The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the E-GMP and forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification.
Zero tailpipe emissions with the Mazda MX-30 and Kia EV6
Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and slowing climate change are becoming increasingly critical, as experts warn that global warming will be a growing drag on agricultural output in years to come.
A recent Bloomberg report noted that drought is shrinking crops from the United States Farm Belt to China’s Yangtze River basin, ratcheting up fears of global hunger and weighing on the outlook for inflation.
In recent years, zero-emissions battery electric vehicles (BEVs) such as the Mazda MX-30 and Kia EV6 were launched in response to higher demand for greener mobility solutions.
On the local front, Mazda MX-30 and Kia EV6 were introduced this year at RM198,780 and RM300,668 respectively by Bermaz Auto Bhd and its subsidiaries, which distribute new and pre-owned Mazda, Kia and Peugeot vehicles.
The Mazda MX-30 is an ideal runabout especially for office workers who drive short trips within city limits on a daily basis
Mazda MX-30
The MX-30 has a 35.5 kWh battery, for a driving range of up to 199km.
This lightweight battery ensures excellent responsiveness as well as being better for the environment, while still being ideal for daily driving needs.
Bermaz Auto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh had said the MX-30 is an ideal runabout especially for office workers who drive short trips within city limits on a daily basis.
He added that as the MX-30's battery is not big, the vehicle could also be fully charged up overnight using an AC home charger instead of a more powerful DC type.
A home three-pin AC charger with 3kW can charge the battery from 0-100% in 12 hours, while a 6.6kW AC wallbox will complete the job in five hours.
With DC fast charging of 40kW, the high voltage battery can be charged up to 80% within 36 minutes.
Billed as a practical 2+2 seater city runabout vehicle, the MX-30 is part of Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision of achieving carbon neutrality and marks the first step in the automaker's multi-solution electrification strategy.
Yeoh said high-performance EVs had to be equipped with heavier battery packs for longer driving range.
"A bigger battery will also increase vehicle weight and impose a toll on handling performance and as well as higher wear on tyres and brakes," he said, adding that the MX-30 does not need a big and heavy battery pack that would cost customers a huge premium.
Featuring Mazda’s new electric-drive technology e-SkyActiv that combines outstanding response with smooth dynamic behaviour, the front-wheel drive powertrain delivers an output of 107kW (143hp) and 271Nm of torque.
The MX-30 also gets an evolved version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) called e-GVC Plus to improve chassis performance.
Meanwhile, the interior features sustainable materials such as cork lined centre console trays and inner side door handles, in a nod to Mazda’s founding as the Toyo Kogyo Cork Company in 1920.
Harvested from the bark of trees without felling, the use of cork is more than suited to Mazda’s first pure electric production car.
Fabrics made from about 20% recycled threads and exclusive fabrics created from recycled plastic bottles are also used in the cabin.
The “2020 Red Dot Design” winner also gets a dazzling array of premium comfort features such as a 12-speaker Bose sound system and advanced safety technology.
Adding to the style quotient are "freestyle" rear doors that are hinged at the rear similar to those used in the Mazda RX-8 model.
These doors, which can only be used after the front doors are opened, provide pillarless access for rear passengers to enter and exit the MX-30.
The MX-30 is open for booking at the Mazda Glenmarie Flagship showroom.
Manufacturer warranty is five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.
The battery warranty is up to eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.
Imported from South Korea, the EV6 can travel up to 506km on a single charge and has a combined output of 239kW (320hp) and 605Nm torque.
Kia EV6
The EV6 is offered locally in a GT-Line all-wheel drive (AWD) long range variant featuring a 77.4kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack.
Imported from South Korea, the EV6 can travel up to 506km on a single charge and has a combined output of 239kW (320hp) and 605Nm torque.
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification.
It can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 185km/h.
It continues Kia’s sporty driving appeal, featuring direct steering responses, a highly agile ride, precise and linear performance and road grip that boosts the "fun-to-drive" ethos.
In addition, the flexibility of its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system enables the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery to supply up to 3.6kWh of power to lifestyle electronic accessories.
Despite the EV6’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900mm wheelbase results in a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs.
With no need to house a central transmission tunnel, the EV6’s flat floor provides rear-seat passengers with 990mm of legroom for exceptional comfort.
It features 520 litres of trunk space with the second-row seats up, which increases to 1,300 litres with the second-row seats folded down.
A front trunk provides an extra 20 litres of stowage space for AWD models.
Relaxation seats are slim, lightweight and contemporary and clad in robust fabrics created using recycled plastics – akin to 111 plastic water bottles.
Inside, the dashboard slopes towards the front of the car, creating a sense of space and openness.
The high-tech 12.3-inch infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and multi-Bluetooth connectivity.
Also included is a powerful 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system.
The EV6 is packaged with leading-edge safety and convenience systems and was awarded with a maximum five-star EURO NCAP safety rating, as it achieved 90% for adult occupant protection, as well as 86% for child occupant protection.
Manufacturer warranty is five years/150,000km, whichever comes first.
Battery warranty coverage is up to seven years or 150,000km, whichever comes first.
