Lifeless: Mazda MX-30

Oh, the Mazda MX-30. It has a pretty design, a pleasant inside, and handles nicely, however as an electrical automobile, it isn’t nice. At the least not for America. Its motor solely makes 143 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, which implies it takes practically 10 seconds to hit 60 mph. It additionally solely has an EPA-rated vary of 100 miles. With a base value north of $30,000, that’s a tricky promote when the Nissan Leaf provides extra vary and prices much less. So, predictably, it’s going away right here within the U.S.

Mazda introduced right this moment that it plans to kill off the MX-30 after the 2023 mannequin yr. So in the event you’re one of many few individuals who have been planning to purchase one, you continue to have time. And in the event you stay exterior the U.S., don’t fear. The MX-30 will nonetheless be there so that you can additionally not purchase. Within the announcement, Mazda mentioned, “Our present U.S. electrification efforts are targeted on giant platform PHEVs, such because the first-ever 2024 CX-90 PHEV and upcoming CX-70 PHEV, in addition to introducing CX-50 Hybrid into our lineup to deal with the precise wants of the U.S. market.”

To be truthful to Mazda, although, it was clear proper out of the gate that it knew there was a restricted marketplace for the MX-30 within the U.S. There’s a purpose Mazda determined to solely import 560 MX-30s and solely bought them in California. There was simply no purpose to assume that there can be a lot enchantment anyplace else within the nation. Possibly Boston or New York Metropolis? However even then, that’s actually pushing it. Certain, the promise of a rotary-engine vary extender made the MX-30 a little bit extra attention-grabbing, however the writing was on the wall from the start.

Farewell, Mazda MX-30. You probably did your finest, however typically, your finest simply isn’t adequate.