Mazda MX-30 - It's An Electric Gamble!
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- It's a compact SUV with a city car range, but there's more to it than that methinks. It may not work but at least we have something a little 'different' in the mix.
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Got an mx-30 and driven more than 10 000 km. Love it!
Have you got kids, Mats? We're thinkin about getting one as a second car but aren't sure about those doors...
@@Zkoon We got two kids but quite old nowadays so they seldom goes along.
I bought a mx 30 too. Whats your toughts on the car today? How is the range in winter time?
Do you still own this car ? Still happy with it?
@@MultiEski changed car in August but had it for three years without any problems. Was our second car which I commuted 120 km a day with.
This is the ideal car for someone like me. I ride a bike as my main form of transport, and use the car only if carrying more bulky load. So the back seats would probably be folded most of the time. If occasionally carrying passengers, sure they have a slightly easier access. I had an RX-8 for three years and nobody ever complained nor I ever had issues with the doors tbh. The range would be fine for me because I round hire a car or just take longer if each leg of the journey was more than 100 miles. I’ve hired it for a 24hr test drive and loved the driving experience. I actually put it in mode 1 regenerative braking because I’m quite a sedate driver and got good mileage out of it on mix of B roads and town driving. I found the level of tech to be spot on for me. And it’s in budget. Still, want to try a couple more models out. Waiting for the ioniq 5 to see how that one compares
My plug-in hybrid only has a 25 mile range and I still hardly ever use the engine. I have had it a month and the tank is still full. I now realize that I shouldn't fill it up because the gasoline is literally going to go old in the tank. Once I have run it down I am going to keep it quarter full. I'm trying to make the point that I completely agree with you. a 100 mile electric range is not a problem with an onboard petrol generator.
I had the same problem with my Outlander PHEV in summer. The petrol just didn't get used and eventually the onboard computer said 'this petrol is getting old' and started firing up the ICE and burning the petrol off at high revs!
So what you’re basically saying, Ed McGuigan, is that you might have gone fully electric instead...
@@CaroAbebe I bought a used 2017 Bolt for the wife and wanted something I could do a really long journey in ( 900 miles ). Waiting for this years new EVs to be coming off lease in 2024 for a sensible used vehicle purchase. Most likely an ID.4 .
Screw gasoline.............Paul
Should have been called, EX-30, and have come out with a bigger battery pack.
You get this car and for that you deserve credit. 👍 After half a year still in love with my MX-30. Its super nice to drive. Charging could be faster but other than that this buddy from Hiroshima is reliable, fun and still really look forward to driving it. It drives like Mazda, it feels like a Mazda and yeah actually it is a hm Mazda😃👍
I like it, looks good, decent boot, more practical than a mini, and the range extender could be a killer addition for many people to get into electric transport 👍
It is NOT an electric transport if it requires gasoline................Paul
As a BMW i3 owner I can confirm that the suicide doors are a pain in the back, especially if you have kids. Otherwise, the Mazda looks good and the interior is quite nice. I get the idea of a small battery but this is about 30% too small.
Also, the fact that you cannot switch off the fake sound off is a major pain. Why couldn’t Mazda have made it capable of being switched off.
A switch would have been far better. A choice always beats no choice.......Maybe a Mazda dealer can delete it if asked?
a good pair of pliers will do the job LOL amg now i have no more radio.
Actually it does. I've done it.
Take out the noise maker and I would be more interested............Paul
You can turn off the noise in the settings menu. Personally, I’d be hoping Mazda release a series of audio sounds mimicking various propulsion systems - I’d love something sci-fi - like Warp engines from Star Trek for example. Or…..the expanded sound range of a General Electric Turbofan - with the sound of reverse thrust coming up if you brake hard…..😅 - or the sound of a Starfleet ship dropping out of warp when you drop below 45 mph. Or how about the twin “bang” sound of breaking through the sound barrier when you pass 55 mph? As a certain famous Vulcan once said, “The possibilities are endless…..” 🖖🏾
I'm totally with you on loving the fact that Mazda has built something that's a little different, a little out-of-the-ordinary...
Very practical review, as always.
Actually the BMW i3 REX is not the only EV w/ range extender: the GM volt/ampera got there first!
True.
diesel electric trains have been around for decades...
Volt/Ampera only had a 10kWh usable battery so more a series hybrid than a REX
@@whocares264 Again series hybrid not REX
@@garyallsopp6369 The last version of the Volt had a 53 mile range. That's long enough for most peoples' commutes to not require burning any gas.
Great car for a minicab as they can’t get out without paying 🙄
In my nearest town, the taxi driver won't start his engine unless you pay for your journey first......and they all do the same, so it's pay first or walk..... I have noticed that at least one taxi driver in my nearest town is now using a Kia eNiro...
3 door trying to pretend it's a 5 door
@@Brian-om2hh
I’ve an E Niro, brilliant car, can understand why he’s using one as it must save him a fortune in fuel. There’s a cab drive blogs on here who has an E Niro I wonder if it’s the same guy. ua-cam.com/video/5xOuWRqAdnk/v-deo.html
On the second car thing - there's also single car with a mindset to hire when you need something for the occasional long journey, which is what I said to myself when I bought my similar-range i3 BEV in 2016. In practice I've never *actually* needed to hire anything, particularly as the charging infrastructure improved.
Yep, that'd be me. At the moment my 'first car' is a bike, but that's starting to get slightly wearing during winter.
Exactly. When driving further afield you just need to find a CCS charger and this'll go from 10-80% in 15-20mins. Shouldn't be a problem even on longer journeys.
This is why I was happy to buy the MG eZS, because I knew the charging infrastructure has been improving rapidly and I could always hire a car. With c19 I've never needed that backup plan
@@chrischild3667 10 to 80% and 15 to 20 minutes on a 50 kWh CCS charger with the MX 30 😂? Dream on!
Two hours in my case having driven 150km, and still the battery was cold.
@@MrLongraphics ha yes I've since seen the charge curve. Shocker!!
OMG I think I would love this. Kids grown and gone, hardly ever have a passenger in the car (maybe twice in 3 years) let alone someone in the back. More range than my leaf 30kw would be nice as once a month I take a long trip up north to see family, so would be less than the 3 stops I have to currently do. I would prefer a sports car but there are none around at the moment, in normal peoples price brackets. Once this gets here I will be taking a test drive
If you want a sportyish ev try the mini, you maybe surprised.
@@markmilligan6616 Yeah I loved the mini I had several years ago. Unfortunately they are not available here either until middle of next year. Also they are very very pricey for what you get. They are the same price as a brand new Ioniq or Leaf. All very close to the price of Niro or Kona.
Nothing out there that really appeals enough to open the wallet at this stage. Maybe in a couple of years
Lost interest after seeing those daft doors
want to see them used in a supermarket carpark were it is impossible to open your door any were near full
😂
It's an RX-8 Crossover, Compact Utility Vehicle, and that is the biggest gamble Mazda made:
The quirky form factor.
The Range Extended EV is what the automotive industry needs, but Mazda should've put it in a conventional form factor.
I want an EV, but I don't have the wherewithal to install an L2 charger at home and I can't rely on public charging infrastructure.
My mrs just brought one home today. Got to say its a very comfortable drive. She only needs to drive at most 15 miles a day and we will only have the dogs in the back, maybe the odd friend once in a blue moon. I’ll see how its going in about a month.
How do you & your Mrs find the MX 30? Ordered one on last Sunday, first EV in the family.
Miki Chia its a really great drive for fairly short journeys. I did recently drive from Liverpool to Portsmouth for our first long distance drive and it was the most torturous event of my life and i’m ex armed forces. They may say that the car can be charged to 100% in 30 minutes but most of the ev chargers i have used up to now have very sporadic charging amounts that will be more like an hour charge. Some may be 30kw and others maybe 23 even when they are touted as 50 or 150kw chargers. A journey that would normally take me roughly 4-5 hours took 9 hours. Also without the use of an ev app to find chargers you are completely at the whim of engineers. I arrived at Norton canes service station to find all chargers completely removed without notice and no way to charge my car. Luckily i had just enough charge to reach another charger near by in a village. So in short its a great car as a run around but for longer journeys i would plan the whole day as a write off and take your time.
Watched a bunch of reviews on MX-30 and I found yours to be the most balanced and informative. There’s a lot to be said for lighter, cheaper EVs that aren’t supermini sized (or smaller). Very interested to see what the range extender version is like.
I understand the REX engine will be a small rotary. They are smooth, and most efficient if they can be run at a steady RPM. Could be a good mix.
I worked for Mazda dealers back in the early 70s and again in the early 90s. They make cars that are impressive to drive.
I would be worry about Mazda, they seems to not be aligned with their customers and their expectations.
I quite like the look of this, despite the odd doors. When I can eventually afford an EV, and ideally charge at home, I'm interested in getting this or the Mini because they are driver focused cars. It's not just about the numbers for me - if I'm going to spend on £££££ on a car I want it to be fun to drive!
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! But if you're looking for a primary vehicle for all year around including long trips, you should consider an EV with a 360 km minimum range knowing that in winter time when it's really cold (-20c +), you'll be using "heating/heated seats/heated streering etc..." which will have a negative impact on the range (minus 40% +) and it will take longer to charge. 😊 I forgot to mention, my average is 16 kwh/100 km.
No, not justifiable. Still polluting and adding complexity instead of batteries smacks of not being able to secure sufficient batteries to make a decent fist of it. That’s why petrol cars didn’t have a horse on a treadmill to extend the range. This is that type of solution. MGZS is better, cheaper so why would you buy the Mazda? And it’s another blooming SUV, aren’t we bored with them now, mobility scooters for four........
So I’m not impressed, but you guessed that. There are better EVs for the money.
Such as?
Those “party piece” doors would lose the novelty very quickly when you have to open your drivers door in the rain, getting wet whilst you let your passenger out of the back.
or in a crash
Or at IKEA in the parking lot.
I can’t see the point of this car. The limited range means that it’s only really suitable as a second/third city car. I don’t want to have to plug in after every day of using it after say driving 30 miles ( my comute is 18 miles each way with no charging options at work).
The rear doors are incredibly impractical. I could accept it if marketed as a coupe 2+2. But not for a family car. I also don’t like that you’d have to undo your seatbelt if you do need to let someone in/out of the rear seats. In addition to fart-@rsing about with the doors.
You could charge every 3 days if you just used it for commuting to work.
Which is why they specifically said it was mainly suitable as a second car! They never said anything but??
Ok, fine. Those with more money than sense are going to throw £25-£30k at it.
But that to me, is a niche market. Mazda should be pushed towards mass market vehicles.
@@colindavis1466 Mini Electric & Honda E sales would disagree.
If they did a 200+ mile range car which would cost £30k upwards then the usual ‘it’s too expensive’ comments would come out.
There’s no such thing as a cheap long range EV yet. Too early for that.
The only thing appealing about it, isn't even available yet?
This a stupid laugh as it's literally telling you to hold off buying one until they have the range extender.
A rotary engine is still something I really like (despite the inherent issues - so smooth though and ideal for an EV extender). I wish they would do a sports car like that (MX5 - EX?).
Still requires a gas tank.....Major turn off for EV enthusiest............Paul
I was so close to getting an i3 REX. Used pricing wasn't a good value at the time so got a Chevy Bolt but I still think a range extender is a great idea. MX-30 would be great for my daughter that always works within 5 miles from home.
I think there are 2 groups for whom this approach would be good
a) people who never make long journeys
b) people who make a lot of long journeys
I am in category b) and often (well not in the last 12 months because of the pandemic but certainly in previous years) make several journeys/year where I drive ~200 miles, stay somewhere with no prospect of charging, then drive ~200 miles home. No EV can do this without a lengthy time-waster stop mid-journey as far as I know, (certainly not one I can afford), but a range-extender could do it with only quick petrol stops (depending on tank size).
And I love the efficiency of not dragging a huge battery round all the time - I imagine even a range extender which occasionally uses petrol could be greener than a pure EV because a big-battery EV is using extra energy all the time to lug its battery around.
And there are sensible controls with buttons etc. where you don't need to take eyes off the road.
So it has a lot of pluses - I just wish they'd make a normal estate car rather than the SUV/weird door styling.
But despite the body style I'd still consider the extender version.
Door arrangement is the same as on the Mini Clubman from 2008.
Mazda RX8 - 2003
I share with you my experience after 4 months driving a MX30 rather than a few hours test drive as seen in most published videos, MX30 is absolutely a very gorgeous car, inside-out with outstanding finishing quality and very comfortable and pleasant to drive. BUT WHAT A SHAME!!! Technically as an EV, MX30 is useless! When the temperature drops to freezing point or even near, driving range on the highway drops to 110KM (140KM off highway) and worst is the charging time, it takes over 3 hours (in cold weather) to recharge the battery on a CCS 50KW/h charging station and not 45 minutes as announced by Mazda! God forbid, if you go on a journey over 100km away from home, you need to stop over 3 hours at a fast charging station to be able to drive less than one hour!
And over 10hrs on an AC (11 KW/h) charger.
So,are you suggest to wait for a Hybrid version?As I really like the interior of electric one…
Great honest review as usual, but this design it doesn’t work doors are crazy body damage potential range is useless
The Rex version would be like a newer version of my 94Ah i3S REx.... I've had my Rex for just over a year and it's fantastic. 90-130 mile electric range which is used >95% of the time and it's there as a back up for those times I need it. It's brilliant! I'll be keeping my i3 for a long while yet as I think it's fantastic. I do like the look of the Mazda though - it's even got the i3 like back doors (though personally the i3's actually look more practical/ rear easier to enter the rear than the Mazda's lol!!!) . In fact there's more than a few nods to the i3 in this car I think- even got the recycled fibrous material that also divides opinion in the i3, it's sustainable but looks like packaging material !
OK. I cannot afford a second car. Friends would still like to be able to get in and out easily (many are retired). I think that I will let others go for it. The Zoe is looking like a better bet.
it is so not right to say second car. looking at the cost of just having one car how many people are on living wage or less can either not afford one car never mind two and were are you meant to keep two cars
"for a very specific reason,..." Yes: to put you off buying one. Deliberately.
Head of Mazda is on record as loathing EVs. He has to have one on his books to meet certain regulations. BUT he would love NOTHING BETTER than to point at farcical sales numbers for this EV and say
"SEE, I TOLD YOU!! NOBODY WANTS EVS!!!"
To the regulators. Don't swallow the PR.
"Just like the Honda e does." But it doesn't. It's not selling. It's been a bit of a flop, looking at the numbers.
I had an rx8 and letting people out of the back in a parking space was near impossible..totally impractical in a car like this I'm afraid
I drove almost any vehicle under 45000 euros range before choosing this car. The quality and the driving experience are two classes up. It's a shame the range is 170 to 180 km. And to onboard charger is only 6.6 kw.
But the car!!!!!!! It's just top luxury and sport together. Kias Peugeots Vw Hyundai? Two leagues down . No comparison believe me. Only the mini comes close , just close.
The range is perfect for most people, the range extender idea is unnecessary for most people with how the infrastructure is expanding so rapidly. I think the desire to have a ton of range or a gasoline engine backup is largely psychological for many people. I felt the same way a few years ago and bought a Chevy Volt, the engine hardly ever ran so I sold it and bought a 100 mile range BEV since the charging infrastructure is fine around me. I can charge at home so I wake up with a 90% charge every morning, I can’t imagine myself truly needing more range as long as that’s the case.
It looks like a decent car, I hate the cork (I envision it being tough to clean properly) but otherwise it seems nice. The rear doors are less than ideal but I haven’t had a backseat passenger in well over a year anyways.
When you have a body design compromise, you claim the range was exactly what you wanted.
It’s bs, because it IS a compromise design.
Had a test drive in one on my recent search for a new EV. Rejected this on two grounds. First was obviously the range which just didn't suit my needs. The second was that the interior is oppressively dark. I think they only come with black headliner and in the back and particularly with the small windows you feel VERY enclosed. If the interior had been brighter, I might have given it serious consideration as I think it's quite a smart looking car.
Not for me. Trying too hard on the design front and it just doesn't work......... It looks like two different cars stuck together and is out of proportion. Why did they go for those rears doors? RX-8 leftovers? They just create an issue that doesn't need to exist. I think it would look so much better with normal rear doors and would attract more buyers. Personally, I wouldn't go anywhere near it. I don't care how well it drives, if it is ugly (Which it is from the rear and side profiles) and less practical than a conventional 5 door arrangement, I wouldn't even go for a test drive. I am however looking fwd to the new R5 electric. From what I have seen it hits the nail right on the head and drives it home in one hit. I hope it is as good as it looks!
I understand what you are saying about the Mazda. As a city car, which is usually less then a 100miles per day. When I was travelling for work, I was doing 20miles a day, if I didn't have to go anywhere. If I did, it was an extra 30-40miles. Which would inevitably still leave me with enough range after a long days drive. Make that 60miles.
If I take one of my commanders (police officer here), her daily travel to work and home would be 60-70miles per day, still leaving her with a over 30miles of traveling. Okay, most of her traveling would be on a national road with a top speed of 75mph (South Africa, and we work in km's, so I did the conversions so most wouldn't go, what the ...), most as in 90%. That still taken into consideration this would make a good choice.
If people are looking at these shorter range vehicles are a waste, lets think of it this way.
1. Off street parking with a wall box to charge your car (if you lucky enough to have a house with a big enough property to park, of a garage fixed to the flat that you own, sorry if you live in Observatory or a place like that where off street parking is almost none existent).
2. Even if you manage to travel 100miles per day for a whole year, which equates to 36500miles.
2.1. Still under the prefix that you only do that in or around town close near to where you live.
2.2. Charging a vehicle that is under 40kWh with a wall box that can do around 6kW/hour your vehicle will be charged within 6 hours 40 minutes.
3. Even if you only sleep say 4-5hours a night, you need to prepare for work in the morning.
3.1. Food, wait for it. Eating doesn't take that long. But preparing the food takes a while doesn't it. Say chicken something. Preparations and cooking in say an hour. Oooh, with your sleep it is already 6 hours with 5 sleeping that your vehicle was charging.
3.2. Washing yourself and getting dressed. Let's make it clear, not all of us iron our clothes and pack it away, most actually want the freshly ironed clothes feel when getting dressed. If I take me, bathroom takes about 30 minutes if I am lucky. Piss me off and I need alone time, be prepared to wait for more then an hour. So just with my bathroom usage if no alone time is needed, 6 hours 30 minutes have been reached and the vehicle would be fully charged already.
3.3. If I did the ironing my clothes before getting dressed ritual, because of the way a uniform needs to be ironed, give me an extra 15 minutes for ironing. The boots I wear, takes about 5 minutes to put on. Buggers aren't the easiest design and needs to be tied a specific way. So while I am getting dressed, if it is winter or excruciating hot, the vehicle is charging and can climatize to what I need it to be (warm and toasty, or cool and breezy).
3.4. I don't do this until I get to work. First cup of coffee. Do you do the kettle and instant coffee or coffee machine, take another few minutes just to make the coffee and drink it. In my do not do list, the breakfast squad. More eating, okay much faster preparations if it comes from the box and you use milk.
Still more than enough time to charge, pre-condition, clean, dress, eat, and off you go to work, plug in and unplugging your vehicle.
If I can come to this conclusion, why would it be so difficult for countries that have more access to EV's than South Africa.
1. Nissan Leaf, lucky if a 24kWh is sold. Can't even remember that they brought the 30kWh. And still if it is sold it is a mid spec New VW Polo or Ford Fiesta price. New Leaf isn't even on sale here.
2. Limited numbers and brands of EV's available.
2.1. Cheapest: Mini Cooper SE, around R650k, which equates to and A3 or A Class car. Not a working mans price for the vehicle. That is the aptly spec'd Trim S, the High which is Trim L. R658,000.00 - R740,000.00
2.2. Next in line is BMW i3 120Ah. Choices are the i3 (the price of around the High Spec Mini), i3 REx, i3S, i3S REx. Yes, I know. South Africa is one of the only countries that still get a REx version, but think of the distances we travel for fun. R754,200.00 - R914,000.00
2.3. Just shy of R2Mil, Jaguar I-Pace. R1,942,600.00
2.4. Not shy but over R2Mil, Porsche Taycan. R2,227,000.00
Looking at these prices, for me to afford a Mini at least, I need to earn more then three my salary. For me to earn enough for a second hand BMW or Nissan, increase of almost twice my salary.
Be glad for the incentives you receive. In addition to the normal car taxes when the vehicles are imported, there is an additional tax for importing EV's here, making most companies not even think about it. The cost of the vehicle will be about 25% more, just because it isn't an ICE.
I've done my studies, and as soon as I can get a BMW i3 or even a Mini Cooper SE, that is what I would be purchasing. As the range might not be long enough for my longer trips which is still short for South Africa. Remember the Speed limit of 75mph. At that speed neither the BMW i3 120Ah or Mini Cooper SE would be doing a trip of around 150miles. Which is in the mountains, so yes, I also know, the climb will be killing me softly and leaving me stranded on the road. If by off chance I can get the family to put in a wall box, the visit needs to be for around 5 hours to ensure that I can get back home. As the search for the CCS charger that is only rated at 30kW isn't even on par with the rest of the world that has a minimum of 50kW. Then again, if the charger can be found there, the trip would be just fine, as the car can charge while the family is together for around an hour to 75 minutes, go fetch the vehicle. And all is well.
The biggest negative is, the infrastructure isn't here to travel the whole of South Africa. We do have CCS, but you are left with a type 2 charger only if you have a Nissan Leaf. So for me, even if I like the size of the vehicle, it wouldn't make any sense at all.
Now think of it. If your salary can stretch to it. I don't know the percentage by you. With an EV you fuel saving will be around 65-85% savings. That smaller margin is the price of the public chargers. At home, you could be making a saving of at least 80%, if you even luckier with a full solar battery setup, 100%. Your initial layout, will be the purchase of the vehicle, whereas thousands will be saved on fuel. My monthly fuel bill of around R1,200.00 to R1,500.00 which is little in comparison to others that are around the R3,000.00 - R4,000.00. For me the saving would be R1,020.00 to R1,275.00, based on my driving style and distances travelled.
Look at it scientifically, not at the longest distances travelled per annum. Factor into the availability of the public chargers, the distance of the vehicle at a constant speed, which is your national speed limit or close to it. If the infrastructure is shorter by about 20% in summer then your vehicle's range, you got a winner on your hand. Because in harsh winters, of which I only saw it snowing once your range will drop. For you to comfortably make it, drop your speed by about 10%, which is smart if the weather isn't playing along, and you should still make the distance with enough juice in the batteries to not feel overwhelmed.
If this was an ICE vehicle, you would say that petrol stations are easy to find. The difference in South Africa is, on our national roads, the distances the chargers are from each other, are the distances you will have to travel for a petrol station too. The nicer long distance trip, is the more relaxed one. Yes, I know what I am talking about, even without owning an EV. A vehicle, is a vehicle, is a vehicle. It is just the fuel supply that changed, and with that the dynamics of when the specific vehicles economy comes into play. ICE, usually longer distances, but at a specific rev range of the vehicle. Don't even attempt to say, you car is lighter at fuel at that speed and it was that way for all the vehicles you owned. If by off chance, they were all the same manufacturer. Then maybe, Drag co-efficiency, rev range (ensuring you don't labour the engine), gear ratio, wheel sizes, thread, pressure, if you are a jerky driver or not, vehicle load, road conditions, air density, air humidity, yes your weather has a direct influence. Have been driving for over 23 years with a license, legally on the road for over 24 years. Now the natural environment for an EV is town. Need I say more.
Couldn’t agree more, I’m 100% pro electrification, but swap the current hybrids with normal ICE and tiny batteries with REX, and you have the perfect transition strategy for the masses. If only Mazda could have used tech and low weight to allow a 10% to 80% charge in ten minutes and I’d use it to drive 275 miles to Yorkshire no problem. Fascinating watching all this happening. Cheers Geoff
I really enjoyed test driving this over a weekend, the range put me off but I wish I had gone for it as the majority of my driving would be no problem
Wish you had? What did you go for instead? :)
So the range extender is basically a generator similar to the GM Volt had. Looking forward to when Harry can be back with you again.
Mazda has lost the plot. No parent with young children will go near this. Trying to get them out in tight car parks, especially with baby carriers will be nigh on impossible.. They might as well have made it a 3 door!
I think most people would be better off with an i3. Same peculiar door arrangement, but its an ev from the ground up and better range in some cases. For the size of this mazda its not very practical with them doors as far as an suv goes. My thing with range extenders is that you won't benefit from free road tax as it stands and if you will rarely use it, the money from that can put in over 5000 miles worth. Petrol engines like regular use and can struggle to get going after not being used after a very long period (two months or so is not unreasonable) due to petrol going bad etc. I notice this when go to start my motorbike after not being used for a long period (fuel injected and always on a battery tender) and more recently on our 2016 audi a1 1.4 petrol after it wasn't run for about two months (its just a spare now since being replaced with the tesla) and that really struggled to start and when it did after about ten attempts, there was a big stink of petrol in the air. Personally, unless that range extender will be at least once a month, its just another liability.
My suggestion to Mazda would be to announce a battery recycling and replacement program. The range is fine for me, but there will inherently be way more charge/discharge cycles to get to 100,000 miles than say a VW id4, which will lead to some more degradation of the battery. Announce a plan to allow a $5000 battery replacement/recycle option at 100,000 miles and I am in.
No we don’t need hybrids just go straight electric., I can tell you now this car won’t sell very well because it can’t do the miles
A ton of people cannot go straight to electric. What do you think they should do?
@@ElectricVehicleMan this is true. a lot of individuals who live in apartments who own cars or don't have optimal street parking cannot charge their cars when they get home and the closest charging station may be too far away to be convenient. more EV charging stations must be implemented in order to be "straight electric."
It will sell well to people who are not interested in the range. If you can charge at home it is not an issue, unless you really want to do long journeys, in that case don't buy it.
Agree about range extenders. Would love an i3 Rex in a different shell.
I actually agree with Mazda over the need for a "good enough" range over 100000000 mile range that appears to be the psychological norm, but and it is a small but, for the size of car, a slightly bigger range 160 winter miles is ( for me ) the point when EVs are all rounders. Especially with the Gridserve / Ecotricity news today. Its just too big a car to be only a city car. It needs a slightly larger battery and it would be perfect.
The range extender will be very interesting as it's going to be next gen rotary. Will be good to see how Mazda have cracked rotary engine fuel efficiency, oil usage, emissions and rotor tip reliability.
...if they have... im a big fan of the Wankel Rotary but i was very disappointed that Mazda bought the RX8 out with a lubrication design weakness that was only rectified half way through its life, that should not have happened given their long and extensive experience with the engine. Get this one right Mazda.
Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should🤕... said the door.
As a diesel and petrol cars owner, I fully agree that the BMW i3 rex or volt are the only cars currently (as a used sub £20'000 ) that would get me into an EV.
my mother lives in North Devon and we live in Derbyshire so 220 miles each way.
All the kids have flown the nest so just a small dog for the rear seat, and just the reasurance of the petrol engine to keep us plodding along on electric seems the perfect solution for people like us.
If they put the drive train in the Mazda 3 that would be nice , im tired of SUV's
Agreed - the drive train (or at least for me the range extender) in a normal hatch or estate would be great.
Cork seems like a good idea for a renewable soft-touch and grippy material - doesn't have to be beige either as it can be stained whatever colour you like.
As for the first/second car debate... I'm with you EVs are going to be people's primary car even if they don't think of them that way at first but ultimately I think it will lead to people buying more "interesting" ICE cars for that occasional secondary use.
EVM, we bought the MX30 here in Norway in January, and as of 2025 it's pure EV's only! No more new petrol, diesel, hybrids, or cars with range extenders using petrol will be allowed to be sold in Norway. So Mazda producing a range extender is pointless.
I made a video for this channel and pasted the link, but it won’t let me. (3 attempts)
You can search: Mazda MX30 Cold Battery
Agree with you and Norway
In Norway a range extender will let you lose out on all the benefits EVs are given. You will have to pay VAT on the car, car-purchase fee, road tax as a combustion car, no half price on toll roads, no driving in bus-lanes, no free or half price on parking, etc. REX doesn't make sense. This car seems like a forced unwanted build bu Mazda. It has so many flaws that is not taken into account or discarded in this video. The doors is a big no, the battery size is a big no, the not beeing able to turn of the fake engine sound is a big no, It has very slow "fast charging"... maximum 34kW also a big no. There is enough space for a frunk in the EV-version, but they didn't bother putting one in.
Totally agree in what you say. I made a video on this channel about the MX30 but I’m not allowed to show the link.
We bought one here in Norway. Look for : Mazda MX30 cold battery issues.
Look forward to seeing the range extended version.
Love the number of times you name check our beautiful, but frequently rainy, county 😁
I love that Mazda have done everything differently. The interior is the nicest I've been in this side of a Mercedes or Tesla. Personal taste of course, but I loved it. Just comparing with the Mini....
Thanks, not for me. The rear doors would be a pain, and of course the range is not for everyone, but as you say it will suit a certain market.
Good we are getting so many new cars and options, something for everyone.
I'm not a fan of the exterior really, but other than that I quite like the car.
EV Man, I've got a question for you - what's your favourite Leaf if you were buying second hand? I'm currently looking at older Teknas because they're about the right price, but I'm wondering if there's anything to watch out for.
Acenta.
There’s a vid in my channel about buying one.
@@ElectricVehicleMan awesome, will check it out, cheers
Wow, a review that mentioned disabled drivers. I almost thought we didn't exist until now😀. Nice car, may test drive.
Interesting design. What do the paddles on the steering wheel do, I didn’t think EV’s have gears to go up and down through, so have they given you other functions with the paddles or do they do nothing?
Buy an MGZS ev instead and get better car, miles and prices.
And you can get people in the back!
Better car is debatable. More practical car (Mazda what were you thinking with those doors), but dud sound system, shitty aircon, rubbish software and satnav and still a fairly limited range. So what problem is it really solving? It’s still a very limited EV for long trips and it’s pretty inefficient. That extra 10kWh might get you an extra 30 - 35 miles but at a component level, the Mazda is going to be a better car, better suspension. And unless I’m wrong the starting price is about the same. However the doors turn me off. I’d have to try it but I have two young grandchildren and getting them in and out of car seats seems like a back breaking exercise in the Mazda.
But not exactly the best interior quality.
I'd rather go with MG5 :)
Bought a Zoe as a second car... now we only use the Zoe :] spot on EVM. Also, if you can charge at home 100 miles a day is a lot of miles. Doors are just stupid though.
Just checking uk lease prices. 10,000 miles/year on a 1+35. MX-30 and Kia Soul are almost identical. Two "different" looking cars, but one has better performance, more cabin space, more equipment and much better range. The other has better handling and somewhere to store drawing pins. Fairly sure what I'd choose! :-)
I'm looking at a BEV with salary sacrifice (Once my firm agree to it!) so leasing is a good option for me. I'm also not sure what the market for BEV's will be like in three years time so have the security of just making the payments, then handing it back at the end of the lease term.
The back area looks closterphobic. Looks just as wet and cold at Skipton as here in Hartlepool. Nice review. 👍
Don't worry, you'll never have to sit there.
Totally agree. REx was brilliant idea on i3, loved it - the concept and the practice. Like you said - I did 36K miles and spent less than £100 in fuel which shows how few times most people do more than 100 miles on any single journey. The two downsides however are that every time you got home you have to charge, whereas in something like the Tesla, I just charge once per day (at most); and having an engine in the car does mean it needs a bit more of a service than a full EV. The one downside to the i3 as a car was the suicide doors - basically if you park in car park between two cars you literally get 'trapped' between the two open doors.
Hands down I prefer it over the Mini and on a par with the Honda, very nice car👌
the car is nice indeed, HOWEVER:
* Range will only be OK when it comes with range extender. Actual range in winter is just.... unacceptable. With range extender it will actually be a car I was waiting for last five years, as there is nothing to choose from, only the i3 REX, which is too small for a family.
* The doors. Imagine trying to pull out your baby seat in a crowded supermarket parking. It must be a difficult operation, putting it light.
I really like that, but then again I was one of the few who bought an RX8. One to keep my eye on in the future I think.
I had an rx8. Loved it but it was really thirsty.
Rx8 was really innovative at the time, I had hoped that Mazda might've carried that through to an EV, but this is a bit meh.
I heard they are using the Wankel engine as the REx, so you could have a bit of heritage still ;-)
Totally agree with you about an EV becoming the main car and an ICE being used infrequently for longer journeys.
Another good video. Nice work 👍🏾
Like the Cork 👏👍so pleased to see the end of TOXIC fossil fuel burning old technology ice car's not keen on carrying a ice engine around BMW i3 thankfully ditched the old toxic ice thing instead made the battery a bit bigger. 😊 We love our all electric BMW i3 33kw range OK 125 miles the new 42kw i3 190 miles better 👍😊. Good to see Mazda with a ev. Suicide back doors go bum first then easy get in. But wish they placed seat belt in seat not door 👀 good review thank you #buzzofftoxic
Good review. I like the car, it's pretty smart with some very interesting design choices by Mazda. Sure it has a smaller, but not too shabby, range than most new EVs, but since Mazda are also bringing in a range-extended version later there is a lot to like. After all, there's a lot of BMW i3 about it with that arrangement of the doors; the use of recycled bottle top materials on the door tops and cork on the flat storage surfaces; position for the screens; non-touch elongated SatNav screen with iDrive type controller; the HV battery size and range not to mention that it will come later with small petrol engine range extender that just charges the HV battery when needed, but without any mechanical connection to the driven wheels. Then again there's muted electronic engine noise reminiscent of BMW's i8 (I don't think it was an option for the i3 was it). It makes me think Mazda has raided the BMW parts bin and since BMW have discontinued the i3 and i8. Has Mazda done a deal to acquired the technology from BMW?
Rex hybrids actually make a lot of sense imo.
We have a 2014 Tesla and want a second EV, pretty much decided on the i3 94AH Rex due to the fact it makes longer journeys much nicer
Range/battery size would make more sense with 100kwh charge speed. Up to 50kwh is disappointing in 2020s
Not a fan of any car with black plastic wheel arches, makes the wheels look like 13"
i3 the only range extender? Er, Vauxhall Ampera?
I had an RX8 that was subject to the same derision regarding the party piece doors and in reality they were fine. That said, no-one bought an RX8 as a true four seater in the first place which you’d expect an SUV to be. My biggest concern with the MX-30 is Mazda seem to have failed to take advantage of the interior space an electric only chassis can provide, it’s a lot smaller inside than the outside would have you believe. I’m a fan of Mazda and I hope the gamble pays off but I fear it won’t as it often appears the main concern of new EV buyers is range, be it actual or perceived, and the MX-30 is going to get dismissed. I’m surprised they didn’t release the range extender version first if I’m honest.
The MG ZS EV is similar in size, slightly cheaper, standard doors, longer range, but no range extender. I think I'd choose the MG.
Driver and front passenger seat belts would be a pain. Imagine having an adult in the rear and them getting in or out. The front passenger has to not only take their seatbelt off but has to open their door. Fit a larger battery and make it a 2 seater.
And the driver/front passenger will likely have to move the seat forward, which means getting out of the car. One thing's for sure: They'll never be used seriously as taxis.
I would definitely be interested in the range extended electric version. Charge up whenever possible for short distance journeys, tank up for longer journeys or that epic road trip.
The range extender is a good idea , the suicide doors amount of external.plastic , internal cork are bad . And vegan leather is always fake advertising .
like the fact they are doing it the right way like the i3 but soon as you said compact suv means small for average ppl and families
Big mistake small battery and its expensive with the small battery nobody will buy it and if they do there stupid. Terrible design!
You didn't watch the video until the end you dumbass
There's a reason that everybody's buying SUV's these days - they're pretty much all you can get!
...Or maybe they tow, have a large dog and go camping in it.
That’s why I have one - the MG5 wasn’t available, and the ZS just about fits the wheelchair. I’m glad the 5 wasn’t available because the Pilot features massively increase the range I can drive.
@@JohnR31415 I used to have large estates, then MPVs but SUVs offer a smaller footprint for the same space and in my experience, handle better than MPVs.
Let's do some maths; "claimed/fantasy" WLTP combined range when brand new 124 miles from 100%. In the real world, average drivers might typically get 80% of the claimed range - 80% of 124 = 99.2 miles. If you wanted to preserve the battery, like many EV owners do, you only routinely charge to 80% of full, so 80% of 99.2 = 79.36. Most people prefer not to run the battery down into single digit range as its not great for the battery nor do they want the stress of running out or having reduced performance (turtle mode), so saving that last 10 miles for comfort, 79.36 - 10 = 69.36 miles. In winter you would expect to lose 20% range leaving you with an effective 59.36 miles of winter range. Many people prefer not to have to find and use a public charger so in those circumstances you're looking at limiting your outbound winter journeys to 30 miles. Then you can expect to lose a little range over time. So after 8 years maybe the outbound journey range could be 25 miles ish. This is why people want a bigger battery to start off with, not because they always drive 100+ miles.
They do have a big battery. It only does a 110m though😂😂😂. So I would be paying through the nose for these puny miles of battery storage.
The mazda would have to be @£10k to be cost competitive with a long range Tesla model 3. Tesla long range is @£45k and does over 300 miles.
So Tesla cost @£160 per mile, so mazda would need to cost less than £16K to be competitive on a cost per mile basis.
Range extender is not good idea as no mater how small it is and iyt is not connected to tyhe wheel, as it would be a COMBUSTION engine will will not get tax relieve of Full EV only. I am a MAZDA Forever fan (owning few Mazdas) but I will skip this and waiting for pure AV with a decent battery pack + range.
I had another look at this because used prices have plummeted on these and they have released the range extender version. Unfortunately they have halved the size of the battery, so in my mind, they've dropped a bollock. Any thoughts on the extender version?
Each to their own but for me the MX-30 just doesn't add up. Its a family car! But big bland bulbous bumpers that above the chonkey black bits look really fragile. A family sized boot that's 100ltrs smaller than its cheaper competition. Less range than most smaller EVs on the market, no where near on the market it competes with. Suicide doors, which are totally unpractical for families, front doors open massively wide, mostly so the rear can open but they're not practical for regular UK parking spaces. That fake engine noise, its a family car, the last thing you want is more droning on over the sound of your family saying "are we nearly there yet, what do you mean we need to stop again!?". Top or range vs top of range its a lose to even the ZS EV for me. Ok all its got in its favour is Mazda build quality (is that even a thing? Every Mazda I've drive has felt baggy before its time).
Would you buy a car that you would need to goto the petrol station every day? No you would not, so why buy a car that needs charging every day? Put a proper battery in it Mazda.
Needs to have 200 mile range at least.
I drive 35 km a day, or less. Everyone 's needs are different. I wouldn't have to charge this every day.
The environmental/handling/second car excuse is just spin - Mazda are way behind, so squeezed a battery into their ICE platform - how many people buy a car this size & price as a second car? At least the Mini & Honda E are fairly compact and the mini is cheaper too - Not convinced.
I'm debating with myself whether or not to trade in my 2021 Yaris Cross Hybrid for this Mazda. Great fuel economy but a little bit too slow and the CVT engine noise gets on your nerves after a while (plus far too much plastic for me). Current energy prices mean it's slightly cheaper to run the hybrid at the moment so perhaps I should wait till next year to see if prices have settled down.
Pretty much the epitome of EVs from the legacy manufacturers. Try all kinds of weird things that would normally only be found in concept cars so they can pat themselves on the back for being "bleeding edge" when what they are really doing is making their EV annoying enough that it will never appeal to mainstream buyers. They REALLY don't want EVs to be a thing, so they do their insidious best to make EVs that *look* great but no one actually wants to live with.
When is the range-extender version coming out?
You like the Mazda Connect because you don't have to take your eyes of the road? You take your eyes of the road either way, whether you have a Mazda Connect system or a touchscreen. For the sake of God, leave that banal "argument" of Mazda. Your attention is diverted more with Mazda Connect to find your way in the menu system with a "joystick".
Don't understand the mind of the designers of this car. Those doors..how the hell did they ever enter the head of a sentient being?
Worse..how did it find its way past multiple layers of management, people with common sense (and no power presumably) and end up in the final product?
Bewildered.
I really like the interior. I'm not sure what they're talking about with the weight... Only 70kg lighter than an e-Niro which goes over twice as far...and it's smaller
I had an i3 which this is but what five years later or more? The suicide doors is what did it for me. Hated them more with every passing day.
Horrendous with getting kids in and out of car seats and just forget a baby in a child seat. And annoying with rear seat passengers.
I take your argument about having it as a second car which will really be your first car, great point, but if you have kids or a baby or rear seat passengers for your own sake avoid avoid avoid.
Agree with you 100%. Loved the i3 with REx, but the rear doors grated more each day.
I honestly really like it.
I like the look and the range is more than good enough for me, I don't understand why you would carry around 300 miles of range if you only ever do 50 miles a day.
It's like those people that carry around a full tank of petrol to drop the kids off at the school.
Why do you need a 0-60 time of 3-4 secs when in the real world you can never use it.
Yes if you have home charging, many owners can live with this car.
It seems the car makers only think range and acceleration are the most important.
@@johndoyle4723 You might not use the 0-60, but you certainly do 0-30 all the time, and quite often do 30-60!
meh. i mean 110 miles of range wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't for the fact that it also charges quite slow for a car that will come out in 2021. in fact its worse than a 30kWh leaf. better looking, but worse. btw, is that a house plug?