• Not quick if you go by the figures
• But it feels effortless on the road
• It makes an interesting sound, too

What power options are there?

The ‘MX’ label is something Mazda uses to denote a sporty car, but the MX-30 EV’s electronically limited top speed of 87mph tells a different story. The limitation is there to prevent the batteries being rapidly drained by energy-sapping high-speed runs, so on balance it’s hard to argue with.

Acceleration is reasonable rather than eye-opening, with a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds. But, Mazda has deliberately aimed to help you eke-out the greatest driving range by toning down the power delivery. So while the full 145hp is available the moment you press the pedal, Mazda has modulated it to give you greater control.

What look like gears-changing paddles behind the steering wheel are there to vary the braking effect when lifting off the accelerator. There are five settings, and overall the solution feels more intuitive, natural-feeling approach than just switching it on or off as is the case in the Nissan Leaf, for example.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Engaging handling borders on sportiness
• Excellent steering and braking feel
• Bodyroll is kept nicely in check

Although it’s not particularly light, the MX-30 EV is relatively svelte compared with its rivals thanks to that small battery and supremely light petrol motor. Mazda also has form when it comes to making cars with accomplished handling, and this one is no different.

The MX-30’s steering is direct and well-weighted, and it doesn’t have to battle the occasionally intrusive attempts at sporty handling foisted on modern cars, such as overly firm suspension or steering assistance that is artificially heavy.

While the handling is engaging and encourages you to build up and maintain speed, it only errs towards sportiness, rather than going the whole hog. Consequently, the driving experience is relaxing when you want it to be, involving when you feel the urge.

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Similarly, the brakes are progressive and easy to modulate – some rivals have stopping power that’s more like an on-off switch, making them difficult to drive confidently and smoothly. Bumps are absorbed well, with few shocks to be found on typical roads and genuinely good traction and stability on damaged country corners.

There’s some bodyroll, but it’s not excessive and well controlled. There’s technical wizardry going on, with clever torque distribution and braking when you really press on – part of Mazda’s Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) – but in normal driving the car just feels more natural and comfortable than many petrol or diesel equivalents.

So, the MX-30 is a pleasant way to travel, even if you’re a keen driver – not something that can often be said about its rivals.