Mazda MX-30: coming to the US this fall…
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It is now official. The 2022 Mazda MX-30 will go on sale in the US this fall. The EV version is coming first. With a plug-in hybrid model next year.
I really think the MX-30 could be interesting. But that tiny electric range of around 100 miles isn’t going to cut it. I am not sure how many Electric Minis have been sold over here, but probably not a lot.
Even though, I think a short 110 miles range is more acceptable on a small city car like the Mini. But a larger crossover really needs to be able to travel further. They claim an 80% charge in about 30 minutes. Which would be OK. But that still would only give you only 80 miles at the most.
The plug-in hybrid version seems much more interesting. If they can keep the pure EV range at around 100 miles that is. The small extra engine/generator will be a rotary unit. Which sounds cool.
Although I remember rotary engines being pretty bad as far as gas mileage goes…
As you all probably know by now, I am a huge Mazda fan. That said, I am very disappointed with the MX-30. Too little, too late. At least it's a start though.
This is a total fail. Terrible range, ugly beyond belief, and with those rear opening doors that no one wants (see Mazda RX-8, Honda Element, BMW i3, etc).
10 years ago, sure, but not now
Rotary engines are actually most efficient at a constant speed so their application as a generator is perfect for the job.
You'd think they would call the plug-in version the RX-30 since the range extender is a rotary!