Mazda MX-30 R-EV: only hybrid with rotary engine

The Mazda MX-30 R-EV combines the invention of electric traction with the tradition of the Wankel rotary engine, the historical symbol of the Japanese company.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a car of plug-in hybrid power which follows the design of the already known 100% electric version, but compared to the latter it guarantees greater freedom.

Mazda MX-30: original design and storm doors

The Mazda MX-30 is one suv-coupe The height of 4.4 meters complete with the original solution. Among the most prominent design elements are certainly the rear doors, characterized by opening against the wind and without external handles. It’s an homage to the sportier RX-8 of the early 2000s that fits well with the characteristics of Mazda’s current production model, inspired by Philosophy created “Kodo” and uniformity of form.

At the front, a narrow grille and LED light clusters are visible, while moldings on the fenders and sides give a more muscular look to the car’s body.

A different painting of the pavilion is used to reduce the side profile A special edition of R of our test is in Maroon Rouge shade. Compared to the 100% electric version, there is no shortage of respect for the Wankel engine with the logo on the front wheel arch recalling the classic rotor shape.

Standard MX-30 R-EV interior equipment

Inside, the MX-30 R-EV catches the eye with unusual materials such as cork, which give the cabin a unique and sustainable look. The 7″ digital instrument cluster is supported by a heads-up display and 8.8 inch central screen responsible for managing support systems. The control of the climate control is also very practical, for which a special touch screen is provided.

The middle way is large in size and is made on two levels: on the upper one we find a direct gear lever and a rotary selector that allows you to intervene in the configuration of the car and interact with the infotainment, while in the lower part. there is a big vstorage compartment with 2 USB sockets and an AC 150W socket.

A rotor-shaped logo on the mats and headrests helps identify the R Edition.

Despite the absence of a main pillar, Getting the back seat is a bit difficult (in fact, the front doors must be open), but on the driver’s side – thanks to a button on the backrest – it is possible to move the seat forward electrically to facilitate entry.

Thanks to the large glass roof, the passenger room is very bright and the space available for rear passengers is much larger than it seems, but it is a shame about the lack of sliding windows.

MX-30 R-EV: the reinvention of the Wankel engine

Mazda MX-30 R-EV marks the return of the rotary engine to the market It was created in 1957 by Felix Wankel. The last car to pass the series was the sporty Mazda RX-8, which went out of production in 2012 due to stricter anti-pollution regulations.

In the case of the MX-30 R-EV, however, the rotary engine acts as an “extending column”, or electric generator for 170 HP electric motor thanks to the plug-in hybrid power supply.

Without the restrictions of the freedom of the 100% electric variant, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV is “unique” in the panorama of phev cars also faithful to the original standard solutions of the Mazda tradition.

The driving experience is exactly the same as that of the fully electric variant as the rotating engine is not connected to the wheels, with the difference that freedom, thanks to precision. column extender represented by a Wankel engine, reaches 680 km.

Driving the car is very pleasant and smooth and, compared to traditional hybrid cars, one of the common characteristics of the rotary engine is also appreciated, which is the very low presence of vibrations.

To power up the MX-30 R-EV you can charge it directly 17.8 kWh battery pack through the electrical connection – by changing the 11 kW current or the direct current by 36 – or by simply filling up with gasoline.

There are 3 driving modes: Normal, EV and Charge. The first automatically adapts to different operating conditions and ensures a mix between charging and driving a car that emits no emissions, while with the others you can exclude or force charging manually for the combustion engine.

Despite the stiff overall setup, the MX-30 is very comfortable and when driving you can appreciate the precision of the steering, which makes it quick despite its featherweight weight.

And 170 HP is available – ie +25 HP compared to the full electric version – the electric motor of the MX-30 R-EV proves to be more than enough for daily needs, also compensating for the difference in weight between the two versions (1,778 kg for the R-EV versus 1,645 kg for the BEV).

The Mazda MX-30 R-EV offers a unique driving experience, thanks to its original interior and hybrid rotary engine technology. List prices are the same as the electric variant with a range of 5 configurations starting from 38,520 euros and the R version our test version offered for 46,020 euros.