5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE...
MAZDA MX-30 R-EV
Engine nerds rejoice - the rotary has returned... but not how you’d expect
1 YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND BABY, ETC
Mazda’s rotary engine is back in action in the catchily named new MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. Don’t get too excited though – it’s been popped in a new range-extender version of the MX-30 crossover to charge up a comparatively small 17.8kWh battery and isn’t connected to the wheels.
2 BYE BYE RANGE ANXIETY
The fully electric version of the CX-30 has been heavily criticised for its poor real-world range of around 100 miles (WLTP is 124 miles) that makes it impractical for venturing beyond the city. The 73bhp motor and 50-litre fuel tank will net you a total range of over 400 miles to complement the battery’s 53-mile capacity.
3 IT’S QUICKER THAN THE PURE EV
The 168bhp e-motor’s job is to always drive the front wheels, while the 73bhp 830cc rotary petrol engine acts as a generator. The standard EV makes do with a mere 143bhp, so R-EV is a bit quicker. Its 0–62mph time of 9.1 seconds in the range extender plays 9.7 seconds in the EV. Top speed in both is just 87mph, though.
4 IT’S JUST AS PRACTICAL TOO
Mazda says it went for the rotary engine because it’s more compact than an equivalent reciprocating engine, meaning there’s no noticeable impact on cabin space. You still get the funky RX-8-style rear-hinged doors, and Mazda’s interior designers are still at the top of the game.
5 ORDERS ARE OPEN NOW
Mazda is celebrating the return of the rotary with a special ‘Edition R’ trim. Just 400 will come to the UK and all with Jet Black paint, Maroon Rouge side pillars and a black roof. That’ll cost £37,950, but the Prime-Line and Exclusive-Line entry trims will cost the same as the EV (£31,250 and £33,150).