Since Mazda launched its MX-30 two year ago, the maker has developed the R-EV which adds an 830cc petrol rotary engine to assist the 17.8kWh battery, over trebling the range of its EV sibling.
On driving the electric only powered MX-30 two years ago, I noted that it was the only electric vehicle I had tested at that point, which met it’s claimed range of 124 miles. Since then, Mazda have been able to extend this range to over 400 miles, thanks to a small Rotary generator.
Unlike many hybrid vehicles, the Mazda is unique as the 75hp petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge up the battery motor, which then drives the wheels. One PHEV rival would be the rather bland Renault Captur.
With more than half a century of expertise in the development of rotary engines, Mazda selected the rotary powerplant for the MX-30 R-EV due to its unique ability to produce the required output from a small, light and easily packaged unit.
The rotary engine is placed neatly alongside the generator and high-output motor in the engine bay. The combination of the 17.8kWh battery and 50-litre fuel tank create a unique series plug-in hybrid with a flexible total range of over 400 miles, while a WLTP CO2 output of just 21g/km ensures class-leading environmental performance.
Compatibility with both AC charging and rapid DC charging is another benefit, meaning 3-phase AC charging takes around 50mins, while for maximum customer flexibility, DC rapid charging can be completed in around 25 minutes.
The Mazda MX-30 R-EV has three drive-modes to suit different driving situations: Normal, EV and Charge, and thanks to a 125kW/170ps output, it delivers slightly better acceleration performance than the 145ps fully electric MX-30.
With a top speed of just 87mph your license is fairly safe, and the MX-30 R-EV won’t win to many drag races either, with a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds. After spending a week with the model tested and pictured, it does what it does in an adequate way. It is a very quirky, fun-styled city car that is more than capable of stress-free long drives as there is no need to stop and charge the battery.
When the Rotary power kicks in, it is the oddest sounding vehicle I have come across. It produces like a deep hum. A noise that you expect from the industrial extractors in an industrial paint booth. Weird, yes. But not in a loud and annoying way.
Coming well equipped as standard, just three trim levels are available with the R-EV model, all of which are exactly £3,500 more expensive than the battery only MX-30.
Starting from £31,495 a ‘Prim-Line’ as tested and pictured includes 18-inch silver alloy wheels, light grey cloth interior with dark grey trim, climate control air conditioning, Mazda radar cruise control featuring stop and go, FM/DAB radio with eight speakers, integrated Mazda navigation system with 8.8-inch TFT colour centre display and multimedia commander featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and five years free map updates, Front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, and wind-screen projected colour active driving display.
An ‘Exclusive-Line’ Is priced from £33,485 and adds light grey cloth trim with stone leatherette and heated front seats, powered eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory and adjustable lumbar support, manual six-way adjustable passenger seat, frameless auto dimming rearview mirror, rear privacy glass, and smart keyless entry.
Finally, the range topping ‘Makoto’ starts from £35,895 and adds a 150W standard UK 3-pin plug socket to power electrical devices, cruising and traffic support, 12 speaker Bose surround sound system with Bose centre point, base match, and audio pilot technology, 360 view monitor via front, rear and side cameras, rear 1500W standard UK 3-pin plug socket, heated leather steering wheel with brake regeneration paddles, powered tilt and slide sunroof, and de-icing front wipers.
The cabin is far and above most rivals. It is well thought out and uses some interesting materials, a lot of which are recycled. Lacking the capacity for a fifth person, the MX-30 struggles to even be a four seater due to incredibly restricted rear legroom. What room there is would be best suited to a young child, especially on a longer journey.
Capacity in the boot is about right for a car of this size, increasing to a very usable, Ikea collection vehicle suitable load area with the rear seats folded.
Driving the MX-30 R-EV can easily be described as relaxing and comfortable. The steering and cornering ability are all very natural for what the car is. Although not sporty, it’s encouraging enough that when you are running late, you can cover ground with confidence.
The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV needs servicing at the same 12,500-mile interval as other Mazda models, while a fixed priced service plan is available for £25.72 a month or £849 one off payment. Like, the pure electric MX-30, the R-EV features an eight-year battery warranty.
