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A white Mazda MX-30 electric SUV at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 25, 2019.

The Mazda MX-30’s Doors Might Be the Most Unique Thing About It

Ever since the DeLorean burst onto the scene with its super-rad gull-wing doors, unique car doors have enthralled enthusiasts. Some Lamborghini models sport cool scissor doors (but be careful not to get locked inside). And the Mazda MX-30, the automaker’s first electric vehicle, follows this trend with rear-hinged doors. Frankly, we think they’re even cooler …

Ever since the DeLorean burst onto the scene with its super-rad gull-wing doors, unique car doors have enthralled enthusiasts. Some Lamborghini models sport cool scissor doors (but be careful not to get locked inside). And the Mazda MX-30, the automaker’s first electric vehicle, follows this trend with rear-hinged doors.

Frankly, we think they’re even cooler than the Tesla Model X’s falcon-wing doors.

Unique doors, such as those on the Mazda MX-30, are becoming more popular

The Mazda MX-30 sports rear-hinged doors that open like double doors. Mazda is hardly the first manufacturer to make unique doors. And it won’t be the last.

The 1969 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was the first car to feature butterfly doors. Its unique design inspired generations of supercars. However, rear-hinged doors were seen in the first half of the 20th Century. They were particularly popular with mobsters and gained the colloquial name “suicide doors” due to their propensity to accidentally open. 

The cars with arguably the fanciest and most expensive doors are Koenigsegg models. Their dihedral synchro-helix actuation doors push out and spin up, allowing these multimillion-dollar supercars to fit in tight parking spaces.

The Tesla Model X’s unique doors

The Model X sports doors based on the DeLorean’s gull wings. But Tesla’s handy variation allows for parking in tighter spaces. (However, the EV maker has run into problems with this spiffy design).

Tesla coined them “falcon wing” doors. They’re available only on the Model X. And though an early sketch showed the Model 3 with suicide doors, the Model X is the only Tesla model boasting unique doors.

The next generation of the Model Y has been rumored to have falcon-wing doors or even sliding doors. But the EV maker hasn’t revealed whether these rumors are true.

Either way, we think the Mazda MX-30’s doors are the coolest of all.

The Mazda MX-30 and its super-awesome doors

Originally, this MX-30 crossover was going to be available in Japan and Europe. However, Mazda recently confirmed its first all-electric crossover SUV would be coming to the United States, and it would have a rotary-engine range extender.

Mazda hasn’t released much information about the MX-30 beyond boilerplate statements about the automaker’s commitment to innovation and an engaging driving experience. But we know the MX-30 rides on the same Mazda platform as the Mazda3 and CX-30. And although it has its own unique appearance, it follows the Mazda3 and CX-30’s basic design cues.

The European WLTP cycle range is only 124 miles, which wouldn’t cut it in the U.S. market. Beyond pictures of its cool exterior, which MotorTrend dubbed “rakish,” Mazda has yet to release engine specs or a debut date.

Until the automaker releases specifics about the MX-30’s rotary engine and interior features, we’re left to speculate based on pictures. So far, the rear-hinged doors are the only feature distinguishing Mazda’s first EV from others. But let’s hope they won’t spontaneously open like those infamous suicide doors. They’re really not a great selling point. But maybe that’s just part of this SUV’s “rakish” appeal. 

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