Mazda rotary production restarts after 11 years
But it will power the Mazda MX-30 R-EV range-extender electric SUV, not a screaming new RX sports carThe day that rotary fans all around the world have been waiting more than a decade for has arrived – production of the first Mazda rotary engine in 11 years started today in Japan.
Unfortunately, it won’t power a high-performance successor for the rear-drive Mazda RX-8 coupe, which was discontinued in June 2012, but rather the 2023 MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV, a small electric SUV that uses a tiny 883cc rotary combustion engine as a range-extender for its battery-electric drivetrain.
And in a double boh-bom for Aussies, the MX-30 R-EV still isn’t deemed a priority for Mazda Australia and won’t be available here any time soon.
Instead, the model is being aimed primarily at the European market, which accounts for the bulk of global electrified vehicle sales at the moment, even before its proposed ban on sales of new combustion-powered vehicles from 2035.
Splitting the difference between the hybrid MX-30 and battery-electric version, the R-EV’s powertrain comprises a 125kW/260Nm electric motor, 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery and the aforementioned rotary engine, which is fed by a 50-litre fuel tank.
The combustion engine is there primarily to provide charge for the battery pack and in turn extend the cruising range out from 85km (battery-only) to 640km – on a full charge and with a full tank of fuel.
Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told carsales earlier this year that the MX-30 R-EV was far from priority in comparison with local launches of new ‘large product group’ SUV models including the new CX-60 and upcoming CX-90.
Both the mid-size and large family-haulers will offer petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the CX-60 PHEV being offered from launch and the electrified CX-90 arriving next year.
Mazda has produced over 1.99 million rotary-powered vehicles and the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV entered production this morning at Ujina Plant No 1 in Hiroshima City.
Related: No Mazda MX-30 R-EV for Australia
Related: 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV rotary hybrid unveiled
Related: Mazda MX-30 Electric prices slashed by dealers
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