The extended-range version of the Mazda MX-30 EV gets an extended test from UK Car of the Year Awards director Al Suttie.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV Exclusive-Line

List price (BiK): £33,440 (8%) CO2: 21g/km Economy: 282.5mpg Test efficiency: 48.8mpg

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Monday

The range-extender electric car has been somewhat forgotten and neglected, so it’s perhaps not surprising that Mazda has taken up the cause. Mazda has championed the rotary engine for decades and this is the petrol motor in the MX-30 R-EV, so it combines two cases for Mazda to make – rotary and range-extender – in one car. Whatever the MX-30 R-EV is like, it will be an interesting few days.

Tuesday

When I tried the all-electric MX-30, it was the first EV that felt truly fun to drive rather than just nailing its eco credentials to the mast. More EVs have come along since that are enjoyable to use, but few get as close to the pleasure of using this MX-30 R-EV. It handles with a dash of panache, rides well and has accurate steering. It certainly deserves the ‘MX’ in its title as there is more than a passing resemblance to how an MX-5 drives.

Wednesday

A few short hop trips have been completed on electric power alone, helped by selecting the EV mode. Today, a longer jaunt sees me heading into Edinburgh and then across to Fife before back home. All in, it’s about 130 miles and the MX-30 does it without any hassle. The rotary engine is too audible at lower speeds, but it does fade more into the background at motorway pace.

Thursday

The MX-30’s cabin is a curious mix. I’m a big fan of the looks, the cork detailing, and the excellent infotainment set-up. There’s also good space in the front, and build quality is beyond reproach. What’s less impressive is rear seat space and over-the-shoulder vision for the drive due to the thick rear pillars created by the clap-hand door opening arrangement.

Friday

Taking the MX-30 to a charge point this morning – I don’t have a home charger – it was disappointing to find three out of four not working and the fourth already occupied. Without time to look for another, I relied on the range-extender motor and everything went smoothly. In this form, the MX-30 seems to exceed the claimed combined economy of 37.2mpg with ease, returning nearer 50mpg, though nothing like the claimed 282.5mpg.

Saturday

Idly flicking through the stats for the MX-30, I’m reminded the pure EV model has a driving range claimed at a paltry 124 miles. The R-EV can manage a claimed 53 miles, which is more like 40 in normal driving, on the battery alone. However, with the rotary engine as back-up, the R-EV has a range of around 400 miles. Surely that makes a solid case for the range-extender even if BiK rates rise to 8% for the R-EV compared to 2% for the EV model?

Sunday

A week with the Mazda MX-30 R-EV has indeed been interesting. I like the combination of 830cc rotary engine and EV drive, the range it delivers, and its generally smooth operation. A little more refinement from the petrol engine at lower speeds would be good, but as a step towards electrification while retaining longer distance flexibility, it’s a well-considered package.