Mazda's electric MX

Mazda's MX-30 electric crossover — the company's first-ever electric car — is an odd beast. In size and shape, it's somewhere between a small family SUV and a sporty hatchback. But it doesn't have a particularly sporty performance, and its battery is just too small for longer rides.

Here's the rundown: The Mazda MX-30's electric powertrain has an output of 144HP, which will get you from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in about 9.7 seconds. Its 35.5kWh battery, however, won't get you very far; its 124-mile WLTP range is so puny that Mazda doesn't even mention it in its latest press materials for the car.

Credit: mazda

The car has been on sale in Europe for a while, and now it's coming to the U.S., but none of the above is any different. Sure, the DC fast charging that can charge the battery to 80 percent within 36 minutes helps, as does the partnership with ChargePoint to offer charging solutions in the U.S., but doesn't change the fact that nowadays, electric cars of this size have more range.

Being Mazda's first electric car (if you don't count prototypes from the 1970s), the MX-30 feels like a bit of a showcase for what's coming in the future.

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"The battery-powered MX-30 will begin the introduction of additional electrified models, including a series plug-in hybrid with a rotary generator for MX-30, a plug-in hybrid for our new large platform, and a traditional hybrid for our new American-made crossover,” Mazda's North American president Jeff Guyton said in a statement.

Credit: mazda

In accordance with Mazda's eco-friendly approach to building this car, you'll find details such as cork on the door grips and the "floating" center console. Other details include an electronic shifter, a seven inch touchscreen (thankfully, climate control is operated via "tactile" push buttons, and shortcut buttons to operate the Mazda Connect infotainment system.

In terms of safety, the MX-30 gets Mazda's enhanced i-Activsense tech, as well as a strengthened body that protects the battery. Oh, and the fact that the battery is so small is reflected in the car's spacious interior and generous boot for its size.

Credit: mazda

Mazda's MX-30 will be available in the U.S. in fall 2021, starting with California dealerships. There's no word on price.