This is a great example of what most cars on the road should be. Stop trying to get the general public to think they need a fast 0-60 time. Put the time money and effort into making cars as easy to live with as possible.

I am 12000 miles into the ownership of a 2018 BMW i3 REX. Same idea but built on a carbon fibre and aluminium chassis and with 120 to 150 miles of pure plug in range. I’ve done several 300 mile days and one trip over 500 miles with no issues and no range anxiety. It’s a great idea for your first electric car. My commute now costs me 95p as opposed to £5 and I only ever use the range extender 650cc engine on long trips.

What a cracking car! No stupid iPad screens. Proper dash. A gear knob as well. And a rotary engine as well. Delightful. Ticks all the boxes.

This type of EV makes the most sense to me, especially given the current state of the charging infrastructure in the US.

Mazda is kind of what Honda were back in the 90's when it comes to cleaver ideas. Here in New Zealand you can buy that car in a dark metallic red ( think raspberry ) with a silver roof. Looks great. However, 1800kg. I remember when I raced my series 1 Rx7 it was under 1000kg. Modern cars are heavy.

Two advantages to all electric drive train is ( as you mentioned) eliminate the complexity and cost of a gearbox Secondly the petrol engine runs at its most efficient because it only has to run at its most efficient speed.

At last, a manufacturer that has used their technology to produce an efficient, compact, practical car rather than a 0-60 in 2 seconds monster. Great car, well done Mazda and great review, well done you PP.

Recharging the battery using a small, lightweight rotary engine is a stroke of genius. A great way to solve the range anxiety conundrum, and it comes wrapped in Mazda's beautiful design language. I generally detest EVs, but I can honestly see myself living with one of these. Love the doggy!

I was with Mazda for nearly 5 years and when the normal MX30 came out it didn’t do very well. When this came out I sold more of these in 3 months than I sold EV 30’s the whole time I was there! It’s a great car! I own a CX30 myself. Had a Mazda 3 also! The CX5 is probably one of the best looking, reliable and affordable SUV’s on the market! Great cars! Mazda are really overlooked in many ways! I have more spec in my mid range CX30 than a high spec X2 with no packs on it! Drives nicer too!! Love it!! 🥰

Mazda actually builds very underrated cars that not only drive well, but are well-built and very reliable.

The early Rotary engined Mazdas, the R100, RX2, RX3 and RX4 were super fun cars to drive. And they sounded awesome!

Great video review of this Mazda model. Same drivetrain technology as the BMW i3 Rex from 2014-2021. Glad to know a manufacturer continued to use this drivetrain setup. I love my 2014 BMW i3 Rex!

Do you know why french guys (like me) love this KZfaq channel ? 1. ALWAYS interesting content 2. The driver speaks slowly (excellent for french speaking people) 3. The 'P' of the channel logo is made of the french flag colors ('bleu' 'blanc' 'rouge') To summarize: j'adore cette chaîne KZfaq 👍

Excellent review. I drive a 23 plate Mazda CX-30 Skyactiv-X MHEV with a petrol engine. It has a supercharger, but in the same way it’s not for performance, but economy and regularly returns 52+ mpg. It’s also slightly more powerful and has more torque than the Skyactiv-G MHEV engine, which doesn’t have the supercharger. I love what Mazda have done with the MX-30 rotary engine and Bev drivetrain. They are one of the few manufacturers recognising pure BEVs are not the whole answer or the perfect solution. Whilst they have no tailpipe emissions, they still negatively impact the environment across the whole lifecycle. NB. Land Rover have addressed the slow electric front seat issue for access to 2nd row passengers on the Defender 90 by introducing a manual tilt and slide front passenger seat on the latest model ;)

Had an overnight test drive of one of these from Hendy in Eastbourne a couple of days ago and loved it. On a 50mile journey of mixed motorways and up and over the hills of the South Downs and then Beachy Head, I got 50mpg and 4.2miles/kwh. And I didn’t hang about! Mightily impressed. Will be ordering one after the bank holiday.

And with it being a small battery it hasn't harmed the planet in its production which ev lovers seem to forget

I love the general design and styling of Mazdas.

Had an RX8 with a rotary engine, cannot think of a single thing I can recommend about that experience.

I value your continual honest approach to car reviews… thanks man.

A great review and in today’s driving conditions with all the speed restrictions, this car’s performance is ample. It’s definitely a car that I would buy.

Well done to Mazda for holding their faith in the rotary engine; it looks like we are finally entering the rotary era.

Finally a decent balanced review. This vehicle didn't last long in the United States but we also never got the rotary engine model. I love the exterior styling and the interior as well. I think if they had offered the range extender rotary in the US, I would be driving this today. And thank you for addressing the issue of acceleration times. Just because some EVs can get to 60 in 3 seconds doesn't mean that kind of acceleration is needed and in some situations, I would say it isn't wanted. Many drivers are no ready to handle that type of acceleration.

Fascinating stuff. A real eye-opener. Thanks Ped.

This technology has fascinated me since the Vauxhall Ampera. Great video!

Thanks forvthe Review. About to buy one!

So it's like having a petrol generator for the battery? That's a cool idea! Because it keeps the car light by not having massive batteries and will keep the cost down when you eventually need to replace the battery because it's small.

Love the car, I’ve had 5 Mazda’s over my lifetime and they’ve always been very reliable and fun to drive. I’ve got the new Mazda 3 takumi on order. Hoping you get more Mazda’s on the channel soon. 😊 Great and informative review Pete, Keep up the hard work.

phev fan here, I am well pleased with this video, cheers

I have a plug-in Honda Clarity that works very similar to this vehicle. I have found the best use of this vehicle is not to run the battery all the way down. When you travel, put the vehicle in hybrid mode. Save battery for all your local driving when you arrive. We do almost all our daily driving on EV mode. The engine in the clarity is an Atkinson cycle engine, and never really ever idles. The transmission is an EVCT that has two electric motors. There is no traction belt. The electric motors do almost all the propulsion. If you do happen to use the entire battery and don’t have the ability to plug it up the car can’t charge itself while you’re driving. You just have to put it in the charge vehicle mode. Works great. We love it.

Sounds very interesting. We've ran Mazdas since 1997. They do build very reliable cars. Our current Mazda is the CX30 which from an infotainment perspective is very similar and just works brilliant. The top models do come fully loaded, and even at £39+ do represent excellent value. Residual values have always been good. Sounds like an excellent car. Can't understand why BMW didn't put a bigger tank on the I3.

Great, concise film Peter . I remember working with Mazda and I had many RX8 demos. As you said, terrible oil and fuel consumption, but great performance from a little 1300cc Wankel engine. This car seems to have figured out how to take away the range anxiety, but still giving you a choice of how you power it. Well done Mazda for thinking outside of the box. 👏

Subscribed! Very interesting drivetrain combination.

The best thing about electric, is never having to visit a gas station.

Great video as always. Thanks 👍

I think this is a really interesting car and a little more unique to look at than other mass produced vehicles. I believe Nissan have a similar range extender models, perhaps it would be an idea to ask Hendy group nicely for a quick drive of an example. Keep up the good work, hope you are feeling better.

As always great job and well put together.i very much understand the mazda mx30 phev by your explanation.

Sounds like our 2017 Chevy Volt. We love ours

Hi Pete and glad to see your non performance side. Very interesting motor. I as an Aussie, big distances over here, so I have never felt pressured about driving my all Electric Volvo C40. Good planning and never miss a planned charge point on the journey takes that aspect away.

This and the I3 Rex are where I want the hybrids to be. I live in rural Canada and would want something that has about a 300 KM all electric range and then the ability to have another 150 KM available through gas if needed. These are getting close to what I hope to see.

Nice review Ped. The Mrs has booked a test drive in one at our local Mazda dealer on the strength of this.

Wow, have Mazda found the Holy Grail? I was a bit concerned when you mentioned rotary engine, but was ahead of you thinking of how it’s used here. For the average motorist, I can’t see anything not to like with this. It looks great from the front, that colour combo works brilliantly. I love the badging as you mentioned. The suicide doors are a marmite thing, but personally I think they’re cool. A small negative, the interior looked quite dark, a lighter headlining would be good, and all dashboards seem to have gone down the “slab” look, but they’re minor gripes. Well done Mazda, this deserves to do well 👍🏻

Interesting review of this car and you are one of the few reviewers who think this car is very good.As a Mazda 3 owner who doesn't do big mileage I would be interested in this car if I had a home charging box which is not possible. The full electric MX30 can be picked up for bargain prices used with very low mileage now also.

Very good job, by the way. You sell me the intelligence of this car, and that's the way it as to be. I add to that, the transition the public as to made, as the industries as to do. Again, bravo and thanks!

Very impressed by the car and your road test. Just taken collection of a Skoda Enyaq and whilst I love it, I am already experiencing range anxiety as I might need to do a 400 mile round trip in the near future! I have an iPhone loaded with about 15 apps and I’m sure that one day I’ll make sense of them. This little Mazda sounds like what I should have gone for, a great piece of engineering.

Cool to see a review of this. Never released this rotary version in the States. It's like a little Ferrari Purosangue with that door.

Just like the 2013 Chevy volt, no transmission at all. Bought mine in 2015 and it's never giving me a problem EVER 👍👍👍

Ah a sensible combination, totally agree with you comments. Thank you sir.

Not sure it pleases both sides, rather it would have them both hating it. However, for the vast majority of motorists who aren't in either camp, this is a great idea. Nice video Pete.

really a nice car , and a wery impressive review thank you, make you think if this should be my next car 🙂

I never thought a car manufacturer would mass produce a series hybrid in my life but, Mazda need to be applauded !

Now if we could make the batteries out of non toxic materials.....Very nice EV /ICE combo.

I am guessing that oil changes etc on the rotary are are few and far between Peter. Great video, nice to see a different perspective.

Full credit to Mazda for producing a car that focuses on efficiency and range instead of out and out performance, along with what, in the current market, is a ‘sensible’ price point. If manufacturers are going to entice people across to EVs this is what is needed. I personally think that it again proves the point that for anyone who regularly does longer journeys a hybrid is the obvious practical choice. My ‘daily’ is a Toyota RAV4 hybrid which, in the 2.5yrs I’ve owned it, has averaged 50mpg which is fantastic efficiency for a comfortable family sized SUV and I have my ‘toys’, a V8 and a couple of motorbikes for my thrills! 😊

Really interesting review.Looks like a great car.

I own a 2014 i3 Rex. I just did a 400 mile drive, 400 back. Very comfortable, 2 gallon tank quick to fill.

Agree with all positive comments More of these hybrids please

If you can charge at home ( and are not lazy;) plug in hybrids are fabulous vehicles I own a Prius Plug In from 2021 and absolutely love it.

There is a reason diesel electric has been around for so long. This design makes so much sense.

When you compare this road test against the Peugeot 3008 Phev last week, where you depleted the battery on the outward journey and had no charge for the return. This car is so clever and makes a lot of sense.

This is what the Honda Element should have become. It even has the same door mechanisms.

I think you slipped up by not using all of your electric range before getting to the hotel. It would have reduced your fuel burn as much as possible. As someone who drives 10-20 (regular) miles a day, this makes much more sense than a 200 mile Bev and is simpler and has better range than a phev. We need more cars like this (maybe a more practical minivan/MPV). Maybe the futuristic BMW i3 rex really was ahead of it's time, and will become a future classic. Thanks for the review.

I drive a CX-30 and have been waiting for the rotary extender version of the MX-30 to come out. Sadly, Mazda pulled even the EV version from the US market. This car makes so much sense for commuting. I'm hoping Mazda brings it back in the US with the range extender.

Cheers mate see you Monday

Same drivetrain as my Honda HRV, but the Honda has a 4 cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine. Love the electric drive and 60+ mpg. Took me a while to choose the Honda, but a year in I am delighted with it. I am sure the Mazda is just the same. Good vehicles for the transition to EV journey. 👍😎❤️

Definitely a good review. Car worth keeping for quirks

Hello Peter! Now that is a relevant and practical car! It looks very good indeed and the interior is different and very neatly thought out. Last week I had a look at a new Volvo XC30 and was astonished by the truly awful interior with great slabs of super cheap black plastic! This Mazda is light years ahead and the drivetrain is very interesting. We have the Puma MHEV which is very good indeed but the Mazda would be well up at the top of my list! Now I have news…last Friday I collected my 2022 Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic PHEV! Yes it was a nightmare to insure but JLR insurance did come up with affordable Cover…eventually! After 86 miles, I am quickly becoming an EV convert! My battery is small with a limited range but so far I have got a physical 29 and then 27 miles in purely EV mode. Then when the petrol engine fires, so far it is averaging 46.7 mpg! You simply cannot tell when it is in EV or petrol mode and even standing still, I had to open a window to see if the engine was running. Also, so far I appear, as best I can judge, I have used three litres of petrol! Today we set course for an extended holiday to Cornwall and then to Hampshire. It will now get a real world test and I will gladly report back what it REALLY costs and how it works. I’m still reading the instructions on how to set everything up! I would buy that Mazda in a moment..if the Puma was not here, I would be off to order one now! Stay safe..I will be around as much as WiFi on the Lizard allows..which is spasmodic! 😃😃😃😅Richard.

Great review, that car actually interests me, which is unusual for a modern car. Attractive styling, practical bumpers, The only thing I don’t like is the fact it’s not a proper 4 door, the size of it should allow rear people to get in without disturbing the front.

Hi, great vid and a really interesting car. What was the overall average mpg combining elec and fuel?

Finaly someone did it! electric power train + a generator for better range and much lower weight, since a huge battery wont be needed, besides 50M is perfect for everyday use

Great video to do many thanks I would love to see a clip of you getting in and out of rear seats no one seems to show that bit?

Really good application of a rotary engine and no other make is more suited than Mazda to do it.

I like the concept. Well presented. It makes a lot of sense, looking at the current infrastructure to recharge EV‘s. How fast can the battery be charged at a powerline?

What an interesting car in so many ways. Thank You !

I had a 1972 RX2 and I got about 5 MPG. I would have a 2015 Volt that GM says gets about 37 mpg. I think it is a failure if a gas engine is used that gets less than 50 MPG. Other wise there is not much savings if the typical range requires the gas engine to run. I certainly agree to the excellence of the Mazda cars and I agree that they are quiet.

Very interesting , thank you

I think this is a great way into future transport modes. It’s responsible in its uptake of precious materials and it solves a lot of problems besetting EV ownership at this time. This type of vehicle will see most people through to the next stage of the transition, be it BEV, Hydrogen or something else. No gearbox weight (just like the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Outlander) and a plug in for urban running for most days of the week, etc. 39mpg is OK on this run but as most do the majority of driving runs in urban situations of less than 40 miles a PHEV makes very good sense. My hope is that they are not massively complex, and straightforward/cheap to repair.

Very interesting concept.

Mazda really are quite inventive or alternative. I really like their thinking.

Another great video. I am thinking of getting a plug in but really want to know what they do when the battery is empty. This Mazda is the only one that I have found which seems to advertise it. 50L tank; 400mi range. 400mi is 640km. 640/50 is 12.8Km/L which is just over 36mpg. So PetrolPed got more than advertised. But 36-40mpg on a long journey is not good. My Suzuki Vitara with no hybrid gets 40-50 Another commenter says their Mazda CX50 mhev gets over 50mpg. According to owner reviews The Prius will return over 70mpg and the Ioniq is close behind. The first PetrolPed video I watched was on the long term Rav4 as I am interested in the Suzuki Across (same car, different badge & spec). And I remember Pete saying, when the battery is empty it still gets 45-50mpg. So as good as the Vitara plus all the benefits of EV running for shorter journeys. Early Rav4 plugins are becoming reasonable value on the used market, the Across being approx.. £1000 cheaper. The big disadvantage with these is the remaining years of the extra £390 annual tax. So in conclusion this looks like a great car. It is the right size for me, performance is fine. But the long range lack of ecomony makes it a no go. Obviously it would be better on shorter EV only journeys but you may as well save a bit and get the BEV version.

Great review, super interesting car.

Jason Plato will have a melt down when he sees those rear doors❤

Enjoyed your video very much. Everything is so well explained. I have a plug-in hybred, which I love, and I do feel they should be promoted more enthusiastically. With mine l can select maintain battery for long journeys and still have the efficiency of a hybred, i.e., it always starts and runs the car in electric mode until up to speed. Not quite as good as the mazda, but then the car will do well over 100 mph.

n Australia we have a completely different drive train, it's a 2.0L 4cyl petrol, with mild Hybrid it has a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic, vehicle weight is less than yours at 1400kg, it's called MX-30 M Hybrid

It looks amazing! Mazda goes its own way again!

Very interesting car I had a rx8. Nice to see the rotary engine back.

The original twin rotor RX7 Turbo Bat mobile. Was only a 1.3 .but around 260 bhp .

Bring it to the US and I'll buy it. Just what I'm looking for.

Great to see designers concentrating on efficiency which most of us want, instead of ludicrous acceleration and speed.

Hey PP, great review as always! Can you get the new mg3 hybrid+ and review?

I thought 30 years ago, that kind of hybrid were the right way to do it. The electric drive chain is the key to it. But at that time, batteries were a real problem. Now, I would most likely buy a BEV. What's needed is charging to be available also at apartment parking. That shouldn't be so hard to get!

Inspired copy 10 years after the BMW i3 - except the i3 REx weighs 1300kg, does 100miles on battery and 9Litres charges the battery for another 100 miles (and obviously quickly refilled)

You're spot on regarding the reliability and economy of the typical drivers of rotary-engined vehicles. Using the rotary as a power source for the generator is ideal as it has a low-stress role & still acceptably economical. The absurd performance of EVs comes at a cost regarding precious resources & I loathe them for that reason. The Mazda MX30 R-EV is ideal because it's quite simple, by not requiring a gearbox or drive system. The only downside is the door arrangement. I'd prefer a proper 2-door to lower the price while being accessible. If it needed to be charged overnight, a low-powered charger would do the trick and put less stress on the battery, reducing fire risks. An MX20 RX-EV hatchback version would be worth waiting for and totally destroy the small EV runabout or second car market mythe.

Doors to access the rear seats are a pain in the butt. I know two who own vehicles with such doors. They may be fine if one rarely have more than one passenger. It's only advantage versus no door (just the driver's or passenger door) is that the front seats do not have to fold forward in order for passengers to access the rear seats.

This would be the perfect vehicle, if only they sold it in Canada. We're stuck with the EV version only.

Brilliant review Pedro. Definitely an attractive proposition for anyone considering joining the EV club who currently doesn't have the confidence or the knowledge. Another compelling car for someone on a company car scheme who has a family requirement. They'll save shed loads in BiK and will have a very economical car. I know about rotary engines but many don't. How about a quick review about what they are and how they compare to other ICE's? Cheers.

This is the (short term) future. An electric vehicle with a range extender. The petrol extender/generator should be swappable with another battery or fuel cell, but that can come later. I like this small rotary solution from Mazda. Thanks for the review.

Funny you say that, I have always been surprised how few Mazdas are on the roads in the UK. The Mazda 6 is a huge seller in Aus and yet when l see one in the UK, l always do a double take, because they're so rare. Not sure why because they build awesome cars.

Yup, love that it isn't a 'flying ipad' like everything else out there. Rotary? Oh, yeah. Just the kind of soulful car they don't make anymore.

I guess that 39mpg is when the engine runs. So that could be double over a journey. If it had a different badge, it would sell like hot cakes. Thanks, very good insight.

mazda: we hate touchscreen so lets move the heater controls to the sides of a big touchscreen