Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the panorama has changed a lot, we retain only 22% battery and the display already indicates in the form of orange coloration on the dashboard that we should charge the battery as soon as possible, however, our route is not over yet.

We face the last ramps towards Gelida and then calmly descend to Martorell and on the A7 we arrive at Rubí where we will drop off our fellow challengers, 4 hours later and after almost 180 km.

With only 15% battery and 26 km of autonomy we do the last stretch of this challenge to return to the starting point. our RAPTION 50 charger, where, it could not be otherwise, after doing 193 km the Turtle has come to greet us! despite still maintaining 9% battery. Conservative management? perhaps better, to avoid the occasional scare.

Autonomy Challenge Results - Mazda MX-30

We have achieved a consumption and autonomy very close to the homologation and, it must be taken into account that our route has been at night, in company and with rain. Frankly, a great result and, despite reaffirming that the car has been designed for the city, on secondary roads it goes really well.

Conclution:

This Mazda MX-30 is a vehicle different from all the rest, not only because of its design and the lack of a central pillar, but also because of some interior concepts such as the finishes with natural materials, such as cork or the ergonomics sought in the safe handling of all controls, where a joystick-type wheel predominates to control the screen and navigation options.

A very Zen vehicle. Sayonara Mazda MX-30!

Thanks:

Clarifications:

The Solidarity Tour is a 20 km route starting and finishing at the Circutor headquarters in Viladecavalls, which runs along very twisty secondary roads with slopes of up to 250 m.

The EcoBest tour is a 60 km mixed route that includes approximately 50% motorway, 25% city and the rest on interurban roads, very similar to the distribution of the WLTP cycle.

All our challenges are based on achieving maximum autonomy, in real traffic conditions, using efficient driving techniques and moderate speeds, always above the minimum marked on each road.