One like no other: Test: Mazda MX-30 E-Skyactiv R-EV

SPX/Cologne. For many technology fans, the Wankel engine is a story with fascinating potential. Perhaps this is why Mazda has remained faithful to rotary piston technology for decades, even though its raison d’être was often questioned in light of high-end applications. This is no different from Wankel’s arrival in the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV. A temporary electric car can be an interesting alternative to low-end electric cars, because the additional combustion engine significantly increases the range of the “born electric” SUV. But among plug-in hybrids, which are generally criticized for their high fuel consumption most of the time, the new MX-30 variant turns out to be very inefficient and therefore not very climate friendly.

From a marketing point of view, the return of the Wankel is undoubtedly a great success. Mazda is sure to get attention. The R-EV abbreviation is also worthy of its own different levels of meaning. Officially, the three letters stand for Rotary Electric Vehicle, but they also form the prefix of the words Revolution and English Revs (revolutions).

In addition, the MX-30 is an attractive eye-catcher with a coupé-like rear and rear doors that are closed at the rear and open against the direction of travel, as well as the lack of fixed B-pillars. Added to this is the interior beautifully furnished, which welcomes guests with a sense of well-being thanks to natural materials such as cork. Other strengths include good craftsmanship, good seating position for the driver in comfortable and comfortable seats, and ease of use. There are also weaknesses. The infotainment system is a little dusty and the rear is narrow due to the body length of 4.40 meters. The 350 liter trunk can be expanded to just 1,137 liters.

But it is true about the legendary Wankel engine, which is hidden in the depths of the engine compartment along with the basic electric motor. Like the traction battery, the combustion engine is used exclusively to supply the primary electric vehicle with electricity. The petrol engine has nothing to do with the wheels of the car. So with the MX-30 you’re running on electricity. Optional on battery power only, but more of a hybrid. In hybrid mode, the combustion engine comes to life more often. Then the almost silent electric car is accompanied by a mysterious hum. The frequency and volume of these life expressions can be adjusted using the accelerator pedal, but they are never annoying or annoying. Especially since, as usual with rotary piston engines, the combustion engine, which produces 55 kW/75 hp and 117 Nm, holds the vibrations back. Thanks to a good suspension setup and a low overall noise level, the MX-30 R-EV serves as a relaxed model.

He can also be cheerful. 125 kW/170 hp allows the 1.8 ton truck to reach 100 km/h and more in 9 seconds. At 140 km/h, however, the lock pushes forward. It is very easy to keep up with traffic on the highway, but of course many others travel faster in the left lane.

Hybrid drive and electric drive only are intended to ensure low fuel consumption. However, the opposite is the case with the MX-30. Especially on the highway, the driving current comes primarily from the Wankel, which, as in the past, shows a great desire for fuel. Of course, there may be tours where the ride is electric and uses electricity from an 18 kWh battery, meaning fuel consumption is close to zero. Mazda promises a range of more than 80 km, but in practice this is much less. During our test drive, we raced the MX-30 on the highway at a speed of 120 km/h, especially on long trips. The on-board computer showed fuel consumption values ​​of 8 to 8.5 liters, which seemed a little high to us. When refueling, however, it was always in double digits with an average of 10.2 liters, although electricity from the battery was also used on these trips. Once we started with a full battery and a full tank of fuel after 156 km. Average consumption: about 16 liters of petrol and a half-empty battery. In addition, about 9 kWh of electricity carries a negative ratio of the efficiency of the combustion engine. The MX-30 R-EV, that’s for sure, is not an all-weather car. In addition, high energy costs place an undue burden on the consumer’s wallet. Although the concept of a PHEV with a rotary engine is attractive, this technological development fails economically and environmentally. Anyone who uses the R-EV mainly on short trips and drives electrically as often as possible and always actively refuels the electric can at least keep their CO2 footprint low. But then the battery-electric MX-30 would be a better choice.

The R-EV offers one positive aspect from a financial point of view: with a starting price of around 36,000 euros, it is the cheapest PHEV in Germany. The cheapest competitors in this type of car are the Kia Ceed Sportswagon, which costs around 38,000 euros, and the MG EHS, which costs at least 39,000 euros. Financially, Mazda at least makes up for the increased use.

Technical data – Mazda MX-30 E-Skyactiv R-EV:

Five-door, five-seat crossover and serial hybrid car; Length: 4.40 meters, width: 1.80 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2.04 meters), height: 1.56 meters, wheelbase: 2.66 meters, trunk volume: 350 – 1,137 liters

Combustion engine: rotary piston engine with a chamber volume of 830 cc, power 55 kW / 75 HP, torque 117 Nm; Electric motor: 125 kW/170 hp, maximum torque: 260 Nm at 0 – 4,481 rpm, front wheel drive, 1st gear reduction, battery capacity: 17.8 kWh (total), charging port : Type2 and CCS, AC charging capacity : 11 kW (3 phase), DC charging power: 36 kW, charging time: Wall box (11 kW): 90 minutes, DC (up to 80 percent): minutes 25, 0-100 km/h: 9.1 s, Vmax : 140 km/h, typical consumption (WLTP): 1.0 liters of petrol and 17.5 kWh/100 km, typical electric range (WLTP): up to 85 km, test consumption: 10.2 liters of petrol/100 km plus around 9 kWh/100 km

Price: from 35,990 euros

Short characteristics – Mazda MX-30 E-Skyactiv R-EV:

Why: because Mazda offers a technological flavor that is currently unique in automotive manufacturing with the Wankel engine.

Why not: because a hybrid car is the opposite of efficient

What else: Mazda MX-30 and pure electric car, Kia Ceed Sportswagon PHEV, MG EHS PHEV