Mazda MX-30 R-EV
SUBLILME MAGAZINE X EPIC DRIVE EXPERIENCE IN ICELAND
The Land of Fire and Ice
Sublime Magazine cordially invites you to embark on a breathtaking journey, experiencing the scenic splendor of an exclusive MX-30 e-skyactiv R-EV test drive through Iceland. Welcome to the land of Fire and Ice. Ahead of you lies more than 500km of exhilarating and captivating driving through the stunning, often stark, occasionally tempestuous and always breathtaking Icelandic landscape. Picture the adventure, watch the video production we made for you, and get ready to explore the fascinating features and captivating landscape as you live the MX-30 experience through Sublime's lens. We had the shivers, the earth shook, but we got home in time to tell you all about this Epic Drive Experience.
Elemental Beauty
"Embark on an unparalleled journey driving the all-new MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV through Iceland, a land celebrated for its striking contrast of fire and ice. Brace yourself for an exhilarating 500 km drive across Iceland's awe-inspiring, at times tempestuous, yet always captivating landscape.
Iceland's roads, especially at this time of year, offer an ever-changing experience due to unpredictable weather conditions ranging from rain to snow and icy terrain. Fear not, for Iceland's snowplough drivers are as active as the cheesemakers, guaranteeing well-graded, snow-covered roads. Every MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is equipped with studded tires to cope with these ever-changing conditions.
Your trip's itinerary is punctuated by these dynamic conditions, which can take you through all 4 seasons in 1 day, just like in Belgium.
Prepare to traverse an otherworldly landscape, sculpted by glaciers, with steep mountain ridges, wide valleys and lava fields, some adorned with a luxuriant moss mantle. The absence of trees tells the story of the Vikings who, centuries ago, fashioned the trees into their longships.
Driving in Iceland presents an interesting dichotomy; a maximum speed limit of 90kph that feels like a leisurely pace on sparsely trafficked roads, yet challenging when navigating unmade terrains, akin to a Keystone Kops' challenge in a marble factory.
The island itself is a geological wonder, straddling the Mid-Atlantic ridge between tectonic plates, creating an evolving rift. The relatively young volcanic landscape hosts 35 active volcanoes, featuring the famed Hekla, Katla, and the restless Grimsvotn, enriching the terrain with fiery wonders.
Iceland's residents have endured and prevailed over natural disasters, notably the 1783 volcanic eruption's 'Haze of Hunger,' which impacted lives across Europe and potentially even contributed to the French Revolution.
Amidst its vibrant geological history, Iceland stands as a beacon of renewable energy innovation. Mazda's MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, an electric hybrid designed for sustainable driving, mirrors Iceland's commitment to sustainability, integrating eFuel technology for extended journeys.
eFuels – a Viable Energy Transition
In the 20th century, Iceland transitioned from coal to 85% renewable energy, predominantly geothermal and hydroelectric. Geothermal heating is widespread, but challenges like volcanic eruptions hinder geothermal power stations. Despite this, they stand as a testament to Iceland's abundant and potent energy sources.
In 2021, Mazda, a pioneer in sustainable mobility, joined the eFuel Alliance. They advocate for CO2-neutral eFuels and hydrogen to reduce transport emissions. Mazda supports a multi-solution strategy, aiming to electrify all vehicles by 2030 while embracing internal combustion engines. EFuels, synthetic renewable energy-based fuels, play a crucial role in achieving climate protection targets by offering high energy density and easy storage. Despite challenges, pilot plants and facilities like Carbon Recycling International's showcase the potential of eFuels, providing an economical and technically feasible solution for affordable, climate-neutral fuels.
The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, part of Mazda's electrified lineup, was introduced at the Brussels Motor Show. This series plug-in hybrid complements Mazda's electric vehicles and features a compact rotary engine acting as a generator, extending the electric range to 85 km. The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV showcases a collaboration between automotive innovation and Iceland's commitment to renewable energy, offering an adventure through Iceland's landscapes.
With three drive modes - Normal, EV, and Charge - the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV provides flexible driving experiences. It employs drive control technology, including Electronic G-Vectoring Control Plus and regenerative-friction braking, ensuring a smooth ride. The car is compatible with various charging systems, allowing for flexible recharging at fast DC charging stations, and supports both fast and normal AC charging systems.
The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV represents a significant leap in automotive innovation, integrating aluminum components in its engine design to achieve a lighter and more efficient build compared to its predecessor. This approach not only enhances fuel efficiency but also aligns with the brand's commitment to sustainability by reducing emissions.
Employing direct fuel injection and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation system, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is engineered for environmental responsibility. It combines these features with a 50-liter fuel tank, extending its range for longer journeys, providing a versatile solution for drivers seeking both efficiency and distance capability.
The vehicle's 17.8kWh battery powers an impressive 53-mile electric-only range, delivering a green driving experience without compromising performance. With a high-output electric motor, the R-EV model maintains the engaging driving dynamics seen in the MX-30, ensuring a seamless transition to electric driving.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV introduces three distinct driving modes—Normal, EV, and Charge—each tailored to specific driving needs. This versatility allows drivers to choose between electric or generator-powered drives based on acceleration requirements, providing a personalized driving experience. The Charge mode adds an extra layer of control, allowing users to regulate battery levels as needed.
Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK, expresses enthusiasm for the R-EV addition, highlighting its ability to cater to customers seeking both everyday electric driving and long-distance flexibility, providing an alternative to relying solely on charging infrastructure. Whether in electric or R-EV mode, the MX-30 maintains Mazda's signature quality, delivering a driving experience that caters to diverse customer needs.
The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV offers three distinct driving modes tailored to specific purposes. In Normal mode, it maximizes electric drive performance, seamlessly incorporating a rotary engine for additional power when needed. EV mode prioritizes pure electric driving but allows the engine to engage for rapid acceleration if necessary. Charge mode empowers users to set a preferred battery charge level for specific scenarios or to power external devices.
The Makoto grade MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV includes a vehicle-to-load power supply, allowing the car to power standard electrical items via a 1500W standard UK 3-pin plug in the boot, enhancing versatility for activities like camping trips.
The vehicle features a compact rotary engine, a technological departure from the Mazda RX-8, utilizing aluminum components for a lighter and more efficient design. This engine integration contributes to the MX-30's class-leading environmental performance, with a WLTP combined CO2 output of just 21g/km.
The 17.8kWh battery and high-output electric motor are carefully chosen for optimal all-electric range and minimal environmental impact throughout the car's lifecycle. Steering wheel paddles in the MX-30 R-EV allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking, offering a personalized driving experience. The vehicle is designed to provide driver engagement and feedback akin to internal combustion engine-powered cars, maintaining Mazda's signature Jinba Ittai connection between car and driver.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is compatible with AC charging as well as rapid DC charging. Moreover, it can be connected to Type 2 and CCS charging systems. This ability to use rapid chargers is uncommon amongst conventional plug-in hybrid rivals. Using a 36kW charger the battery can be charged from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 25 minutes, with a three-phase 11kW AC charger the battery can be refilled in approximately 50 minutes, while a single-phase 7.2kW charger will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. All Mazda MX-30 R-EV retail sales in the UK come with a half-price Pod Point home charger~.
The MX-30 R-EV is offered in nine colour combinations in total. There’s Arctic White, Polymetal Grey, Ceramic, Jet Black and Machine Grey in single tone, while to further enhance the MX-30’s styling the following twin tone colour combinations are also offered: Zircon Sand with black side panels and roof, Jet Black with silver side panels, Ceramic with dark grey side panels and black roof, plus Soul Red Crystal with black side panels and roof. While the R-EV shares the same exterior styling as the pure electric MX-30, it’s marked out by different wheel designs: Prime-Line features 18-inch grey alloy wheels, while Exclusive-Line and Makoto have 18-inch black/silver diamond cut alloys.
