mazda – AutoApp Dev https://www.autoapp.sg/dev Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:39:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Mazda powers Greater Journeys At The Singapore FinTech Festival https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283999 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:39:24 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283999 Mazda is proud to announce its partnership with the 10th edition of the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2025 as the Official Event Car.


Mazda is fielding a fleet of ten vehicles, headlined by the fuel-sipping CX-5 M-Hybrid and the newly muscular CX-80 PHEV.

The Singapore FinTech Festival, organised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) and Constellar, in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore, has spent a decade championing collaboration and meaningful innovation. Mazda’s presence signals a similar philosophy: human-centric design paired with engineering that makes long days feel shorter.

“At Mazda, we believe in creating journeys that matter, combining human-centric design with cutting-edge performance. Together with the SFF community, we are excited to deliver Greater Journeys at this defining moment,” says Mr Chong Kah Wei, Managing Director of Mazda Singapore.

SFF’s corridors are where finance meets frontier tech, where the best ideas are grounded by good execution. Mazda’s brand of engineering has long thrived in that same overlap: elegant solutions, tidy packaging, design that respects the person behind the wheel rather than merely dazzling the spec sheet.


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Mazda CX-80 Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282030 Wed, 07 May 2025 09:41:41 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282030 If you want a family grand voyager, the new Mazda CX-80 is one fine machine.


This is a new seven-seater SUV that doesn’t believe in chest-thumping machismo or aggressive chrome grilles.

Technically, it’s a stretched-out CX-60, with the wheelbase extended by 250mm to make room for a third row of seats. But, Mazda’s ambitions for this car go beyond adding more bum space.

Does it look the part?

Mazda CX-80

Oh, it certainly does. The CX-80 carries itself with quiet dignity; not too flashy, not too frumpy. Mazda’s designers have refined that Kodo design language into something almost Scandinavian in its restraint.

No oversized nostrils or fussy lines here, just clean, confident sheet metal that gently hints at something a little more premium.

Mazda CX-80

In Singapore, the CX-80 is the brand’s new flagship SUV, and Mazda wants this to be a contender against posh fare like the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery.

Realistically, it’ll draw curious glances from families eyeing up a Hyundai Santa Fe or a Skoda Kodiaq, but that doesn’t make it any less premium.

Cabin class

Mazda CX-80 cabin

Step inside, and the CX-80 makes a strong case for itself. Upper trims get leather, maple wood, and a smattering of chrome. The seats are comfortable, the ventilated ones in particular providing a breeze strong enough to ruffle your shirt.

And yes, the dashboard has physical buttons, an increasingly rare and welcome sight in a world of endless touchscreen menus. 

However, while the top half of the cabin is plush, the bottom half starts to whisper reminders of its real-world pricing. Harder plastics linger where your knees meet the door.

Mazda CX-80 front seats
Mazda CX-80 second row

The CX-80 offers a plush 2-3-2 seating layout. The middle bench seats slide and fold too, giving you flexibility to play Tetris with passengers and cargo alike. Children in the rearmost seats will be perfectly happy; Mazda says anyone under 1.7m will fit comfortably.

Mazda CX-80 boot

With all three rows in use, you’re left with 258 litres of boot space, enough for a few shopping bags or a compact stroller. Fold the third row and you get 566 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,971 litres if you flatten everything behind the front seats.

Grace over grit

Mazda CX-80

Given its size, you might expect the CX-80 to feel like piloting a school bus, and yet it doesn’t. The ride is firm, but it never crosses the line into harshness.

The steering is light, if not brimming with feel, and the updated chassis (compared to the CX-60) delivers smoother responses. It doesn’t flinch on winding roads, nor does it wallow about like a tipsy uncle at a wedding.

Singapore only gets the plug-in hybrid, and it claims a brisk century sprint time of 6.8 seconds. The 2.5-litre engine does provide enough huff, but prod the throttle in quick succession and the drivetrain occasionally panics, sending up a flare of engine noise without much forward motion.

The 8-speed gearbox is great when the engine is working, but gets flustered when juggling between electric and petrol duties, occasionally resulting in jerks while you’re applying the power down.

It would be better if Mazda offered a drivetrain option that keeps the CX-80 in pure petrol mode, giving the car a chance to regain more energy before dispensing it again in a clean burst.

Thoughtful with grace

Mazda CX-80

At first glance, the CX-80 might not wow you with headline-grabbing gimmicks. But spend a bit of time with it, and it wins you over through sheer competence. It’s a rare thing; a genuinely thoughtful seven-seater that doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not.

No, it’s not as soft as a Santa Fe. It’s not as luxurious as a Range Rover. And it’s not quite as badge-conscious as an Audi. But it balances comfort, flexibility, and driving satisfaction in a way that feels unmistakably Mazda.

If you’re a family buyer who’s allergic to cliché and appreciates a car that’s been designed with both head and heart, the CX-80 is worth a look. A true quiet achiever.

Technical Specifications

Mazda CX-80

Engine: 2.5-Litre e-SKYACTIV G Plug-In Hybrid
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 323 bhp
Torque: 500 Nm
Gearbox: 8-speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.8 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 195km/h
Battery Capacity: 17.8 kWh
Battery Efficiency:
22.5 kWh/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres
Fuel Economy: 62.5 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$344,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)


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Mazda Singapore Officially Launches New CX-80 https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=280386 Sat, 18 Jan 2025 07:44:59 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=280386 For those who have been waiting for a premium, electrified seven-seater that marries performance, luxury, and everyday practicality, the wait is over with the all-new Mazda CX-80.


The new CX-80 has officially arrived in Singapore, making its grand debut at the Singapore Motorshow after a private preview at the Mandala Club last December.

The latest addition to the Mazda family introduces two fresh shades. Artisan Red, a deep, sophisticated burgundy, and Melting Copper, a warm, metallic bronze that gleams under the sun.

Built with Mazda’s renowned Takumi craftsmanship, the CX-80 follows the brand’s tradition of sculpting full-scale clay models before finalising the design.

What comes out is an SUV that balances muscular proportions with refined sophistication, embodying Mazda’s design philosophy of “Graceful Toughness.”

Step inside, and the CX-80 greets you with an intuitive and luxurious space. The star of the show is Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System (DPS), a feature that utilises facial recognition to identify the driver and automatically adjust the steering wheel, seating position, climate control, and even audio settings to match their preferences.

Premium materials abound, with ventilated Nappa leather seats offering sublime comfort, especially for long-haul drives. The 7-seat configuration provides flexibility for families and adventure-seekers alike, with generous boot space when the third row is folded down. 

A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of space, while a 12-speaker BOSE sound system ensures an immersive audio experience, perfect for setting the soundtrack to your next adventure.

Under the hood, the e-Skyactiv G 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 327PS and 500Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds.

With an all-electric range of up to 60km, city commutes can be effortlessly emissions-free, while the hybrid system ensures peace of mind on longer drives.

The 8-speed automatic transmission provides seamless power delivery, and thanks to its rear-biased All-Wheel Drive system, the CX-80 maintains dynamic handling with a touch of sportiness. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) further enhances cornering stability, minimising body roll and delivering a refined driving experience.

Safety remains paramount, with Mazda’s Co-Pilot Concept integrating an extensive suite of i-Activsense technologies. Adaptive LED Headlights, Smart Brake Support, and a 360-degree See-Through View Monitor help navigate Singapore’s tight urban spaces with ease.

For those who frequently tackle traffic congestion, Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) assists with steering and maintains safe distances in stop-and-go conditions. Meanwhile, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Driver Monitoring System ensure that every journey is as safe as it is enjoyable.

With a starting price of $346,888 (inclusive of COE), the Mazda CX-80 is available for test drives at Mazda showrooms at 23 Leng Kee Road and 5 Ubi Close.


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First Look At The New Flagship Mazda CX-80 https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=280027 Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:57:09 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=280027 Mazda has unveiled its largest and most advanced SUV to date, the CX-80, at an exclusive preview held at the Mandala Club.


Positioned as the brand’s flagship model in Singapore, the seven-seater SUV marks a significant milestone for Mazda, being the first in its local lineup to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The CX-80 is part of Mazda’s Large Product Group and stands out with its commanding dimensions.

Measuring 5 metres in length, 1.89 metres in width, and with a wheelbase of 3.1 metres, it is designed to cater to families seeking spaciousness and comfort.

Notably, the last row of seats can accommodate passengers up to 1.6 metres tall, making it practical for both children and adults.   

Mazda has equipped the CX-80 with a range of advanced features that enhance both driver convenience and passenger comfort.

Highlights include a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Display and a heads-up ‘Active Driving Display,’ ensuring essential information is always within the driver’s view.

The infotainment system, also displayed on a 12.3-inch screen, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto as standard.  

One of the standout innovations is the Driver Personalisation System, which uses facial recognition to store seat positions for up to six different profiles.

The system can even adjust the seat to an optimal height based on the driver’s eye level and includes Entry Assist for easier ingress and egress.  

Other features include wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, and three-zone climate control.

Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents, ensuring a comfortable journey for all occupants.   

The CX-80’s plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 323bhp and 500Nm of torque.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.  

As a plug-in hybrid, its 17.8kWh battery offers a pure electric driving range of up to 60km under ideal conditions.

The CX-80 is set to make its public debut at the Singapore Motor Show in January 2025. Officially priced at $376,888, Mazda is offering a special pre-launch price of $328,888, providing early buyers with a compelling incentive.  


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Mazda Drives Singapore Aquatics with New Partnership https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=276016 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:26:52 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=276016 Singapore’s upcoming World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in October is set to be a glamorous affair, thanks to a new partnership between Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) and Trans Eurokars – Mazda.


At a signing ceremony held today at the Mazda showroom in Ubi, it was announced that Mazda will serve as SAQ’s Official Car Partner until 2026. Twenty-five Mazda vehicles, and a pair of MX-30s, will be dedicated to transporting athletes and officials during the 2024 Swimming World Cup.

Additionally, SAQ will benefit from the use of the two MX-30s throughout the two-year partnership. Two vehicles will be on loan to SAQ, aiding their efforts to promote aquatics across Singapore.

Mr Chong Kah Wei, Managing Director of Trans Eurokars – Mazda, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to support the development of aquatics, a beloved sport in Singapore. Our brand philosophy of embracing challenges and striving for continuous improvement aligns perfectly with the discipline required in swimming. We hope to inspire swimmers to pursue their dreams with our support.”

This partnership is not Mazda’s first foray into supporting aquatics in Singapore; the carmaker previously sponsored a hole-in-one competition at an SAQ fundraiser and donated $25,000 at SAQ’s 85th Anniversary gala dinner.

SAQ Secretary General, Assoc. Prof Kenneth Goh, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Being associated with a global brand like Mazda elevates the prestige of both SAQ and the Swimming World Cup. This partnership showcases the appeal of aquatics and its positive impact on the community.”

Prof Goh also noted the timeliness of the partnership as SAQ ramps up its advocacy for water sustainability, aligning with their plans to host the World Aquatics Championships in 2025.

Driving Aquatics Forward

The Mazda vehicles used by SAQ will feature special decals with the SAQ logo. These cars enable the team to work closely with partners island-wide.

National head coach Gary Tan commented, “With Mazda on board as our Official Car Partner, our high-performance team will have greater mobility to engage clubs and partners across the island, discussing ways to uplift aquatics in Singapore.”

Singapore’s hosting of the Swimming World Cup marks the return of the event, last held in the Republic in 2019. The 2019 edition featured top swimmers like Russia’s Vladimir Morozov, Australia’s Emily Seebohm, and Singapore’s Olympic champion Joseph Schooling.

The 2024 edition promises to be just as exciting, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names, including Singapore’s own Teong Tzen Wei, Asian Games men’s 50-metre butterfly silver medallist.

The Singapore leg will be the finale of the three-part Swimming World Cup series, following events in Shanghai, China, and Incheon, South Korea.

Teong, a two-time World Cup silver medallist, expressed his excitement: “It’s fantastic to have the event back in Singapore. It’s a treat for fans and a great opportunity for local swimmers to compete against the world’s best on home soil.”

One young swimmer eager to make a splash is 20-year-old Chan Jun Hao, a breaststroke specialist who recently broke the men’s national 50m breaststroke record. Chan is looking forward to the competition, saying, “I’m really excited for the event. It will be a great chance to gauge my performance against top sprinters.”


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Japan Mobility Show 2023: Mazda’s Iconic SP Concept is an Exciting Reboot of the Sports Car Genre https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=268776 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:08:14 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=268776 Mazda unveiled their latest Iconic SP concept car at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show today, and it’s everything you’ve come to expect from the marque, and more.


Sporting a low-slung silhouette and sleek pop-up LED headlights, the prototype bears more than a passing resemblance to the FD-generation RX-7, albeit modernised for the 21st century.

According to the carmaker, the Iconic SP features a hybrid powertrain in the form of a two-rotor rotary EV engine. While the internal combustion motor does not directly power the wheels, it will act as a generator that charges a battery pack and sends juice to electric motors, much like in the MX-30 R-EV subcompact crossover. 

It’s also capable of burning various types of fuel such as hydrogen, making the Iconic SP a truly carbon-neutral sports car. Mazda has kept mum about headline figures, only revealing that the concept car has 365hp under the bonnet.

Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro, who presented the Iconic SP to members of the international press, had this to say, “Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives. 

“As a car-loving company that mass-produces the inspiring mobility experience, we are committed to shaping the future with our partners sharing the same goal, as well as our fans, where everyone can proudly say, ‘We love cars.’ With such a strong will, Mazda is committed to enriching life-in-motion for those we serve.”

To drive home the Iconic SP’s enthusiast-friendly driving dynamics, Mazda engineers have given the 1,450 kg vehicle a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, positioning the lightweight rotary engine at the centre of the car to achieve a low centre of gravity.

Although it’s a sports car at its core, the Mazda concept also adds value as a lifestyle companion. The automaker states that it’s able to supply power for outdoor leisure activities, or in times of disaster.

There’s still no word on whether the Iconic SP Concept will be destined for production, but judging from the ground sentiments on the event floor today, the excitement from enthusiasts and industry observers is palpable.

Photo Credits: Muhammad Mu’tasim (@mutasimdrives) & Mazda Motor Corporation


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Mazda CX-60 – A stalwart left-fielder https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=266525 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:43:01 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=266525 The Mazda CX-60 is an interesting specimen, going against the grain in a world where electrical assistance now reigns supreme.


Yep, it’s Mazda’s new flagship, and the vehicle it hopes will revive its fortunes after a tough business period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, what’s the buzz about? This SUV, grand and illustrious, steps onto the stage as Mazda’s current largest offering (a bigger CX-80 is still in the pipeline) and brings with it a host of new upgrades.

This bold contender is set to tango with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail. Yet, Mazda’s aiming high, envisioning the CX-60 as a semi-premium alternative, a poised rival to the more opulent badges in the automotive realm.

So then, does it have the mojo to do so?

Sculpted to stand out

Let’s take a gander at the CX-60’s visage, shall we? It’s akin to a charismatic relative of the CX-5, embodying Mazda’s hallmark clean design language that gracefully sidesteps the realm of overwrought aesthetics.

The black plastic wheel arches are a nice touch too and help to accentuate the car’s more muscular stature. When these are painted to match the body (like in some press images), the CX-60 might appear a tad too monolithic.

The car looks great from all angles. Mazda models have always been relatively good-looking, but this one knocks it out of the park.

Old school charm with modern twists

Venture inside and you’re greeted with a snug haven for five. No seven-seater option here – I suspect that’s reserved for the forthcoming CX-80.

Settle into the driver’s seat, and you’ll find a world that’s easy to conquer. The windshield pillars stand narrow and the dashboard low, gifting you an unobstructed and clear view of where the bonnet ends.

However, rear visibility isn’t quite as promising, with a narrow rear window aperture and the view over your shoulder hampered by thick rear pillars. At least Mazda made parking relatively easy with the help of standard-fit front and rear parking sensors and a crisp rear-view camera.

The great thing about the CX-60 is that a lot of amenities come as standard; which were traditionally only offered on higher-end trims of previous Mazda models. The leather used for the seats are of prime quality, and a panoramic sunroof floods additional light into the cabin, giving it an elevated airy atmosphere. 

Physical controls have always been more intuitive to use, and the CX-60 has physical switches for most features in the cabin including the climate control system; a clear win and a boon for those who prefer tactile interactions over digital capers.

All of the buttons and switches are built to a high standard as well, making you feel like a pilot in a cockpit, eagerly pressing all of your desired settings before setting off.

The digital 12.3-inch instrument display is clear with sharp and easy-to-read graphics, but it’s not all that configurable. The sentiments continue with the equally-sized 12.3-inch infotainment system, where like other models from the brand, the CX-60 employs a physical rotary controller that makes it simple to cycle through all the menus while on the move.

While the controller is great for proprietary menus, the large screen isn’t a touchscreen, which can make it a challenge to navigate other items like the built-in wireless Apple CarPlay, which has a UI more suited to fingers.

A wireless charger up front and USB-C ports are aplenty, so everyone gets their fair share of device charging. The CX-60 also does a decent job of suppressing wind and road noise at speed. But, should that become an issue, a 12-speaker BOSE audio array is on hand to distract you from the harshness of the outside world.

Cargo room is decent too, with 477 litres to spare with all of the seats folded up. Knock them all down, and the space swells to 1,148 litres. Ingress and egress of items is an easy affair too, thanks to a hands-free kick sensor and wide boot aperture.

Overall, the interior feels suitably plush for a flagship large SUV. The upper sections of the dashboard are draped with soft, squishy materials lifted by chrome highlights and silver trim finishers. 

On the Open Road

Akin to a seasoned performer, the Mazda CX-60 shines, yet it doesn’t command the stage with the same fervour we’re accustomed to. That’s because it’s packing a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated powerplant under the hood, a stark contrast to the hybrid-this and electric-that powertrains that are dominating the automotive space today.

I do like this engine but, whilst diligent, the engine could use a touch more vigour. It channels 188hp and 261Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a new 8-speed gearbox, a partnership that promises a 9.6-second dash to the century mark. Impressive, no doubt, but here’s the twist – the CX-60’s weight nudges past 1.75 tonnes, demanding a bit more throttle oomph when the gradient turns steep. 

The gearbox is also a tad rough especially at low speeds, when it has a tendency to flick between gears, sacrificing smoothness in favour of overall fuel economy.

But, understand the quirks of its gearbox and work in tandem with it, and the CX-60 is a surprisingly good contender in the corners, remaining composed whether you’re heading down an undulating road or set of bends, dealing with mid-corner bumps with ease.

The steering is not that sharp, but its well-judged weight makes it engaging enough to encourage a keen driver in the bends, and it remains remarkably level in corners compared with most competitor SUVs. Not bad for a car that weighs almost two tonnes.

Mazda is also generous with its suite of safety features, dubbed i-Activsense, and it boasts a fresh five-star ANCAP safety rating, so rest assured you’ll be fine in the event of an incident. The car’s start/stop system (tagged as i-Stop) is pretty unnoticeable most of the time too, but can also be disabled easily with a dedicated button on the dashboard.

Conclusion

Let’s ponder the ultimate question – is the Mazda CX-60 your automotive opus? It’s a question of personal desires. And frankly, options abound in the five-seater SUV market.

While most may feel that the badge appeal of certain brands in this class will draw them away from the CX-60, you should keep it on your radar. It’s smart, well-appointed and comes with a sensible setup. 

Is it enough to drag buyers away from the beloved brands in the premium segment? History tells us that it’s going to be a challenging task, but one’s thing is for certain: the CX-60 can give these upmarket brands a run for their money.

Technical Specifications

Mazda CX-60
Engine: 2,488cc in-line 4, DOHC SKYACTIV-G
Power: 189bhp
Torque: 261Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed Automatic
0-100km/h: 9.6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 203km/h
Fuel Economy: 13.3km/L (claimed)
Price: S$278,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Mazda Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)


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Mazda MX-30 – Zen Mode On https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=262581 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:53:08 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=262581 Mazda has finally decided to take part in the EV race, and what better way to join the fight than with something that is truly unique? Welcome to the Mazda MX-30.


Based on the CX-30, the Mazda MX-30 is the Hiroshima-based automaker’s first foray into the EV battleground, and it’s a smorgasbord of Mazda quirks and ingenuity. I really like it.

Sleek compactness

Right off the bat, the Mazda MX-30 dresses up to impress with its sleek roofline, two-tone colour scheme and macho stature. Even though it’s a crossover, Mazda designers have done away with a traditional boxy shape, and instead sculpted the car out of curvy lines and contours. 

With a clever rear seat design, the tapered roofline does not inhibit headspace in the cabin as well, whilst also providing ample amounts of boot space. 

The MX-30 also brought back a design trait we so dearly missed in the older RX-8, which are freestyle doors. Okay maybe not everyone likes them, but I’m someone who drives around often with no one else in tow, so the lack of rear doors doesn’t detract from the overall experience. However, this can prove to be a challenge for families with kids in tow.

A lush shade of red is decked out for the car too, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and it complements the MX-30 really well.

The MX-30 feels reminiscent of Mazda’s petrol driven CX-30, albeit with different rear doors and a tighter but sleeker design overall. Refinements, that even your strict mother-in-law will approve of.

Quirks and features

A simple but fairly spacious interior greets you upon entry into the Mazda MX-30. Even though it can feel dated at times, everything in the interior is easy to comprehend, making it easy for new drivers to get in and go. I’m not a fan of overly-complicated cabins, so this is a welcome sight.

Mazda incorporated a blend of eco-centric materials dotted around the cabin, to fit in with the vehicle’s sustainability theme. These materials are alright, but I’m not sure if the synthetic fabric material can hold up against adverse weather and moisture, seeing as it’s found on the doors.

The biggest area of the MX-30 you’ll find dated is its instrument cluster and infotainment console. While other companies are revolutionising with new digital displays and impressive graphics, the MX-30 has to make do with analogue dials and a centre TFT display harking back to the 2010s. 

The infotainment screen is also pretty old and looks like something taken out of older Mazda models which were new in 2010. Plus, the lack of touchscreen functionality makes it slightly more frustrating to navigate through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are wired connections. It’s not an easy task to get everything plugged in too, with USB-A ports tucked underneath the gear selector assembly.

If you can mind the dated aspects, the cabin does have some redeeming features too. The gear selector is robust and has a premium feel, as do the HVAC controls which are housed in a separate display, enabling easy access.

The rear seats are fitted with ISOfix points, so it is child-ready. Plus, you do not need to pull the front seats forward each time someone in the back wishes to get out.

Not the latest or greatest interior, but for the discerning individual that has everything set up and ready to rock, the MX-30 is a fuss-free affair.

Composed camaraderie 

Even with its crossover stature, the car is pretty poignant round corners, and it keeps its composure fairly well. However, due to the front-wheel drive layout, there are times when I just couldn’t put the power down when exiting a corner.

Even though this is a true-blue EV, it delivers power in a linear and leisurely amount, unlike other EVs where one enthusiastic press of the pedal will give you whiplash that’ll hurt for the next week. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t slow by today’s standards, just not the usual brattiness and urgency that comes with an EV.

This might sound like a bad thing, but it can be an ideal platform for first-time EV owners to ease into the EV space, and not be intimidated by EVs with extreme acceleration. 107kW (143bhp) and 271Nm of torque is plenty manageable for most applications, especially since it’s delivered instantly.

Battery consumption is pretty good too, and I managed to garner approximately 16.8kWh/100km with some gentle driving. What isn’t so amazing though, is the size of the battery. A tiny 35.5 kW battery resides in the MX-30, and during my media drive,

I did wish it was bigger for just that little more range. Most of the MX-30’s competitors are touting 50kW batteries, and are able to trump it in terms of outright range.

Playful power bank

Minus the slightly minuscule battery capacity, I actually love the Mazda MX-30. It’s quirky in the right places and has sensibleness in just the right amounts. Sure, its design might feel slightly dated, but all in all, it’s a vehicle that can tout ease of use as one of its strong points. 

Mazda (and by extension older cars) owners will feel right at home in the interior, due to its simple layout. Everything is where you want it to be, and everything works as intended. If you can close your eyes and by touch alone, know where everything is located roughly, then the designers did a good job. 

The MX-30 to me feels like a pet. Sure, it misbehaves occasionally, wrecks your furniture, and isn’t the most sensible when compared to your friends’ pets. But, there’s a special feeling that makes you love your pet, and that feeling overlooks every distinguishable flaw that it has. Owning a pet like this is an experience and an experience that you will never forget.

See what I mean?

Technical Specifications

Mazda MX-30
Battery Capacity: 35.5kW
Drive: Front wheels
Power: 143hp
Torque: 271Nm
Energy Economy: 6.3km/kWh or 15.87kWh/100km (claimed)
Price: S$184,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Mazda Singapore


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