2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV rotary hybrid unveiled
Aussie launch not yet locked in as rotary power returns to Mazda via MX-30 small SUVRotary power has officially returned to Mazda, with the long-awaited 2023 Mazda MX-30 Skyactiv R-EV launching in Europe ahead of a possible Australian introduction next year.
Mazda Australia has not yet confirmed a launch date for the rotary plug-in hybrid, but has sought trademark protection here and senior management has previously made it clear to carsales that “it’s very much our desire and our plan to have it in the line-up”.
Making its European debut at the Brussels motor show, where UK pricing and model range details were also announced, the 2023 Mazda MX-30 Skyactiv R-EV is a range-extender version of the battery-electric MX-30 Electric.
The R-EV combines a 125kW/260Nm electric motor and small 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery with an 883cc rotary engine with a 50-litre fuel tank.
The combustion engine provides charge for the battery pack to extend the range well beyond the EV-only figure of 85km – as far as 640km on a full charge and full tank of fuel, according to Mazda.
By comparison, the electric-only Euro-spec MX-30 produces 107kW/271kW and, drawing from a larger 35.5kWh battery pack, can travel up to 124km before needing to recharge. The EV is also lighter at 1750kg compared to the R-EV at 1881kg.
Three drive modes encompassing Normal, EV and Charge are available on the R-EV, with Normal delivering electric drive if there’s enough charge and automatically switching to the rotary engine to supply more power as needed.
“If more power is required than the battery level can deliver – for example, when accelerating – the rotary engine generator will activate based on the degree of accelerator opening and supply the battery with more power,” says Mazda.
Owners can set a battery reserve threshold to dictate when the petrol engine fires up while driving in EV mode to avoid completely depleting the battery.
Mazda quotes 4h50min for a 20-80 per cent recharge using a 2.4kW domestic AC outlet, down to 90min for Mode 3 AC charging and 25min with a 50kW DC fast-charger.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is being offered in the UK in three different trim levels, but a Mazda Australia spokesperson today told carsales that the reborn rotary was not a major priority this year.
“Globally, Mazda introduces models and powertrains to markets based on a multi-solution strategy that considers regional differences in energy production, environmental regulations, and customer needs,” the spokesperson said.
“In Australia, this year we’re focused on launching our new large platform hybrid models in Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-90, plus a range of updates across key model lines including Mazda CX-8 and Mazda6.”
Mazda’s love affair with rotary engines dates back to the 1960s and has been one of the hottest talking points in recent years with the prospect of the RX nameplate returning with an all-new sports car.
Its return in the MX-30 is unlikely to produce a sales boom for the small SUV, but enthusiasts will be watching carefully to see where Mazda takes the R-EV technology.
Related: 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV rotary hybrid reveal locked in
Related: Mazda rotary engines edge closer to Australia
Related: Confirmed: Mazda rotary to return next year
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