The all-new MX-30 is the latest in a line of cars Mazda has honoured with the legendary MX prefix, reserved for the manufacturer’s most innovative vehicles. The MX-5 is probably the most famous custodian of the name, but here Mazda Stories takes a look at some of the other cars to have proudly sported the MX badge.
Story Tommy Melville
1983
MX-02
Six years before the MX-5 arrived to reshape the automotive landscape, Mazda released the MX-02 concept car. The vehicle never made production, but it was jam-packed with innovative technology, including keyless entry, four-wheel steering and a low-drag body design that provided excellent fuel economy figures.
“THE MX-02 was crammed with innovative technology, including a head-up display”
1985
MX-03
Mazda threw the kitchen sink at the MX-03 concept, which boasted a huge spec and enticing list of innovations. The four-seat coupe featured four-wheel drive, a triple-rotor 315hp engine, four-wheel steering, a head-up display and an aircraft yoke steering column, instead of a regular wheel.
“THE MX-03 COULD HIT 200km/h AND HAD A 0–100KM TIME OF ONLY FIVE SECONDS.”
1987
MX-6
This stylish, discreet coupe was produced for nearly a decade from 1987, and featured two generations. It was known for both its reliability and powerful performance, with some models using a V6 engine (generating 164hp) to make the MX-6 an exhilarating prospect to drive.
“THE MX-6 was quite a performance car for its time, starting with a 2.2L Turbocharger with four-wheel steering and then moving to a 2.5L V6 in later models."
1991
MX-3
Launched in the early 1990s (in the same era as the MX-5 and RX-7), the sleek MX-3 shared many characteristics of its illustrious stablemates. As with all Mazdas, it was a real driver’s car, and its headline-grabbing V6 engine—one of the smallest ever produced—made it a highly innovative vehicle, too.
“THE V6 IS THE notable MX-3 VARIANT, BUT A FOUR-CYLINDER OPTION WAS ALSO RELEASED, AND HUGELY POPULAR”
2001
MX-Sport Tourer
In many ways, the MX-Sport Tourer was one of Mazda’s most forward-thinking concept cars. It featured a hybrid gas-electric engine to reduce emissions that switched seamlessly between rear and four-wheel drive, a Vario Lamella folding roof and freestyle doors.
“THE CAR BOASTED A 10.4-INCH TOUCHSCREEN YOU COULD REMOVE FOR INTERNET BROWSING”
2004
MX-MicroSport
This funky concept made its debut at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show. Featuring a four-cylinder engine, the car would signpost the way for a small city vehicle aimed at a young audience. The MX-MicroSport featured a keyless entry system in the form of a card, which held driver preferences such as favourite navigational routes and audio sources.
“THE CAR’S EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS SPECIFICALLY TUNED TO a sporty note”
The MX-30 is Mazda’s first all-electric vehicle, and the latest to use the MX naming convention. You can find out more about the car via the link below.