The explanation for the gigantic range increase is that the new model version, called the MX-30 R-EV, is a plug-in hybrid.
The R component of the name refers to the gasoline-powered part of the powertrain being a rotary engine, also called a wankel.
The Wankel engine is a peculiar design that Mazda has been quite alone in offering since the 70s.
The engine type uses triangular rotors that spin around in a large combustion chamber, instead of classic cylinders and pistons.
The machine in the MX-30 has only one rotor, and a cylinder volume of just under 830 cc – which is very small by traditional standards.
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An engine with unique characteristics
The last Wankel-equipped Mazda was the RX-8 sports car, which went to the grave in 2014.
There, the engine type was well suited thanks to its low weight and center of gravity, its high power for the engine size and an aptitude for reaching really high revs.
The Wankel engine is an odd construction. Photo: Mazda
In the MX-30, it is rather that the engine type is vibration-free, compact and light.
However, the Wankel engines also have a reputation for being thirsty and unreliable, but Mazda claims to have worked hard to secure both economy and operational reliability.
Ample range on electricity and petrol
The Mazda MX-30 is a so-called series hybrid, where there is no mechanical connection between the petrol engine and the drive wheels.
Instead, propulsion is handled entirely by the electric motor, while the gasoline engine’s sole task is to generate power.
The battery pack is smaller than in the electric MX-30 to make room for the gas tank, and the range on pure electric operation is 85 kilometers.
With a fully charged battery and with the 50 liter gas tank filled, the total range lands at 680 km.
The low roofline comes at a cost to the interior spaces. Photo: MazdaMX-30 is otherwise similar
Other than the powertrain, the R-EV version of the MX-30 is largely identical to the all-electric version, and that’s not a negative.
Both exterior and interior, the car offers a wayward but in my eyes appealing design language, which does not appear too outdated even though the car saw the light of day already in 2019.
The car is quite compact and gives a sporty impression – not least because the rear doors open backwards like on the RX-8 sports car.
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Limited interior spaces
However, the compact dimensions and sporty lines ensure that the space in the trunk and the back seat is somewhat limited.
In terms of design, the interior is also not state-of-the-art, but it is stylish with an acceptable sense of quality, and the cork inlay is a unique and unexpectedly attractive feature.
The MMI system feels a bit dated, but in return is easy to use, and the instrumentation is lovely analogue with plenty of easy-to-use buttons.
The back seat is not the most spacious. Photo: MazdaA mostly relaxed experience
When there is electricity in the battery, the car offers a traditional electric car experience. The noise level is low, the response is quick and the drivetrain is compliant.
The advantage of a series hybrid is also that the driving characteristics do not change when the petrol engine starts, as it never drives the wheels directly.
The only thing that is noticeable then is that the noise level increases a little, but the engine noise is rarely at a disturbing level. The exception is when you push the car up to a top speed of 140 km/h, when the little Wankel has to work hard and sounds a bit like a distant propeller plane.
Gasoline consumption with a completely empty battery pack is around 0.85 liters per mile, which is not particularly stingy, but if you drive mostly on electricity, it doesn’t make that much of a difference.
The MX-30 R-EV offers a relaxed driving experience. Photo: Mazda Pleasant but woody
The overall driving experience is unfortunately not as sporty as the pleasant driving position suggests.
With an output of just 170 horsepower and a weight of just over 2.2 tonnes, the performance is anything but exuberant.
The weight also has a numbing effect on handling, and the car is hardly anything short of playfulness and driving pleasure through the curves.
However, you sit well behind the wheel and the car feels safe and stable on major roads. The suspension comfort is also fully approved and the car is smooth in city traffic.
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Headstrong like few
The Mazda MX-30 isn’t the most spacious or fun-to-drive car on the market, but it’s still a nice, stylish and slightly quirky electric car.
The charging hybrid costs exactly the same as the pure electric version and solves the problem of the short range. It also restrains, to say the least, the waywardness with its wankel engine.
The Mazda MX-30 is in a niche of its own. Photo: Mazda
Even if pure electric cars are taking over more and more, plug-in hybrids are still a good solution for those who want to drive on electricity every day, but don’t want to have to deal with public charging stations the few times they drive long distances.
For these consumers, the MX-30 R-EV is definitely interesting, as it has a longer range on pure electric power than virtually all other plug-in hybrids in this price range.
The big question mark is how the little wankel engine will last over time, but since Mazda offers a component warranty of a full 10 years, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Rating of Mazda MX-30 R-EV: 3.5/5
Mazda MX-30 R-EV
Engine: 0.83-liter single-rotor wankel, gasoline, electric motor, 170 horsepower, 260 newton meters
Transmission: Single-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Acceleration: 9.1 seconds
Top speed: 140 km/h
Electrical range: 85 km
Weight: 2,251 kg
Dimensions (length/height/width): 4395/1566/1795 mm
Award: From SEK 415,900