It was at the Brussels Motor Show that Mazda just officially presented Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EVnew version of its crossover, equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine that uses a rotary engine that feeds an electric generator to charge an electric battery.

Indeed, the Mazda MX-30, released in 2020, was criticized for its autonomy of 200 km. This new version of the R-EV was designed to create a model more versatile for long tripssaving the battery for daily trips.

Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV: plug-in hybrid engine

The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV really has 100% electric range of 85 km according to the WLTP combined cycle (110 km in the WLTC urban cycle), which the Japanese firm claims is sufficient for everyday needs. The model is compatible with a charging capacity of 36 kW on direct current, which allows it to recover 80% of its electrical autonomy in about 25 minutes.

For long trips, the generator charges the battery and make journeys more relaxed than with a 100% electric motor by simply filling up with petrol. But at all times, it is the electric motor that drives the car’s wheels: a job that offers more comfort and efficiency. Three driving modes (Normal, EV and Charge) allow you to adapt to any situation.

Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV: 170 horsepower electric motor

Mazda decided to return to its roots by usingrotary engine to power this generator : under the hood, v Rotary engine with a capacity of 74 horsepowercalled 8C, was designed especially for this model and connected to the generator and a electric motor with a capacity of 170 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque.

This engine promises better performance than the 100% electric MX-30, with a Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds (compared to 9.7 seconds for the 100% electric version), and related to a Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.8 kWhas well as a Fuel tank 50 liters. True, Mazda does not clarify the general line of the model, but its fuel consumption 1.0 l/100 km according to the WLTP cycle.

Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV: special launch series

To support the launch of this new engine, Mazda has planned a special series baptized MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV Edition R : it has a black body contrasted with metallic burgundy painted roof arches that pay tribute to the roof color of the Mazda R360 coupe, the brand’s very first model.

Inside, there’s black upholstery with white stitching, and this special Edition R series features several specific details such as e-Skyactiv R-EV logos, a special key fob, floor mats with orange stitching, and is equipped with “MX- 30 Edition R” as well as the R-EV emblem, which can also be found on the headrests.

The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV will hit the market soon: the Japanese manufacturer will announce the launch date and prices at a later date.