The Mazda MX-30 crossover has a new powertrain that marks the company's first use of a rotary engine since the demise of the RX-8 sports coupé in 2012, bolstering the new model’s range and desirability.
Revealed at the Brussels motor show and labelled by the Japanese carmaker as a “unique series plug-in hybrid”, the MX-30 R-EV partners a 17.8KWh battery with a 830cc petrol rotary engine and an electric motor, producing a total power output of 167bhp and 191lb ft.
The innovative, brand new 830cc rotary engine acts as a generator for the battery, while the electric motor sends power to the wheels.
Combined, the model’s 50-litre fuel tank and battery offer a driving range of over 400 miles, with emissions of 21g/km - a big range increase over the 130 miles provided by the current, EV-only model, which has a 35.5kWh battery.
The MX-30 R-EV can travel up to 53 miles on pure electric per charge, Mazda says, which ranks ahead of much larger plug-in hybrids, such as the Suzuki Across, the Toyota RAV4 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class 250e.
It can charge in around 90 minutes using a 7.2kWh charger, 50 minutes on an 11kW unit or 25 minutes with a 36kWh charger.
Four specification levels are available at launch: Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, Makoto and the range-topping Edition R, which is limited to 400 units. Orders are open now and deliveries are set to begin in the summer.
Prices start from £31,250 - matching the all-electric MX-30 - for entry-level models, rising to £37,950 for the flagship Edition R.
Edition R cars gain a unique metallic Maroon Rouge exterior paint colour, a unique key fob, R-branded floor mats and headrest and bespoke interior stitching to celebrate the revival of the firm’s trademark rotary engine.
Why Mazda reintroduced a rotary powertrain
Mazda says a rotary engine was introduced for the MX-30 because of its impressive power-to-size ratio. Measuring 840mm wide, the engine features a rotor that's just 76mm wide with a 120mm radius.
Speaking to Autocar at the Brussels motor show, Mazda claimed the powertrain can help drivers slash emissions by as much as 25%.
Yoshiaki Noguchi, assistant manager of Mazda’s powertrain development division, suggested economy was still the “number one challenge with rotary”.
