Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV rated five stars by Euro NCAP

The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV series plug-in hybrid has received a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP as the excellent results of the battery-electric MX-30 e-Skyactiv EV tested in 2020 now officially apply to its new plug-in hybrid derivative, Both MX-30 derivatives score impressively in all four Euro NCAP test categories: Adult Occupant – 91%, Child Occupant – 87%, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) – 68% and Safety Assist – 73%.

Also, they received full scores for frontal and lateral impact crash test performance based on 6- and 10-year-old children, as well as maximum points in lateral impact tests. With the stricter 2020 Euro NCAP crashworthiness standards, which place a larger focus on occupant protection, post-crash protection, and cutting-edge driver assistance technologies, the MX-30 was the first Mazda to receive an overall five-star rating. Three important elements contributed to this remarkable performance: The most recent Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture has a bodyshell that is highly robust, impact-absorbing, yet lightweight. Drivers can recognise potential risks and lessen the possibility of harm or injury with the aid of a variety of cutting-edge iActivsense safety technologies. Good pedestrian safety standards lessen the effects of collisions involving vulnerable road users.

The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, which was unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in January, will reach the UK this summer. With its 17.8KWh battery, the R-EV has a 53-mile pure electric range. Using Mazda's unique rotary engine technology, the all-new 830cc single-rotor petrol engine acts as a generator to enable longer distance drives without range or charging anxiety. The R-EV is a series plug-in hybrid that offers the same customer values as the pure electric Mazda MX-30.

The rotary unit only serves as a generator, ensuring that the MX-30 R-EV always drives via the electric motor to give a seamless EV driving experience. There is no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels. Mazda chose the rotary motor for this application due to its exceptional capacity to deliver the required output from a tiny, light, and readily packaged unit. Mazda has more than 50 years of experience in the development of rotary engines. In the engine bay, the generator and high-output motor are neatly positioned next to the rotary engine. The unique series plug-in hybrid has a flexible total range of over 373 miles and a WLTP CO2 output of just 21g/km thanks to the 17.8kw battery and 50-liter gasoline tank.

Available to order now, for UK arrival in the summer, the Mazda e-Skyactiv R-EV is offered in the same highly specified grades as the all-electric e-Skyactiv MX-30: Prime-Lime, Exclusive-Line and Makoto – while bespoke to the R-EV, the range is topped by the Edition R. Revealed on the Brussels Motor Show stand, this limited edition launch model has stand out features inside and out, and is offered exclusively in the unique colour combination of Jet Black with Maroon Rouge side pillars and a black roof.

A rotor badge on the front wings and an e-Skyactiv R-EV badge on the tailboard are present on every Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV model. The R-EV has distinctive wheels that set them apart: the Exclusive-Line, Makoto, and Edition R have a black diamond cut finish while the Prime-Line has a dark grey finish. The Prime-Line and Exclusive-Line R-EV models in the MX-30 range, which has a starting price of £31,250, are equally priced to the BEV variant, allowing buyers more options at the same price. At the top of the MX-30 range, the R-EV only Edition R, priced at £37,950 and available in only 400 units in the UK, commands a slight £450 price premium over the pure electric version.