Should you buy one?

It’s complicated. The R-EV range extending plug-in hybrid certainly adds usability to the Mazda MX-30 lineup. So if you suffer from range anxiety or anticipate the need for long-distance trips, but really want something innovative and good value, then the PHEV is definitely the way to go.

It’s technically interesting, nice to drive and looks like nothing else on the market. Also, the interior is a thing of beauty – as well as being easy to use – and the pricing is relatively affordable in cash terms. But it is a niche offering for car enthusiasts and empty nesters, and with that come flaws.

What we like

It’s a lovely place to sit, and the interior trims and materials really are quite delightful. The handling and steering show true class, too, and luggage space is actually pretty good.

What we don’t like

The interior offers only limited room for passengers in the back, and those rear doors are a gimmick at best, despite being a conversation starter. Most fundamentally although the range extender means you can go further non-stop, the fuel consumption on petrol can be pretty dire… unless you stop to top up the battery pack, which rather defeats the object.