►Subscribe here: ru-vid.com ►Also subscribe to our RU-vid shorts channel: ru-vid.com/show-UCmKVmuPc9wUlLuuhnIeP7_w ►Follow us on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok @autogefuehl 00:00 What is the Mazda MX30 REV? 01:33 Rotary engine details 03:33 Exterior design and length 04:29 Interior with freestyle doors 06:45 Rear seating 08:18 Storage and battery modes 09:58 Cockpit overview 11:21 Trunk / boot 12:39 Fuel and charging 13:03 Driving motorway with acceleration 17:43 Acceleration hybrid vs EV mode 20:47 Real-world range EV and petrol #Mazda #MazdaMX30 Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.
This car makes sense: You can use the batteries for local commuting, school runs, pop into town for some groceries. And then, unlike with the pure EV, you can also take your car on long road trips. No range anxiety, no time wasted planning a trip around charging points. You can hit the road and enjoy it. Making it a pure EV with longer range would mean bigger batteries. Therefore added weight. Therefore a less agile and less fun car to drive. A constant with Mazda cars is that they're all fun to drive.
Well... hybrids make sense for that yes. This though? Its inefficient both on electric AND petrol. Crappy economy on both. Might as well get a vw hybrid or volvo or merc
@@thomasstorbugt6829 the other PHEVs have larger engines working in parallel with the battery rather than charging it. So they have to use large-ish engines (Ford Kuga uses 2500cc I believe). To me that sounds like an expensive way to build a hybrid drivetrain and to get people to drive heavier and heavier cars just to achieve the same performance and behaviour as before. I'm keen to get this MX 30 REV so I can move on to EV without a larger SUV, or a car with an XL battery "just in case". This means adapting my driving to the way this drivetrain works. It looks like the insurance costs will be lower and I'm hoping that the longevity of the car will be better. 🤞🤞
@@NunoLima1337 look at VW passat gte. 1.4 litre. Engines are best in their 80% load capacity. That being used it would be great to charge. But if the engine isnt efficient its never going to be efficient enough. And its crap to charge the battery with the engine. Only way a plug in is actually good is by charging at home. From wall plug og by braking
This actually makes a ton of sense for PHEV. Most PHEV users barely use their gas engines so all those components are being hauled around as dead weight. Not ideal. So realistically, you want the lightest and most compact gasoline powertrain possible. Even if the efficiency isn't as great as a Toyota Prius engine, it doesn't matter that much because it is just a back-up powerplant in a mostly battery driven car. It is inefficient to haul around a big engine that is not used too so the rotary makes perfect sense for a PHEV. There when you need it (which will not be often) but it won't weigh the car down much and make the battery work harder than necessary. Seems like a really well balanced and logical platform. I'd buy one!
I wonder what Mazda have done about the high servicing costs of rotary engines, and how are the apex seals lubricated?. Right up to the last purely rotary engine (Rx8) they suffered from high emissions, short life expectancy and poor fuel economy.
i think u are mistaking : a contrario, all phev relies a lot on their gaz engine since the battery is small and the electric consumption is higher since the petrol engine is heavy
@@onecookieboy I’m also enthused about this car b/c all the shortcomings of the rotary engine have been addressed/negated by this smart, limited use of it… namely at speed which also eliminates starting problems. With the average commute in the US being 40 mi/day, if charged regularly the rotary will likely be used sparingly on trips at highway speeds.
Thanks Thomas, brilliant review helped by your twin brother 😂. Not the most compelling hybrid solution real world but Mazda make quality vehicles with a unique character. That Soul Red Mica finish is beautiful. 👍❤️
Ive always loved the mx-30s design, it's unusual and not for everyone for sure, but I really like it. What made it unworkable for me was the short range (my journey to work and back totals 130 miles) and so this version certainly fixes that. I would definitely buy this version.
@@noseboop4354That’s not how this car works unfortunately so you aren’t gonna get the same experience. Since the rotary is at a constant rpm and just powers the electric motors only up to 85mph it’s great for commuting but for fun not so much as the rx8
This is where you got it completely wrong. Besides the doors and rotary engine, nothing is similar, not even performance or feel of the engine.@@noseboop4354
Always fascinating to watch your reviews. A range extender is ideal in a country like here in Thailand where the charging infrastructure is woefully inadequate. They might be more complex and have less pure EV range but if I have to drive outside my home city of Chiang Mai it is easier to find hens teeth than a charger and even inside the city there are pitifully few, but there are many petrol stations. So while Mazda might not sell a huge number this car certainly has a good niche appeal.
Great honest review! You kinda made my decision to just stick with my MX-30 (non Rev) because I have 100 km total travel to-and-from my job and for that it does just fine, I like the ICE-motor less silence, and the really great feel it has for driving, it makes my work commute not feel like work at all, my 5 year older ICE car, well - that I felt, every minute and it's night an day, can't be compared, not to mention my electrical charging cost is like 50-70 euro every month compared to 300-350 euro in gasoline costs, so it kinda pays for itself that way, with way more driving comfort and actual driving fun, albeit she's not a sports car or a supercar, it's still pretty good for the price, I bought mine second hand for less than 20K euro and that had only 1000 European miles on it, so it was a bargain, can't possibly afford the starter electrical cars in my country that starts at 50-60K euro and is more basic than the Mazda at that price, so right now... the low range is actually an advantage for those looking for their first Electrical car, and it does turn heads for sure.
I'm the owner of a 2023 Mazda MX-30 GS as my first EV because I like the look & finish and the way it handles. Price wise, it's pretty good as Mazda offers a 4000$ rebate and another 12000$ in rebates from the federal & provincial governments (Quebec, Canada). I have to say I use it as a second vehicle to do all my shopping/groceries/meetings etc... all within 40 km from my house and I won't use it during winter time (October 31 to may 01). I understand the range is said to be 160 km but I've done more than 180 km on rural roads & city roads and it was showing15% left! I forgot to mention, my average is 16 kwh/100 km. So if you add the rotary engine with a smaller battery, you may as well just get a Toyoya Corolla or Prius hybrid which will do 4.5L/100 km average or an EV with a range of 360 km (minimum) instead of 7L/100 once you've reach 70 km on the battery on the MX-30 R-EV, no? 🤔
A great review. As it happens R-EV’s pure electric range of around 50 miles suits most of our journeys as a second car. Because we can fill up at home from renewables, we are not bothered by comparatively low efficiency of it on pure battery. Where it scores for us is the occasional need for the full range and the ability to operate when we are away from home fill up. Being slightly faster than the EV only version is a bonus. I think if we wanted an EV only, the alternative would be the new Mini Electric, which might be more fun to drive but slightly less practical.
I love the concept of this plug-in hybrid with rotary range extender in this Mazda and just hope they use the power set available in this vehicle in other cars in their line up.
Maybe it doesn't make sense for Germany: Speedy highways and long distances... But the idea of putting in gas and driving electric for almost 500Km is awesome. Who cares for a little generator noise or efficiency? The really disappointing part of this MX30 REV is the interior packaging. For a 4.4m car, it is really small inside, with a small trunk. Why can't Mazda make spacious vehicles, is beyond my understanding.
In Germany (and probably most other countries?) this is the LOWEST priced PHEV on the market, but at the same time has a MUCH longer pure EV range than all similarly priced PHEVs - german prices (date 5.10.2023) and pure EV range: Mazda MX-30 REV: € 35.990 - 85 km Kia Niro PHEV: € 38.690 - 65 km MG EHS PHEV: € 38.790 - 52 km Kia Ceed Kombi PHEV: € 37.890 - 50 km Mitsubishi ASX PHEV: € 39.390 - 48 km Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV: € 37.490 - 45 km I hope this drivetrain will be offered in the next generation Mazda 2, it should fit size wise bc of the rotary engine.
I'm a sucker for those doors, it's like a better looking i3. If they could just remove the cladding entirely, lower it, maybe stretch out the back end to a coupe and fit the motor back there to drive the rear, maybe a second rotor and larger battery to bump up the power and then figure out the manual part .... Just give us a Modern RX-8
So if the max theoretical range with full battery and full fuel tank is 680km. The best fuel consumption is thus 1l/13,6km (not including the full charging of the battery). If this is true it is a horrible number for such a modern car. Even if you would use it so that you would use the battery the most you are still dragging around a full fuel tank + generator. I really cant see the upsides of this car. Especially if comparable cars such as a Lynk & Co get easily 1l/20km.
2012 Toyota Prius which is literally from more than a decade ago is consistently above 20km/L and I drive spiritedly, never holding back acceleration. This car is truly a fashion choice over anything
That is NOT max range, NOT max fuel consumption. Stop spreading lies. It is mixed range WLTP. It is inefficient at highway speeds. Tests have shown at 130-140 kph it consumes ~8-9l per 100km. At lower speeds it is much more efficient. ~6l rural driving max 100 kph, less than 3l in slow urban traffic. So don't make up bs lies on your own. Also your comparison with the Lynk is another BLATANT lie. OBVIOUSLY that only gets 1l on the FIRST 100km with a full battery. The Mazda has a pure EV range of 85 km mixed (in city driving it can also do 100 km pure EV), so it can do the first 100 km with 1l too... In hybrid mode the Lynk doesn't get any better fuel economy than the Mazda, anyone can look up tests of the Lynk and see that it needs 7l+ if the battery is empty. For example ADAC test, 7,6l per 100km in hybrid mode.
Imo the competition for this car are regular PHEVs And Mazda is a bit cheaper to buy and might be cheaper in maintenance as well, because the petrol engine is not connected to the gearbox. But the car desperately needs towing capacity. Imo towing is the main use case for PHEVs.
I own one…. You are exactly right…. Driving as a daily commuter on the Autobahn going 144 KM an hour at 45 percent battery I average 10.7 liters per 100km. My commute 250 km is predominantly autobahn and highways. Using it heavily in charge mode has me add one liter of 0-20 Mazda Rotary oil every 2000km. When I use it like you described I am at less than a liter per 100km.
This drivetrain seems perfect for most of the US -- for most people there's enough electric range to cover a typical day's driving, but on a longer road trip you have the advantage of quick and easy refueling. Unfortunately this body style (pretty though it may be) won't appeal to most American buyers -- the suicide doors, the tiny and cramped back seat, and the lack of quickness, and the disappointing fuel efficiency rule out most market segments I can imagine that would be interested in a smaller vehicle.
i watched other reviewers, mostly italian and spanish for the last few days, they managed to get from 4.2 to 5.5 average fuel consumption. of course those who had full time charging mode ON, used more than 14.0 l
You appear to discount the most obvious use case. For a commuter car that travels perhaps 50km in a day, you'll never need the rotary engine. The engine is there to deal with range anxiety. To go anywhere without worry. For most people, this car may as well be pure electric. It is Pareto Optimal. Run as a pure EV 80% of the time (or more), and with the engine 20% of the time. I think there is value in the lighter weight, and thus a lighter use of resources in the initial construction.
You are correct. This IS the lifestyle this vehicle was created for. The Rotary Engine will be rarely used. Home (and work) charging will be an absolute necessity - it’s for a very specific lifestyle with the Wankel Extender Unit as a last resort - not as a daily continuous primary propulsion (assist) system.
@@stephenhookings1985 Good question; I’ve been thinking the exact same thing. Especially in the UK with the dodgy E10 Petrol being peddled to motorists as a green solution. That stuff degrades pretty quickly in the tank - apart from the dire lacklustre performance your engine produces when running on it. I also wonder whether E10 is good for the MX-30 R-EV at all?
16:28 yes there are parameters, it's just "traffic jam assist", so for slower speeds. new Mazda3 and CX-30 just got a highway steering system (and a 10+ inch screen), surprised the R-EV wasn't updated with this stuff (and that green steering wheel symbol comes on for lane keep assist which is what you just experienced. i don't know what traffic jam assist's symbol is)
I like most things about this car, especially the EV drivetrain supported by a range extender engine, but I couldn't live with these awkward rear doors which seem to give you the worst of all worlds.
imagine it is a coupe with 3 doors. Difficult to get to the rear seat right ? everytime you need to move the front seats. Then magically, you have the small reverse door at the back so you dont need anymore to move the front seats.
I wanted one of these. I've owned rotaries and they're lovely and smooth on long journeys. I use my RX8 as a long-distance cruiser belting down the motorway. 140kph is too slow for travelling long distances .
It’s a great idea, just an oddball execution. I’m a Mazda fan, owning a Mazda 6GT with a cool skyactive engine for great gas mileage. The concept is great but it would be even better if you took that drivetrain and put it in my Mazda 6. You’d have a useable back seat with real doors and the more slippery shape of the sedan would probably get better mileage and be a nice alternative to a Camry or even a Tesla Model 3. Electrify the Mazda 6!
I live in a condo and cannot install a home charger and I would have to drive through an hour of Bangkok traffic to reach a charge station so hybrid was my only option. I really like the simplicity of an all electric with built in gas-powered charger. Even if you never connect to a charger, the car gets 120 kpl or 283 miles per gallon. Not everyone has the ability to have their own charger so this will appeal to a much broader market.
Untuk orang eropa mungkin kurang logis tapi untuk asia ini sangat membantu dimana tempat pengisian baterai masih sedikit. Menggantinya dengan generator (gasoline) yang mudah di dapat
The problem with rotary engines was, and still is, that the seal between cylinders, on the rotary piston, wears out relatively quickly. The RX-8 rotary engine had a life span around 100k - 120k km, after which the whole engine needed to be rebuilt... Here it might be a bit better as it is working in "optimal conditions", but still that's the reason we don't see these engines with other manufacturers
Surprising choice from Mazda. Usually they do these as concept cars and never release them. If they can substantially improve the efficiency in a future version, YES, but currently there are other options.
to answer your question....as a driver, I think YES. It relieves the range anxiety of the pure ev. Pure EVs needs a significant amount of infrastructure meaning charging stations around the city/country. If your city/country can not support that then pure EVs are not a good idea....yet. According to Mazda, MX30 is an experimental car hence why the name starts with M and not C. Future Mazda plans are to further develop the Rotary Engine with different types of fuel consumption aside from gasoline.
The MX30 is a great car, thats the thing it's great to drive, to look at and to sit in. It's just flawed in it's execution and sadly as you say Thomas the two new halves of the system still fails to make a whole. It's still flawed. That said it's still a brilliant, quirky, beautifully made car and Mazda is a brand that's easy to love; there's still a wholesome story there and many will buy this with their hearts and they will enjoy it the most!
I do believe this chap is exceptionally tall. I’ve seen other videos shot by shorter people (still taller than Tom Cruise - yikes! I’m dead, aren’t I…?!! 😱), and they fit in the back just fine - with the front seats set for a person of say 1.72 metres. Remember, it’s a Crossover SUV Coupe!!! This is the Mazda MX-3’s SUV evolution - I had one of those - now THAT was very tight in the back for adults!!! 😅
Its such a beautiful vehicle, if they get it to 200 miles it would absoljtely sell here in the u.s. 100 miles is just 2 short for a country that requires long commutes
Probably great around town and short journeys. Had the mx30 R for 2 days as a rental. Comfortable, quiet, very easy to use lcd interface BUT, after 400 miles of mainly motorway, the cost to refill the fuel tank equalled 38.1 mpg. Doesn't seem good value as the small rotary only powers a generator, not the wheels. My wifes 15yr old Nissan 3.5 V6 does 27mpg on the same journey.
A friendly reminder that in 2013 Mazda had a working Mazda 2 rotary REx and squandered it in favour of dismissing all forms of electrification. They shot themselves in the foot, worse than Toyota is now.
You are clueless. In reality companies who build EVs and sell them with a LOSS are shooting themselves in the foot. Selling 1 million EVs with a loss is worse financially than selling zero. Is that too complicated for you?
Why is it significantly longer than the Honda Jazz from 2005, and yet has less legroom for rear-seat passengers? Looks really uncomfortable back there...
May well be a good solution in a rural context. Particularly is there are very few public charging options - or your region is subject to occasional power outages.
I like it apart from the top speed. In my country, you are limited to 120 anyway on motorway but I've often overtaken cars on country roads and needed more than 144. That is a problem. If it was 180, it would be ok
So 85 km of electric range out of 17.8kw battery, that is not very good and then bit over 500 km out of 50 liters of petrol, that is miserable economy.
Nooo, Thomas!! You forgot to mention Autogefühl in your presentation!! 💀 Jokes aside, your German-Texan oil baron cousin, Tom, is quite the funny guy. Maybe you should have him appear more often, eh! 🤣 👏😁
@5:00 there is discussion around how the rear door situation is not ideal for the "drop off the kids at school" scenario. I own an RX8 and can see that this vehicle has the same issue, that reviewers always seem to miss. The front seat passenger and driver seatbelts are mounted to that rear door. (You can see this in the video at around @5:55) . So the situation where a passenger in the rear seats will hop out to in the "school drop off" scenario or similar will involve: Vehicle comes to a stop. Front passenger (lets say) must undo seatbelt. Front passenger opens front door. Rear passenger undoes their seatbelt, opens rear door, gets out and closes door (all just as per a normal sedan). After rear door closes, front passenger closes their door, puts seat belt back on. Vehicle drives away. Mildly irritating if you do it a couple of times per month, but certainly you will never see an Uber driver making one of these their standard, no matter the range/efficiency/economy equation.
In the hope this is seen by Thomas. A topic which this Mazda exemplifies is what is the right size of battery to have in an EV. It might be a topic for Autogefuhl subscribers. My take is that journalists who cover EVs are people who do frequent long car journeys and who worry first and foremost about battery range and fast recharging. I think other considerations should be discussed more thoughtfully as well: - a heavy investment now in say a 90k + battery is an investment in the most expensive part of the car which is likely to go out of date in the next three to four years, hitting residual values; - most use cases are not for long range driving but in the UK about 20 miles a day, and that is not just applicable to just city driving because the same applies in rural areas; - if you can charge at home or at work for most use cases you just top up frequently at either end; - where range really matters is where you have to rely on the public charging infrastructure, say you live in a high rise apartment; - where you have to rely on public charging the price of the lec really matters because on high speed chargers in the UK it can often be more expensive than the equivalent of filling up with petrol, and that is likely to be true in other countries; - PHEVs such as this Mazda really do suit a majority use case where most mileage is a local say 30 mile radius, but there is the occasional journey greater than a 100 mile radius (you do not spend on a big battery, but occasionally use a bit of petrol); and finally - there needs to be some discussion on options for charging at home.
This makes no sense when you can get a Civic which has a much more efficient e drive hybrid settup, is generally a better car in every way and isnt falsely trying to sell itself as an ev
18:40 power isn't maximum without the rotary engine i see (in EV mode). see the power needle doesn't go to the end this time like it did your previous acceleration test
Batteries are heavy, dangerous, expensive, take forever to recharge, require meticulous thermal management, they age, and they are extremely polluting in production and disposal. So making the battery smaller, lighter, and cheaper is a good thing. A small rotary engine to charge it is indeed a worthy choice. The rotary should be particularly effective at generating electricity because, well, it rotates with fewer vibrations, less noise, and it is smaller and lighter than a conventional engine would be.
