Launched in 2020 Mazda MX-30 – an atypical compact crossover in the line of the Japanese manufacturer: it has a rather stocky appearance, rear doors with antagonistic opening, as well as natural materials, such as cork in the cabin.

Under the hood, a 100% electric motor called e-Skyactiv has a power of 142 horsepower with a torque of 265 Nm and is linked to a battery with a capacity of 35.5 kWh, which provides autonomy of only 200 kmwhich seems fair enough for general use, even if the manufacturer indicates that the average distance driven by motorists on a daily basis is much less.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV: the return of the rotary engine

In response to the criticism, Mazda is going to develop its engine line-up for the occasion Brussels Motor Show 2023. baptized Mazda MX-30 R-EVThis new version is presented by the Japanese firm as a battery hybrid engine.

In practice, the MX-30 R-EV will be equipped with a electric generatorbased on rotary engine “unprecedented design”according to Mazda, which thus dusts off an engine that has had hours of glory in the past, under the hood of the Mazda RX-7, RX-8 or even the Cosmo Sport 110S coupe.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV: range extender

So this new use of a rotary engine (or Wankel engine) is not meant to be sporty, but it will allow expand autonomy electric motorization Mazda MX-30, making it possible charge the battery through an electric generator. So this configuration should be useful for long journeys, while daily trips will be done in 100% electric mode, just by charging the battery.

The Hiroshima brand has yet to release any technical specifications, but this new configuration should make it possible the radius of action exceeds 200 km WLTP 100% electric version. Other models on the market have already been fitted with an internal combustion engine to extend their 100% electric range, such as the BMW i3 and other Opel Amperas.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV: release in the spring of 2023

The Mazda MX-30 R-EV will be presented at the Brussels Motor Show: so we should know more in the morning January 13, 2023during the press conference of the Japanese firm, scheduled for 10 am.

This new Mazda MX-30 R-EV engine is scheduled to go on sale from spring of 2023 on the European market. Therefore, its prices should be announced in the coming weeks.