The Mazda MX-30 is a revolutionary car. It arrived on the market in 2020 as a very special, fully electric compact crossover ; the Japanese brand's first electric vehicle. Its standout feature was its rear-hinged doors, which, besides being eye-catching, added rigidity to the passenger compartment.
At that time, Mazda announced they were preparing a new version of the MX-30, using a rotary engine to act as a generator and power the electric battery. Now, in 2023, we've had the opportunity to test it and we're going to review the main features of the Mazda MX-30 R-EV.
Study of society and common sense to create an efficient car
Many manufacturers aim to achieve high levels of range by introducing enormous batteries, which are naturally more expensive to produce and substantially increase the vehicle's weight. Mazda has conducted studies and found that the vast majority of European citizens do not actually drive more than 50 kilometers a day under normal conditions.
With this in mind, they decided to create the Mazda MX-30 R-EV. It's a plug-in hybrid version of the crossover model. It has a 17,8 kWh battery for the electric system. With it, this car is capable of traveling 110 kilometers in urban driving and about 85 kilometers in combined driving. This fully covers typical daily commutes.
But of course, there are times or specific days when we have to travel longer distances . For example, when we go on vacation or take a short trip, but also on days when something unexpected comes up and we have to travel further than we had planned.
Mazda MX-30 R-EV, or how to have two cars in one
That's the MX-30 R-EV's main advantage , and where the new 830cc rotary engine comes into play, acting as a generator to power the battery. It's fueled by gasoline from a 50-liter tank. With a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel, you get a total range of 680 kilometers.
It's the best way to have two cars in one . For normal daily commutes, we drive in fully electric mode, without using a single drop of fuel and with zero emissions. For longer trips and special occasions, we're guaranteed to reach our destination just like with any traditional car, without the worry of limited range, searching for charging points along the way, or unnecessary stops and waiting.
Furthermore, this vehicle boasts impressive performance, as this plug-in hybrid version generates a maximum power of 170 hp and 260 Nm of torque , allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,1 seconds. It offers exceptional smoothness and comfort for city driving, as well as more than adequate responsiveness on highways.
Smooth ride, build quality and maximum versatility
The electric motor is always the one that moves the car's wheels, as the rotary engine is exclusively responsible for generating electricity when the system requires it, offering a smooth and instantaneous response to our demands on the accelerator.
Having said all of the above, it's clear that this is an alternative that stands out for its great versatility , perfectly suited to be the family's only car and used for both daily errands and long journeys. All this with a high level of quality, comfort, technology, and, of course, safety.
