The MX-30 is set to take Mazda in a new direction with its electric powertrain, innovative design and pioneering cabin

Story Graham Hope

 

The all-new Mazda MX-30 is a pioneering car – one that has been designed to appeal to free thinkers who want a vehicle that delivers a sense of creativity and freedom. To achieve this, Mazda based its design approach for the MX-30 on a theme it calls ‘Human Modern’, which is centred upon providing the time and space required for owners to live their life with confidence and no compromises.

What is immediately apparent as you open the freestyle doors and step into the cabin is the feeling of calm, and this is complemented by a stylish blend of eco-friendly materials, a well thought-out layout and craftsmanship that ensures a desirable and comfortable environment for driver and passengers alike. Zoom-Zoom was given a guided tour of the highlights of the MX-30’s cabin as Program Manager Tomiko Takeuchi and Chief Designer Youichi Matsuda explained the inspiration and thinking behind their stunning new creation.

 

“THE MX-30 WILL LET PEOPLE SPEND THE TIME IN THEIR CAR IN A NATURAL AND RELAXED WAY”

Tomiko Takeuchi, Program Manager

 

THE INSPIRATION

The MX-30 takes Mazda in a whole new direction, and according to Matsuda, this was one of the key elements he took into consideration from the outset. “I decided I shouldn’t care too much about what has been developed in Mazda previously,” he says. This desire to provide something new has been successful, says Takeuchi. “The MX-30 will allow people to spend time with their car in a relaxed, natural way. It provides a place where people can really be themselves and feel calm and positive.”

 

 

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

One area where the MX-30 is a major step forward is in its use of environmentally friendly materials. The most obvious is heritage cork in the console tray; since cork is extracted from bark it can be sourced without felling trees and Mazda has been careful to use only excess cork left over from wine bottling. Recycled raw materials from plastic bottles are also used for some of the upper door trim, while there is approximately 20 per cent recycled yarn in fabrics used for some of the seats. The result is a comfortable space with a low environmental impact.

 

 

FREESTYLE DOORS

The signature feature of the MX-30 offers a number of advantages for owners.  The doors open wide – to an angle of 82 degrees in the front and 80 in the rear – allowing easy access, and installing child seats is made simpler, too. Once parked, opening up both doors allows occupants to get closer to their  immediate environment while enjoying the comforts of the cabin.

 

“THE FEELING OF BEING REALLY COMFORTABLE IS EVERYTHING THAT IS EMBODIED IN THE MX-30”

Youichi Matsuda, Chief Designer

 

INTERIOR LAYOUT

One thing the MX-30 has in common with other Mazdas is a layout geared around making the car natural to drive. But the cabin is designed to improve the experience of all occupants. The floating console enhances the connection between driver and front-seat passenger, while the rear seat feels sofa-like and gives occupants the impression of being wrapped in. “The feeling of being really comfortable is everything that is embodied in this car,” concludes Matsuda.