Mazda MX 30 R-EV review - Rotary for the win!

[@theroadsterlesstraveled]

11:55 - The egress buttons on the back of the seat on the LEFT side of the car is BECAUSE the car is made for JAPAN. The driver is on the RIGHT so the buttons are on the LEFT seat where passengers will get in and out on the LEFT. Interesting that MAZDA has not moved that function to the other side for left hand drive vehicles.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for your input!

[@teqnkka4403]

On the passenger seat there is a leaver to pull the entire front seat down fast and back up to it's position. Please do better when interviewing such an important feature, most of youtubers make it seem like that door scheme is terrible, while in reality it's between 3 and 5 door functionality, something in between. Love the description of engine and serviceability, that was exquisite. Too bad you did not load battery to 100% to show real test on battery only, none of the youtubers did it.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for your questions, I will adress them in a pinned comment!

[@ianallen8305]

Well for the U.K. and Japanese market it makes sense. It’s a Coupe. Its design over practicality, buy an ugly suv if you want practical.

[@abberationify]

Thanks for a great review, very informative and well presented. I had a new CX5 diesel a while ago and it was a lovely car to drive, and the tech and interiors are great. I have only recently "discovered" this ReV version, and although not exactly the most practical car around, with those doors, really like what it offers, especially negating "range anxiety". Here in the UK it's quite pricey, but, looking around the dealer networks, I have found the top range Makoto model on offer for as low as £26 k with less than 1000 miles on the clock, which is quite a saving over new. On the downside I could imagine depreciation being pretty savage over 3 years, even though the PCP retained values don't look too bad. I usually purchase my cars for cash but in this case I would go with a PCP to try to shield against any precipitous future depreciation, just like full electric car values are plummeting at the moment.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thank you for your comment. The one thing that really stands out for me with the MX-30 (both the EV and R-EV) is the interior. Mazda have really outdone themselves in terms of build quality and material choice. When it comes to price and residual value, you have to tak ein account that this technology has to prove itself in terms of reliability and maintenance and repair costs. However, I've spoken with Mazda engineers (I've written a detailed article on the 8C engine) and they pointed out that the load on this rotary engine is quite different than in any RX-model from the past. It operates in a narrower rev-range and all the parts are engineered to that, with longevity in mind. Anyway, I wasn't familiar with the concept of PCP, but it seems like a smart thing to do. Thanks for watching!

[@Carnold_YT]

Please note: there is a mechanical release mechanism on the passenger seat to fold and slide the seat forward, the electric system on the driver seat isn't the only way to get in and out the rear seat. I also didn't adress the EV range, during the test week this was 79 kilometers, slightly less than the advertised 85 kilometers. Keep in mind that it was inclement weather during the test, so in reality, the MX-30 R-EV comes pretty close to the advertised range of 85 km / 53 miles.

[@JustAKidder]

Ah, well that’s actually better news! The mechanical slide is much faster to allow access to the back seat area!

[@hlim431]

What a great review... when I first looked at the EV-only version of MX30 in 2021 & found there was such a HUGE empty space in teh engine bay I was thinking Mazda COULD easily insert a small rotary engine to extend the pathetic 224km range from the 35.5kWh battery. I think Mazda removed could have removed too much battery & should have kept it at 112-135kWh (50-60% of 224km) which would allow petrol consumption to go down until Mazda also gets access to lighter LFP batteries from CATL. Tot Zeins!!

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for your comment Horace, much appreciated!

[@carstenhansen5757]

Wonder if the rotary engine will last 2 - 4 - 8 - 16 years?

[@Carnold_YT]

It operates in a set speed range, unlike the 13B in the RX models that is often redlined. So, that is better for the long term reliablity and I think this 8C engine can in fact last the lifetime of the car. But as with anything, time will tell.

[@anthonytube]

Arnold what a great review. Love your calm, informative and polite approach. Keep going it's great. :-)

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for the kind words! And thank you for watching!

[@christophersimon3195]

Realy good an detailed review

[@lumberdog198]

wish it had a few more HP like 225

[@Carnold_YT]

Let's hope for a Sport version!

[@JustAKidder]

Given the recent costs associated with replacing the Hyundai N batteries, I think the Mazda pricing is benefiting from two design features. The smaller, thus cheaper batteries, and the emission standards rebates that hybrids qualify for in general. These two factors allow Mazda to offer such a reasonable plugin hybrid.

[@Carnold_YT]

I'm somehow expecting Mazda to build another version of this model, with a larger battery pack. It is rumored that there will be a two-rotor version too, for a sportier model.

[@alecmally5433]

@@Carnold_YT Have seen zero info on any possible changes since this one is so new. Could you possibly link any articles you have seen with these secret upcoming news pieces? Thanks

[@Carnold_YT]

@@alecmally5433 I was referring to a two-seater model, that is supposed to be a successor to the MX-5. To the best of my knowledge, there is not a two-rotor version planned for the MX-30.

[@whocares264]

Amazing, this car is nowhere near as good as a 2014 bmw i3 rex...

[@londonwestman1]

I have a 2016 i3 REX. While maybe the difference is not so great as you imply, I think the i3 is better in quite a few ways. The alarming thing is that the two cars are in many ways similar making this Mazda pretty much a full decade late to the party. Where the Mazda really loses out is in battery range, which is only about half that of my (33kWh) i3, and in MPG. The Mazda only does 30-35mpg(UK) which is shockingly bad. I measured my i3 petrol consumption at 48mpg (which seems a little optimistic so maybe I made a mistake somehow.) Where the i3 loses out is with the skinny tyres in the wet.

[@whocares264]

@@londonwestman1 bmw i3 faster.lighter.more economical.handles better,engine and drive at the back,quieter, more passenger room,much cheaper to run,better traction , no rust,... bring it back with the wankel in the back where you cant hear it, perfect

[@warrenbb]

Nice review. I am really hoping Mazda makes this same concept but with a bigger body so people can be more comfortable in the back seats.

[@Carnold_YT]

There is a rotary sports car in the makings, but it also would be nice to have a roomier version of the MX-30. Maybe something with sliding doors? Thanks for watching!

[@whocares264]

double the battery size stick the engine in the rear , rear wheel drive this could work , you woulld not hear the whiny wankel

[@mikejba]

Great review Arnold. Hope you’re well!

[@Carnold_YT]

Doing fine here Mike, hope you are good too! Thanks for watching!

[@Erbemusic]

you got it!

[@gildardo]

We don't get this one in the U.S, boooo.

[@Carnold_YT]

Too bad, maybe ask Mazda USA if they could ship a boatload in? This is such a fun car!

[@kerryjones1508]

Great review. Most people just wont see the appeal. Something a bit different. You have to have an inteterest in engineering and certainly have an interest in wankel engines. Others will just lease a chinese EV.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for your comment, this MX-30 really is a car for people who like engineering and who are willing to try something different. There are plenty of cars with quirky styling, but in terms of engineering, everything is the same (and often unreliable). The new Lancia Ypsilon is basically a Opel / Vauxhall Corsa. That is the case for many new cars, and I'm not saying it's a bad thing. But if you want something truly unique: get this MX-30 R-EV. Thanks for watching!

[@StandAndStare]

The information consumers need for plug-in hybrids is EV efficiency and ice efficiency starting with a full battery for 100km, 250km, 500km & 1000km. Other reviews have suggested this car will use 9.5l / 100km (30mph) 0_o

[@Carnold_YT]

I try to measure the fuel / energy consumption by not interfering with the default mode of the car. The MX-30 R-EV can be forced to drive as an ICE or EV. I left it in Auto-mode and based my engergy consumption on that. However, if you force it in EV mode, the energy consumption is around 17 kWh per 100 km, if you drive it pure as an ICE car, then you'll end up with 9 liters per 100 kilometer, at mixed backroad, city and highway driving.

[@StandAndStare]

@@Carnold_YT while useful info, and rather disappointing (hence one reason this car is being discontinued almost everywhere) for future cars, people just want to know how much their driving will cost them. While presumably far less applicable for non-direct ice drive hybrid, for all I know, the ice and EV working together could be so efficient the solo numbers are misleading.

[@Uncompromiser]

@@StandAndStare WhatCar UK, Hybrid of the Year 2024. So Mazda are discontinuing?? Yeah right! I suggest you don't take a job in Marketing.

[@StandAndStare]

@@Uncompromiser The UK market is quite literally a tiny blip in the ocean. Open your eyes wider.

[@alecmally5433]

Great review, car is definitely on my list. Unfortunately Greek EV rules provide zero subsidies for PHEV-type cars, but this one might well be worth the extra costs because of its capabilities.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for your comment. It's the same over here, all benefits for hybrids are gone. Luckily, a lot of PHEV's have sufficient range to to daily commutes full electric, so you can save out a lot of fuel. Thanks for watching!

[@natteem5127]

Great detailed review, many thanks for all in-depth details mentioned 🙂👍

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for watching!

[@RaymondCore-ts5jl]

Electric cars with small, lighweight, affordable to replace battery packs that are easy on the tires and then add a range extender for those who live in apartment or condo and who cannot self-charge. Brilliant!

[@Carnold_YT]

That is exactly what a lot of pro-EV folks tend to forget, not everyone has a house with a driveway or a private parking spot where you can charge your own EV. Or even the fact that most people can't even afford an EV - those plug-in hybrids are ideal in that respect. Thanks for your comment!

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

Here in the states all the reviews just talk about how they wish everything had a third row. Really liked your video and seems like a great car.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated!

[@gravelkingthomas4160]

Nice review. Well done mate 🎉 Thx

[@Carnold_YT]

Thank you!

[@obinnanwaogu4465]

Please I'll like more info on the engine architecture

[@Carnold_YT]

I have written an in-depth article about this engine. However, it is in Dutch, maybe Google translate can do a decent translation. The article also covers the production. Here is the link: carnold.nl/mazdas-8c-rotatiemotor-technisch-bekeken/

[@allencrider]

Too many moving parts. I'm sticking with 100% electric.

[@Carnold_YT]

In fact, there are two extra moving parts in the R-EV: the rotor and crankshaft.

[@chryschrysostomou5392]

The nose and tail are perfect. It's just the middle that's screwed up. Take the section out, add a 15cm stretch and 4 standard opening doors, and you will have killer looks, proper interior seating space, and add another 20 lt fuel capacity to whatever is there already, giving you a real world range of additional 160 miles. Problem solved.

[@mikligardur9104]

You are pretty much spot on what need to be done but I would add lose the cork material interior and instead adding 20 lt fuel tank(50 is enough). I would rather add battery range as close to the EV version has.

[@Carnold_YT]

Well, that sounds like a Mazda CX-30 to me. Same platform, four doors, kind of the same interior.

[@ml.2770]

Rotary fuel economy.

[@Carnold_YT]

When you drive on the rotary engine alone (with the battery completely drained) it is 8 liters per 100 km, or 30 miles per gallon.

[@carstenhansen5757]

@@Carnold_YT Auch

[@KB-dm7nt]

Love it.

[@sambentot1]

be nice if they put the engine on a sedan body to make car lighter. Or license engine to China for cheaper mass production

[@Carnold_YT]

It is rumoured that a twin rotor version will be used in a future Mazda sportscar, that would be a successor to the MX-5 and RX-8. Let's hope this will become reality!

[@thaeastwood]

Ik ga het meemaken +/- 15 april komt de mijne :)

[@Carnold_YT]

Veel plezier ermee!

[@natteem5127]

Congratulations, check your delivery status online. Mine was supposed to arrive mid May - and has already arrived at the dealership. Another feat of Mazda: delivering within 4 months instead of 6 😊

[@-V-K-]

Those awful rear doors could trap people in accident should not have passed safety

[@jambosalad]

It’s got 5 stars (best possible score) on the Euro Ncap crash test 😉

[@davidbeet1492]

Maybe the reason that passenger seat is manual only is that in a power failure a rear seat passenger can push the seat forward and escape.

[@davefish8107]

Rotary engine , built to fail

[@natteem5127]

Yep, sure. Exactly why Mazda gives 6 years of warranty 😅

[@ewadge]

The Rotary engine is a feat of engineering but that ship has sailed. Its an extra complication which is no longer needed. Battery technology is still not perfect but it is at a point where EVs are viable without needing an onboard petrol generator. The charging network is still patchy in places but it keeps getting better all the time and in so many places, recharging on the go on road trips is very simple.

[@natteem5127]

Then wait for the time where state subventions will no longer be available, increased demand for electricity and prices rising. This is the best possible answer to pick whatever energy is en vogue