The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV plug-in hybrid has received the maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP. The excellent results of the electric MX-30 e-Skyactiv EV that passed the test in 2020 officially apply to the new plug-in hybrid model.
Both MX-30 models scored impressively in all four Euro NCAP test categories: adult passenger - 91%, child passenger - 87%, vulnerable road user (pedestrian safety) - 68% and Safety Assist - 73%.
In addition, they achieved maximum scores in side impact tests and performance in crash tests based on children aged 6 and 10 years for both frontal and side impacts.
The MX-30 was the first Mazda to achieve an overall five-star rating under the more stringent 2020 Euro NCAP crashworthiness ratings with a greater emphasis on occupant protection, post-crash protection and advanced driver assistance technology.
This outstanding performance is the result of three key factors: the latest Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture features a highly rigid, shock-absorbing yet lightweight body. A wide range of advanced i-Activsense safety technologies help drivers identify potential hazards and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury, while high standards of pedestrian protection mitigate the impact of a collision with vulnerable road users.
Mazda's new plug-in hybrid offers the same driving pleasure as the all-electric MX-30, while offering new ways to use a car as a battery electric vehicle. Using a 17.8 kWh battery pack, the e-Skyactiv R-EV has an all-electric range of 85 km. Using Mazda's unique rotary engine technology, the all-new 830 cc single-rotor petrol engine acts as a generator to enable longer distance driving. With no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels, the rotary unit simply acts as a generator, ensuring that the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is always powered by the electric motor to deliver a seamless EV driving experience.
With more than half a century of expertise in rotary engine development, Mazda chose the rotary engine for this vehicle because of its unique ability to produce the required performance from a compact, lightweight and easily packaged unit. The rotary engine is mounted next to the generator and high-efficiency engine in the powertrain compartment. The combination of a 17.8 kWh battery and 50 litre fuel tank creates a unique hybrid plug-in with a flexible total range of up to 680 km, while the WLTP CO2 performance of just 21 g/km ensures class-leading environmental performance.
A distinctive design element of the MX-30 is the Freestyle doors, a heritage link to the 2003 Mazda RX-8. This innovative design also proved to be safe. In fact, "analysis of the deformed crush element from the frontal displacement test showed that the MX-30's structure poses no risk to the occupants of a frontal impact vehicle," experts said. "In both the side barrier test demonstrating a collision with another vehicle and the more severe side pole impact, protection of all critical areas of the bodywork was extremely good and the car scored maximum points for these two tests."
The Japanese company is constantly working to improve safety performance in line with the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy and is committed to creating a future accident-free society. The superior dynamics achieved as a result of Mazda's Skyactiv Technology also contributes to the driving safety of the new Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. By making the car easier to drive, they reduce the chances of accidents without compromising Mazda's traditional fun-to-drive character.
Following its world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show in January, the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV will be launched across Europe in the second half of 2023.
