New Mazda MX-30 R-EV 2023 review: the rotary engine returns

There’s lots of adjustment in the driving position, while the thin rimmed steering wheel is great to hold and features paddles to allow you adjust the strength of the regenerative braking on the fly. 

The rear coach doors are still more trouble than they’re worth, though. The small openings they create makes getting into the rear a challenge, and the small porthole-like windows not only don’t open, but don’t let a lot of light in, creating a rather gloomy place for passengers. The huge B-pillar and small rear windows also create huge blind spots – at least Mazda has made blind-spot detection standard-fit on every model.

The MX-30 R-EV and EV are available in the same three trim levels, and for the most part cost exactly the same. Entry-level Prime-Line models start from £31,250, and come with LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, all-round parking sensors, a reversing camera, head-up display, 8.8-inch infotainment system, plus a separate seven-inch touchscreen for the climate controls, cruise control, lane departure warning, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

Upgrading to Exclusive-Line sees the price jump to £33,150, and adds an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, Leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and diamond-cut wheels. Range-topping Makoto trim cars like the one we drove, cost £36,000 in R-EV form – £450 more than the equivalent EV – and get luxuries like a 360-degree parking camera setup, an opening sunroof, heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 

We tested all three versions of the MX-30 R-EV back to back and found that base models feel just as premium inside as top-spec versions, and certainly not short on kit, making Prime-Line our pick of the range.