Mazda chose Broughton Hall near Skipton as a base for the UK launch of its first all-electric vehicle – and the Telegraph & Argus was among those invited to the event.

The arrival of the MX-30, one of the cheaper EVs on the market, is a “milestone moment” for Mazda as the Japanese firm embarks on its second century in business.

Mazda had devised a test route up into the Yorkshire Dales which – much like the current focus in the motoring industry – was electrifying.

Sadly, Wednesday’s weather on the drive through Bolton Abbey and on towards Grassington was – if you’ll pardon another electricity pun – shocking.

On these roads and in these challenging conditions, the driver-focussed qualities of the new MX-30 came into their own.

With a smallish 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, the vehicle feels lighter under acceleration and nimble when cornering, with the slick handling making it a fun-to-drive SUV.

However, the down side of the smaller battery is a shorter driving range. While Mazda points to a range of 124 miles, my test drive had put me on course for a recharge at around the 80 to 90-mile mark.

However, a rapid charger means it takes just 36 minutes for a 20-80 per cent ‘top-up’ charge. Meanwhile, Mazda is also giving new customers a free wallbox so they can charge efficiently at home.

During the press briefing back at Broughton Hall, Mazda’s UK managing director Jeremy Thomson was quick to point out that the average Mazda owner drives just 26 miles a day - well within the MX-30’s range.

Mr Thomson told the T&A that he expected most owners to have another car in the household to interchange with the MX-30 depending on who needed to do the shorter or longer journey that day.

He said the MX-30 was conceived with a focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, class-leading interior quality, with the emphasis on a ‘right-sized’ battery that doesn’t dampen the driving dynamics.

Mr Thomson added: “Part of Mazda’s multi-solution approach to efficient vehicles, the launch of our first pure electric car is a milestone moment for the brand.”

With SUVs accounting for over 50 per cent of Mazda’s sales, it made sense for the MX-30 to adopt this body style.

It sports looks that are stylish and distinctive, reflecting a modern take on Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design philosophy.

A quirky feature comes in the form of the ‘clap-hands’ doors, with the front doors opening forward to an angle of 82 degrees, and the rear doors opening backwards to an angle of 80 degrees. This makes it easier to get in and out of the back and adds an extra layer of practicality for those with toddlers in car seats.

The interior is a pleasant place to be, with a high-quality look including chrome detailing dotted around, and hugely supportive seats.

A seven-inch colour touch screen is provided for climate control settings, which for easy use also features physical buttons for key functions. All cars have an 8.8-inch colour centre display screen with Mazda Connect infotainment and navigation as standard.

With its aim of being a product with low environmental impact, the MX-30’s cabin features cork on the centre console tray section as well as on the door grips. This pays tribute to Mazda’s heritage, harking back to the company foundation in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Corporation.

Limited to 350 cars in the UK, the £27,495 ‘First Edition’ version costs £27,495, while the full range starts at £25,545 and includes three highly specified models.

In conclusion, the MX-30 is a significant and impressive offering in the EV market, from a brand that continues to be committed to making combustion engines more efficient.

The lowdown

Mazda MX-30 145ps GT Sport Tech

PRICE £32,845 on the road

VED Band / Insurance Group: A / 19E

Battery capacity: 35.5kWh / 355V

Battery weight: 310 kg

Maximum power: 145ps

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds

Top speed: 87 mph

Range: 124 miles (combined)

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km