NEW Mazda MX-30 R-EV review - what makes it a BRILLIANT plug-in hybrid! | What Car?

In this new Mazda MX-30 R-EV review, we explain why this is the best plug-in hybrid you can buy.
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[@whatcar]

Would you buy a plug-in hybrid? 🔌⛽

[@jeyhuan9194]

not one with a rotary

[@David-kl4kn]

Pls make a vid about who to buy what hybrid/EV 🙏 Like isn't a plug in hybrid more efficient on long trips too wn they say it can travel like 700 miles?

[@selldivision]

Getting the worst of two worlds sounds genius. Putting into the duff format that is the MX-30 makes it even dumber. Mazda do great cars. This isn't one of them.

[@fezzz78]

I would love to buy this one, but I already have the all electric version🤷🏻‍♂️

[@georgepelton5645]

Probably not. I have owned two Chevrolet Volts in the past, and really liked them. However, with Tesla's reliable nationwide charging network I no longer need the range extender for trips. Will a full BEV there is more passenger and cargo space, and no oil changes or other engine maintenance. The only exception might be for long range towing. The upcoming RAM PHEV should be better than the various BEV pickups for this task.

[@muffythevampirelayer]

This is a reincarnation of the BMW i3 with a range extender, which was also just a generator. I've had two and they were brilliant. Why BMW stopped producing them I do not know. The difference is, the BMW had the same battery size as the fully electric Mazda giving around 120 miles range and a smaller twin cylinder 650cc engine, so slightly more practical than the Mazda. This is the way to go, if you do your charging at home and mostly local mileage, but it would still be OK to do a few longer journeys a year, if you plan your charges and burn a bit of Dino juice. Well done Mazda and well done Doug, for a great review.

[@whocares264]

yes the bmw i3 rex is a great system, i have one , it is so much better than this with it's tiny battery and famously thirsty low torque engine in the front so you can listen to it, why? because mazda did not want to spend money making a ground up ev rex...

[@admol73]

This car is absolutely perfect for some and not for others. Looks great,drives great.fantastic interior, no range anxiety. If you charge at home and dont have a family.. winner

[@DZ-cm5xw]

One important factor about plug in hybrid is that after the electric range rans out, the battery is not empty. Then the car will function as a regular hybrid car, which compensates the heavier weight and still get decent mileage compared to its IEC model. Another thing to consider is that PHEV have significantly smaller batteries compared to fully electric cars, the battery weight is ranging from 400 to 800 lbs.

[@jonathancullen1337]

Let's just ignore the weight of the combustion engine... No one will notice it 😂

[@TL-xw6fh]

This car is heavier than it's BEV twin! The worst of both worlds really.

[@DZ-cm5xw]

@@TL-xw6fh may be due to its twin BEV has such a tiny battery. Think about the 125 miles range, it could be as little as 70 ish miles in cold weather. It sucks!

[@admol73]

Average commute in Europe is 30km. Your home to charge again long before you gotta worry

[@jonathancullen1337]

@@admol73 Exactly, just ignore PHEVs and get a BEV!

[@PapaMax]

What a truly great car. 94% of my journeys are sub 40 miles. The MX 30 r-ev specification totally nails my driving profile using EV power. I'm completely relaxed about longer journeys not having the greatest mpg efficiency because they are infrequent. What's great is never having to stop to charge at 79p/ kWh on the motorway - £13. That's two gallons of petrol, at least 70 miles driving and the battery fully charged at the same time. Around town with all those 20mph speed limits suits electric so well.

[@coolbananaboy5075]

Excellent presentation! Fantastic review - what a good job. Thanks you.

[@kuranglez]

It is always a delight watching your reviews 👏

[@phillipmahon8842]

Best , most informative reviewer I have ever watched

[@felixswart5986]

Great review, was waiting for this. The car covers 80 % of what I am looking for, hence I consider it a concept car, for me at least. Pros: I can use the solar panels at home to charge during the day, as I work from home. The electric range is ideal as I do 25 kilometers on a typical day around town Cons: The rear doors make it a non starter. We are three people in our immediate family and I sometimes drive my mother around town, so there is no way that adults will be regularly squeezing in the back row. Boot space would be a pain on our annual holiday when we drive with three large suitcases plus hand luggage. I am considering the LBX as an alternative to the Mazda so have resigned myself to the fact that our child would be alone in the back row with a suitcase and the hand luggage would go in a roof carrier. Unknowns: The rotary engine makes we wonder whether Mazda has resolved the reliability issues they had with the RXs. In summary: My ideal car would be a combination of this and the LBX - a light plug-in hybrid with normal door configuration from the most reliable manufacturer in the world... PS: One reason I am hesitating with the LBX is that only Apple can connect wirelessly. At least the Mazda doesn't discriminate, but what is the point of going with the upgrade option on the LBX that offers wireless charging, if I have to plug in anyway to connect to the infotainment system?

[@David-kl4kn]

Pls make a vid about who to buy what hybrid/EV 🙏 Like isn't a plug in hybrid more efficient on long trips too wn they say it can travel like 700 miles?

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Great summary about phevs - not enough people think about this - having had one myself I’d either go HEV or BEV as I think they are too compromised

[@pillred5974]

The big problem with this car is if you are doing a 150-mile journey as soon as the battery runs out and the engine takes over it is very thirsty if you do any longer journeys this car is not a practical proposition, I have read and watched reviews that say on engine power you will be lucky to get 30mpg. A self-charging hybrid like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic E-hev makes a lot more sense.

[@deansmits006]

If you are only doing occasional trips, like on the weekend, and you just do electric on the weekdays, does it behave all the savings?

[@pillred5974]

It might make sense then, but the best of both worlds is a car that charges itself so if you do go on longer trips it's still economical, if you do mostly short trips and have a home charger then the Mazda would be fine.@@deansmits006

[@justice4g]

For long trips you're meant to start the generator when there's plenty of battery left, it's like the I3 but that gets probably 40mpg.. both are fine because they aren't designed to do this regularly.. it's for city dwellers that want a full time EV with petrol backup for occasional long trips, not an efficient petrol car which the other hybrids are.

[@pillred5974]

@@justice4g I was under the impression that this car would run until the charged battery (by the plug-in) is exhausted then the rotary engine runs to provide power for the electric motor, it does not actually build up charge it just then runs continually for the whole time the car is travelling so if you have to travel 100 miles the engine will have to run all of the time after the battery is depleted, I have a Honda Civic E-HEV and the engine only runs mostly to charge the small battery, as soon as there is enough power in it the engine switches off, I get north of 80mpg in urban driving and around 60mpg on longer trips that include say 50 miles of motorway, it to me makes more sense than a plug-in especially as I don't have a driveway.

[@justice4g]

@@pillred5974 I haven't confirmed but guessing it's the same as the I3 which allows you to enable the generator at 75% battery to attempt to hold charge at that level, it's borderline at highway speeds but it does manage it that way you aren't ever forced to charge on a long trip if you don't want to or don't have DC charging like the early I3s. A regular hybrid is more convenient but when you're in the city and most your trips are less than a couple of km's it's not great for a petrol engine so I'd rather have an EV with a backup in case of power outages and to have the choice depending on what's cheaper. In some places public charging is more expensive than petrol. It's a different concept but it works for some of us!

[@ImperfectionistGaming]

I hope it comes to the states. I love how this car looks!

[@10lassie]

Your really good . Very easy to understand you.

[@Uniongamers]

I would deffo consider one of these. I have nothing but love for Mazda.

[@nickbull6603]

Don't, it's really disappointing

[@kerryjones1508]

Another cracking review ! Most people won't get the appeal of this car. You have to have a bit of an engineering interest and enjoy something a bit different. Others will just rent a Chinese EV.

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

I'll just keep my Diesel car and save the money.

[@caljeff2427]

@@JohnSmith-ef8nr attaboy

[@carlosbardales4179]

Reminds me of the now old Chevrolet Volt.... PHEV that gave you 50 some miles pure electric and then did its hybrid thing giving you about 45 mpg. Not bad... I hope they will bring it to the States soon.

[@se7enele7en]

I wish the automobile industry would produce more REX. Also, just surprised that Mazda went with a 50L petrol tank instead of a bigger battery. Isn’t it the whole point is to have the engine as a reserve instead of actually using it. They should have kept the ratio of like what the i3 did. At least match the base 22kwh + 9L

[@fezzz78]

I love my Mx30! I don't have family, only my dog who sits in the back and I'm not doing any road trips, so this car is absolutely perfect for me! You should see this car as a 3 door car with 2 small extra doors. If u don't have family, u never use the backdoors anyway🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

I also find it annoying when reviewers always put practicality over design then complain when cars all end up the same 🤷‍♂️

[@jdmguy44]

Yep I'm a single person with no family and only carry an occasional passenger. I think the MX-30 would be ideal for me. I love the quirky design. Don't get the obsession with practicality in every car review. If you want more space but a CX-30 or CX-5 or another bigger car. Simples.

[@datathunderstorm]

@@jdmguy44Ditto. This would suit me as well. This is a car, not a 4 wheeled appliance like the Prius I presently drive. Love the SUV Coupe Crossover shape. I’m small enough so there’ll be plenty of space for the rear passengers. I suspect the reviewer is over 6ft tall. I’m 5ft 7in - there’s a difference. I like the rear passenger side windows, reminiscent of a small Piper Aircraft or the portholes on a Space Capsule. It’s okay for occasional passengers - I don’t want another Uber oriented vehicle. Good review.

[@fezzz78]

@@datathunderstorm yeah exactly, the rear window really remind me of airplane windows😁

[@bayleymunro4163]

My rx8 has more leg room lmao. I do love that they kept the suicide doors bit I feel like for a family car they aren't very practical.

[@coolbananaboy5075]

This video is so well written (or planned / edited). Just loved it - really enjoyable and educational. So much better than 99% of the car reviews out there.

[@nickbull6603]

I've had one of these for a couple of weeks and put 1000 miles on it. As an electric car it's superb, it's well screwed together, really good quality and it drives very nicely, problem is it only does these things for about 40 miles and then the rotary engine kicks in and completely ruins the whole experience. It drones away like an angry washing machine, and is actually surprisingly thirsty, with long motorway journeys seeing not much more than 30mpg. Had Mazda left the 35kWh pack in it that's fitted to the electric version they probably would've had a real winner on their hands, sadly this isn't, and I wouldn't recommend anyone parts with their hard earned for one.

[@xiaobaozha]

Did you not charge the battery during stops while making longer journeys?

[@nickbull6603]

@@xiaobaozha no mate, why on earth would you spend 45 minutes driving followed by 45 minutes charging? And that's before you even think about dividing the 80p p/kWh by the 3.5mpkWh the car achieves.

[@xiaobaozha]

@@nickbull6603 that’s not what I am advocating at all. If I was making a 200 mile journey, I would certainly stop at some point for refreshments, bio break etc., I would charge the car at that point (unless it proves cheaper to run/drive the car in charge mode).

[@nickbull6603]

@@xiaobaozha of course, but this only does about 35 miles in EV mode, so you'd only be able to drive it for about 30 minutes and then have to recharge it for at least that long which would make your 200 mile journey an absolute ball ache.

[@JayGalatica]

40 miles? That's amazing! Most people don't even drive 20 miles a day. And it's a hybrid so it's actually what most people want.

[@glenndavid8725]

When these filter to the second hand market I'll be on it like a tramp on a kipper. 😊

[@redjohn20001]

I drove the original EV MX30 for a day when it first arrived and loved it. This drive train may just be ideal as we transition to full electric cars. I wish though it had been bought to market as the saloon, the Mazda 3 as the room in the back of the MX30 is very small.

[@jdmguy44]

Had a look at one of these recently in the showroom when my own car was in for a service. I love the design of the MX-30. Distinctive and a bit quirky. The cabin design likewise. Though I've no interest in EV's I would consider a plugin hybrid like this. Its a lovely thing.

[@gilesa.4052]

Love it's design. The Mazda garage near me can't seem to give away the electric versions...

[@TL-xw6fh]

Doubt that they'll sell many of these too. It is just simply too compromised. Also the rotary engine will give up the ghost in 3 years.

[@Emaratilfy]

​@@TL-xw6fhno it won't. It's well dimensioned for its sole purpose: to charge the battery

[@jambosalad]

Who cares? Mazda gives a 6 years warranty on it.@@TL-xw6fh

[@Malboja]

Or my old 2013 quashqai gets 800 miles on a tank additional Those rear doors look cool but if you are parked in a car park it’s really bad to gain access to the back seats , you have to have the passenger go first open both doors then close the rear before the driver even approaches the car

[@NoahM.Angell-sd4ez]

KZbin would be so boring without your videos

[@noahreyes643]

Mazda was originally a cork company which is why there is cork on the interior

[@lazziebardakos2956]

Is it really a plug in hybrid? It has a range extender that to me makes much more sense than any plug in. They should have kept the larger battery and then it would have been perfect for many.

[@coolfrost6]

As a owner of i3 with the range extender(33kwh), i'm a little surprised that the steady state highway petrol consumption is fo 45mpg=16km/l is nearly the same as what the I3 gets. i thought the dedicated rotary generator setup would be better than the modified scooter engine in the I3. and for reference the i3 REX add's 120kg, but has the same size battery as the normal version. where the mx-30 grins 133kg and loses half the battery. For my need the a range extender works well, i use about 9l of fuel every 3000-5000km. good as a safety net and as a way to cut down on charging stops when driving more than 300km a day. But my next car will just be a bigger battery pure EV.

[@JoseMariArceta]

I guess the idea for this one is to mostly use electric, hence the pretty large battery for an PHEV. If I recall correctly, rotary engines weren't known for their efficiency, at least compared to a similarly sized Atkinson engine, but it does have the weight advantage and packaging positives. Probably good for a town round about car but not great for families and long road trip I reckon.

[@logicalChimp]

@@JoseMariArceta Rotary engines can be less inefficient if they're tuned for a single RPM (as it would be when used as a generator) - but yes, their main advantages are their small size (for equivalent power) and smoothness of power delivery (less vibration etc as no reciprocating pistons etc)

[@JoseMariArceta]

@@logicalChimp Honestly the engine is very cool, and the concept works okay in theory similar to the Nissan e-power series hybrid tech, but the engine used is simply too inefficient at least on the reviews I watched so far. It does not really get as high a mileage as other hybrids, although it is cheaper, I guess there's that.

[@jonathanstensberg]

The PHEV proves the simple rule that there is no single “best” powertrain that everyone should use. For some people, the PHEV provides the best of both worlds, and for others, it provides the worst of both worlds. Well, but what best suits your needs-and demand the government lets you do what’s best for you.

[@papalovetoys]

lovely design for power chain concept , but not good for the car body , if this apply on mazda 3 or CX 5 . this design become prefect

[@PaulCuenin]

Very cool!

[@carlmichael5592]

Perhaps somebody can enlighten me; I thought the whole point of a hybrid car was that you didn't have to plug it in to charge it i.e. the engine does that. Otherwise what's the point?

[@justice4g]

this is a full time EV for city dwellers who might take a longer trip occasionally, that's when you use the less efficient generator, it's also a nice back up to have in case of power outages.

[@brianallan9035]

This probably how the MX30 should have been from the start. Still niche, but well made and good value. Really like these reviews and the close ups of the controls. Excellent.

[@whocares264]

when you got into the back seat how did you close the front door? The all electric mx 30 had a pretty disapointing electric range so they have made this with less than half the electric range,oops now if they still had the 100 mile electric range with this system , success...what ev car makers seem to have forgotten is charging at home is the cheap to run and convenient bit, now i know people will say ,what if you cant charge at home, simple dont get an ev.

[@Isexwayiso]

I am not sure why are you winging about the back seat of this car. You cannot buy a car in that shape and expect VW Caddy sort of space. This is the same thing with a Mini Countryman Coupe.

[@datathunderstorm]

Thank you! It's a COUPE for crying out loud. Why do people keep forgetting that - and continue to erroneously compare it to a Prius or Ioniq Hybrid? 🙄

[@fredbeblein2622]

One comment on the rear windows....I have been driving for almost 50 years now, with 18 different cars. Almost never did I or any of my passengers feel the wish to open the rear windows....Otherwise, I just drove the R-EV and it is gorgeous. The rotary engine can get a little loud in some situations. Yet, I am considering to buy one. Mazda does just a great job for years now!

[@Martinjlove]

amazing car we love it!

[@andrewhayward7088]

But much longer petrol range. The i3 has a 7litre petrol tank, the mx30 has a 50l petrol tank

[@edensseven3524]

Range Extender is the most convenient and the most efficient drivetrain.

[@sargfowler9603]

Exactly. The battery isn't really that heavy and the engine is very compact. An EV is simply a no-go area for most buyers, so this is the best thing currently available really.

[@jonathancullen1337]

Which mate down the pub told u that? 😂

[@isaiah123456wp7]

I wish we were still getting this in the States... 😥

[@Salty_reviews]

Rotory enthusiasts: This is not what we meant when we said bring back the rotory 😢

[@l3v1ckUK]

How do they make such big cars with so little room for passengers in the back?

[@whocares264]

i agree it is quite an achievement but what can you expect from a company that has brought back the failed engine.

[@rxs87]

This would of been better as a a normal self charging hybrid with a small battery

[@tobyhall7617]

Its a shame you don't get the same electric range as the full ev just with a petrol engine incase you run out as a thought it was just a range extender not a hybrid like the bmw i3

[@muffythevampirelayer]

The BMW i3 wasn't a hybrid, it was exactly the same principle as this Mazda, with a range extender. It didn't drive the wheels, just charged the battery as required. The battery was bigger and easily gave 120miles range in summer.

[@whocares264]

@@muffythevampirelayer i agree the bmw i3 was better in everyway, so bmw discontinued it as they make more money out of petrol cars converted to electric

[@goodfodder]

review missed the most important part, what does the car sound like on the motorway with the rev in motion

[@Ambienfinity]

Looks good. A quirky RX8 replacement for the EV age. (btw The Zoe's range is admirable, but it's a death trap.)

[@gpltd0097]

With that interior and a gas engine that will be a nice daily driver.

[@rjdavies1982]

Love these - cheapest hybrid - cost? £500+ / month.

[@quillber]

You had me until that rear door...

[@jeyhuan9194]

does anyone even know how to work on rotaries??

[@jambosalad]

Mazda does.

[@Th0mas3000]

Rotaries are more simple then a normal combustion engine

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

Low performance and high fuel consumption is not something I want from a PHEV when driving in hybrid mode.

[@BattleStacker]

Even with the downsides of the MX-30 it's still a really good ride. The backseat for some drivers is rarely used and is just there to hold some things. The full EV was a mistake from the beginning with a range of only 100 miles. I'm glad they upgraded to the Hybrid.

[@GinoFoto]

Oddly likable, although intended for only few, which I think is main Mazda' problem, they making innovative, thoughtful products, but with questionable financial sustainability.

[@hankreardon6998]

Year ending 2023 was record sales in units and profit in NA. Not sure globally, but I love them.

[@farzadjahanfard]

Its look like the new civic interior and i am Here for it 😍😍

[@joewilder]

MPG not good enough in normal mode.

[@Kosmonooit]

Less of the trivial aesthetics more technical details please

[@mordor62]

just like the yauxhall ampera did,,,so not new tech?????

[@whocares264]

and the bmw i3 rex they are both better than this mazda

[@AsimSheikh]

this is not true for a toyota, in a toyota phev, once the battery runs out, its turns to normal hybrid self-charging battery functions. 😊 thank you very much.

[@nickwills6042]

A sub 3m/kWh EV combines with a sub 30 mpg petrol car. This car makes no sense...but I do love the interior Its a California/EU compliance car and nothing else

[@sargfowler9603]

The review says it will do 45mpg... EVs just don't have the charging infrastructure yet

[@nickwills6042]

@@sargfowler9603 A few reviewers on Twitter/X have shown pictures of those economy figures from their time with the car. As far as I'm aware, they were charging the car too and not just using the engine

[@logicalChimp]

@@sargfowler9603 No, the reviewer *speculated* it would do mid-40's (despite an 'official' economy of 200+)... but the in-car display was showing 35mpg :p

[@timscott3027]

​@@sargfowler9603EVs do have plenty of infrastructure in some places, not others. If there are no charges near you, don't get an EV.

[@sharkfinn6469]

follow the trend, and you will get that. follow your heart, and you have a vehicle for life. all the gimmicks are getting old. why wont people admit that EV is just not practical for 50% use cases

[@chris-townson]

Looking on the Mazda website it looks like the cheapest R-EV is the Prime-Line at nearly £35k, not £31k stated in the video?

[@martynoxley3745]

Safety is a problem if an accident jams the front door or disables the driver/ front passenger then how do you get get out of the rear? Ridiculous! No opening windows.

[@admol73]

Same as every 2 door car

[@derrick021]

wow, my favorite car presenter is finally wearing normal pants ! ah, never mind. they are still tights

[@Molishious]

My Rav4 Prime has almost twice the horsepower in hybrid mode, a lot more horsepower in EV mode, get’s at least as good MPG, has 4 normal doors, knobs and switches and at least as much EV range. He doesn’t mention the MPG in the stats, so I’m not sure how efficient this rotary motor is. Somebody put in the comments section that they were getting only 30 mpg. I get about 38 mpg when I’m using gas. So maybe this works out in price for some, otherwise it’s a real head scratcher to me as to why you would choose this car and why the reviewer would call it Brilliant.

[@tobyhall7617]

Makes more sense then a full electric they weigh even more

[@johnminshall242]

A lot of the MX-30’s drawbacks, unfortunately, still exist with this REX! It’s a recognition I think that Mazda messed-up the original BEV, and this is ideally only just a stop gap until they do a mk2 or can it altogether! Shame, as the design’s lovely (as was Honda’s e, but they’ve canned that!).

[@gingerb36]

BIK tax rate! Is the sole purpose for me choosing a PHEV as it’ll save well over £100 per month. If we had access to an abundance of on street chargers all over the country then a pure electric vehicle would provide even bigger savings. Hopefully the government will get its act together. As for the Mazda on test, I love its quirkiness, its gorgeous interior and its styling.

[@piglet5287]

If the rotary engine went wrong, how many mechanics are there who know about them?

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

I used to spanner both rotary and piston engines back in my days as a bike mechanic. The Norton rotaries were considerably easier and less complex to work on than piston engines.

[@piglet5287]

@@sq1rlsqu4d if I buy one I'll be in touch (after the warranty expires). Maybe I'd be happier if the eight year warranty was on the engine as well

[@piglet5287]

Other road tests suggest overall mpg (aside from EV only mode) is nearer 30 than 40

[@datathunderstorm]

@@piglet5287Modus Operandi for this car is recharge every night. Use the Rotary Range Extender as get home auxiliary power source - and for the occasional long trip. I don’t do long trips anymore. This is for me. More EV less ICE - it’ll be very economical.

[@codincoman9019]

I do not fancy the very polluting, expensive, unreliable, impractical, extremely dangerous and far too controllable BEV's. But this Mazda is the best [as the only car] for a short distance/city EV (

[@MrFatknacker]

So basically the same concept as the old BMW i3 Range Extender right down to the suicide rear doors and clever interior, but with less EV range 🥰

[@whocares264]

and the mazda uses more fuel and is slower and is noisier and has a worse turning circle

[@WatchDSSID]

I was initially quite excited at the start of this review, and it does look a nice car from the outside, but the design is totally flawed and I wonder how it got for build - I’m really talking about the back doors/available space in the rear- I often take my grandchildren in the car in the back, but this design would be a “death trap“

[@ishaansaral502]

They're called suicide doors for a reason. This car should have been scrapped in the design phase.

[@admol73]

Those doors are a brilliant design. It's basically a 2 door car with funky design. Delighted they exist

[@alexk.7250]

No it isn't. A two/three door car has bigger doors and you can enter easily with folded seats. The problem here is that if there is limited space and you can't open the doors wide you are stuck between them. Also a kid can't close the twin doors from the passenger side once the back door is closed. This is not a problem in a two door, I have one and it works fine. You probably can't exit either from the back in this car!

[@DeanVowles]

That Nav screen looks too small to be usable though no?

[@brandonpollard8928]

The size of that screen would be okay if it was closer, but it's far away like someone's holding a phone really far from you saying "look at this" 😂

[@Emaratilfy]

It's 9inches which is more than adequate.

[@datathunderstorm]

It’s perfectly fine.

[@brandonpollard8928]

@@Emaratilfy its far away further then other car brands

[@Emaratilfy]

@@brandonpollard8928 so what? The way they've done the user interface makes it adequate. You have physical buttons and a secondary touch screen. What do you want a 15 inch screen for?

[@billienomates1606]

The depreciation in the first year alone is staggering.

[@yoyyaesta4808]

For the price you can buy a BYD Atto 3, a MG 4 Long Range, a Cupra Born or for a litte more a Tesla Model 3. Why buy a REEV when there are cheaper BEVs that are very nice to travel with?

[@lowfeelsblvd]

An unproven Chinese car, an MG or a Cupra Born which STARTS at £36k? Yeah great alternatives there...

[@Uniongamers]

I wouldn't touch Chinese cars with a barge pole. No company with links to the CCP is getting my money.

[@yoyyaesta4808]

@@lowfeelsblvd BYD unproven? 🤣🤣🤣

[@datathunderstorm]

I'd buy the Mazda MX-30 R-EV because of the unique and original design, the Rotary Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) mated to a potent generator capable of fully charging the battery while you drive (its a brilliant option for emergencies), the different driving modes available, the smooth and quiet BEV driving experience - and even the sound of that Rotary Range Extender up front - I love the sounds engines make - this will be unique. Love the whole package, the premium interior, and the rear seating that ensures your friends don't turn you REGULARLY into their personal Uber everyday. Did I mention nobody will ever mistake you for an Uber? 😊

[@yoyyaesta4808]

@@datathunderstorm 🙄 Ludicrous

[@mikadavies660]

So other than an expensive two seater car, with no boot... it a lovely car! If no-one wants this new, who will want it second hand?

[@datathunderstorm]

Me…!!!

[@admol73]

Me. Brilliant daily commuter

[@mikadavies660]

@admol73 Personally, I like Mazda designs and the full MX30 EV is great value second-hand. But it's range just doesn't fit our family needs. We have a Citroën E-C4. It is a little more spacious and does 200+ miles

[@timoliver8940]

I would sooner have a Nissan with the same motive system and that has proper rear doors

[@ts6070]

This a BMW i3 with a massive range extended prefect plus its bigger than the i3 as it’s more for parents with 2 kids 🧒 👧 saves a lot of money 💰 with city driving. What’s not to like plus much better looking 👀 that electric ⚡️ Mini!

[@datathunderstorm]

The Electric Mini is what it's pitted against, design wise. It was purposely designed as a bigger bodied vehicle with mini type propulsion systems - hence the smaller range. The BEV is primarily a City EV. The R-EV is designed to allow for occasional longer distance driving without range anxiety. Overall, that still works out a lot more economical for regular home charging operators on a Monday to Friday commute with the occasional social travelling weekend trip. It's a lifestyle oriented vehicle - not a one size fits all.

[@mtavassoti]

That mpg is not good at all

[@drxym]

PHEVs are the worst of both worlds - mechanically complex & expensive to service, limited electric range / speed, the need to plug in every day and usually lack of DC charging. This car corrects some of these issues - series hybrid means electric-only drive train at all speeds, 50mile range, DC charging (albeit very crappy rate). I still think it's a terrible idea though. The range of most EVs is over 200 miles and the figure only increases as battery density and technology progresses as do the number of chargers along every route. If you're concerned about the cost of fuel, or just want a spacious, quiet, fast car just buy an EV.

[@toyotaprius79]

Not all hybrids are created equal Thr biggest problem with any new car plugin or not is that they are stuck competing as premium and SUVs - which will only inevitably end in an economic crash.

[@logicalChimp]

This would have been far better if they'd kept the original EV range of ~100 miles, and added the REx...

[@timscott3027]

​@@logicalChimpbut then it would cost more than the EV. I think they would have been better off making that bonnet shorter and putting in some slightly bigger back seats. I would genuinely consider this car if it had a bit more rear room.

[@logicalChimp]

@@timscott3027 Yeah - agreed that the long-bonnet just doesn't make sense, and that Mazda could have done far better with the interior space, given the size of the exterior footprint.

[@jasoncarmichael4540]

Agreed

[@stevencash5783]

You're be lucky to get 30 miles out of the battery and 32 mpg Im getting 80 miles in winter months out of my MX30 also it dropped like a stone after two years of ownership Back to an ICE for me

[@datathunderstorm]

80 miles of charge during the winter months we've had recently with sub zero temperatures in the morning seems about right - especially with heating demands too. Even my old Prius Hybrid guzzles more fuel in winter - more so in subzero temperatures - you turn on the heating and the range drops. I've had 653 miles out of a 45 litre tank in summer - now I'm presently at 486 miles with one fuel bar left. See the difference, regardless of power source?

[@alibro7512]

Strange that this review came to the opposite conclusion to others. Other reviewers said the car has the practicality of a 2 door sports car, with the range and fuel economy of an RX8. It has none of the good points of a BEV, HEV or ICE car.

[@codincoman9019]

That's why it is perfect for people that want such a PHEV - with a range extender for very seldom long trips. I'm not at all in their targeted segment (people with a short commuting range < 35 miles) as I am not fancying the electric clunkers (very pollutant, expensive, unreliable, impractical, extremely dangerous and far too controllable by others, but Mazda took over brilliantly this niche.

[@wolvolad25]

So its basically a two seater 😅 5:13

[@jonathancullen1337]

My son is 6' 4 and fits in no problem behind the passenger with the seat moved forward a little. Not for 300 mile journeys though 😂

[@bikeman123]

Mid 40s mpg in hybrid mode! Why bother?

[@TL-xw6fh]

Yes, my Ioniq hybrid does 70 mpg. Much bigger car too. Also, wait till the rotary engine gives up the ghost at around 30,000 miles and spend a fortune to replace the engine. Whatever Mazda wants to tell us, there are no materials presently on earth that can limit the wear on the rotor tips. Unlike an ICE engine, the tips cannot be lubricated and separated from the engine block by engine oil.

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Yeah - think it really comes down to use case or if having one as a company car due to the low BIK vs a petrol/diesel

[@TL-xw6fh]

@@lewismcnicholas2631 Agreed, and that's why I believe the BIK should be eliminated from PHEVs as they are actually the worst of all options between BEV, PHEV, full and even mild hybrids.

[@logicalChimp]

@@TL-xw6fh Rotaries will last far longer than 30k *if they're not turbo'd*. The RX7 lasted ~60k with twin turbos, and the older models (without the turbo) would last 200k+ if maintained (ie regular oil and coolant changes).

[@datathunderstorm]

Use it as a BEV with a Range Extender - not as a Hybrid. Emphasis should always be on EV mode mostly for greater economy. I totally get this concept. Many do not. It’s not a one size fits all Prius - it’s a specific niche product.

[@jojosthlm]

Performance not good enough. I will keep my Skoda Superb iv but perhaps upgrade it to the 2024 model. Great comfort, roomy and 218hp.

[@David-kl4kn]

It needs a new body

[@whocares264]

don't we all

[@silvacrest11]

interior looks nice, but those rear doors are a deal breaker, pointless design choice that achieves nothing but added stress, boot is small for the size of the car, expensive compared to its rivals, central screen is to small in my opinion to Who is this car for?

[@iandoolan8757]

Once the battery is exhausted, power outout is reduced until sufficiently charged again. MPG whilst you are reliant on the Rotary Engine is 30'ish at best. And... the Rotary engine in the RX8 (and RX7) was a disaster requiring rebuilds at very low mileages. Triangular pistons and piston rings that go round corners - fingers crossed for anybody that buys one of these. I think this car will have a very short life. Its a good car in many respects but the misleading economy claims, the back seat access, the drone of the generator and the rotary engine will make it a difficult sale.

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

This car costs £170 in road tax and gets 30 MPG on petrol my Diesel car costs £20 tax, dose 60 MPG and 184 BHP. I wonder how long that rotary engine will last.

[@Ayerighr]

Watch 'JayEmms on Cars' review for an entirely different opinion???

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

Hmm. Mazda copy the concept of the 2014 (was it really that long ago?!) BMW i3 REx, but keep some of the bad bits (e.g. doors) and lose some of the good stuff (e.g. carbon fiber safety cell).

[@jeffreyt02]

Doesn’t this car get outright destroyed by the likes of a single motor EX30?

[@jonathancullen1337]

As a driver of a BEV MX-30, this glowing review would have been 100% correct 5 YEARS AGO. Today PHEVs are irrelevant. If an EV does not meet your lifestyle e.g. No driveway nor charging infrastructure near you and/or you drive 500 miles per day then by all means buy a clunker, 'clean' diesel. For everyone else an EV will suit. 95% of my journeys are

[@datathunderstorm]

Nobody seems to understand your very valid point regarding the MX-30 - and I'm mystified as to why they don't get it. It's like Marmite - either you have a taste for it or you don't. This car has my heart and soul - I totally understand why it was built and for whom.....(my lifestyle for sure).

[@jonathancullen1337]

@@datathunderstorm TBF it was built as a compliance car for California LOL! Nonetheless Im perfectly happy with it!

[@BradMistry]

What an amazing car to never buy

[@looopy2u]

May as well carry a fuel driven electric generator in the boot. What a way to create electric 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TL-xw6fh]

Plug-in hybrids never made any sense to me. They are as expensive as BEVs, poor EV only range and lower efficiency than EVs when only electric only and poorer fuel economy compared to full hybrids only. If it is purchased to be used primarily for very short distance driving, one might as well buy an old Nissan Leaf and run it to the ground.

[@logicalChimp]

In theory, PHEVs are good for people who can charge at home, but live in an area with limited / no 'public' charging infrastructure (making it hard to do non-local journeys, etc). In reality, automakers take the piss and give PHEVs minimal EV range. This car (if it had 100+ mile EV-only range, plus the REx - which is what most Chinese PHEVs have) *could* be good... but it really does need more EV-only range, imo.

[@andreyzamytskyy]

So Mazda invented a BMW i3 REX from almost 10 years ago....

[@Druze_Tito]

Getting in the back is a punishment. Why is Mazda doing this fiasco? It's just sad.