Rotary power to return with Mazda MX-30

Mazda has confirmed it will finally revive the rotary in 2022 by using the Wankel engine as an ultra-compact range-extender for its battery-powered Mazda MX-30 SUV.

Announcing the rotary's comeback in a video detailing the company's latest green incentive, Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto said a fleet of prototypes with new rotary range-extenders will hit the road in January 2021.

Mazda's boss in the video (from 7:34 onwards) then reveals the Mazda MX-30 hybrid will hit the road in 2022, with the tech being rolled out to other small cars.

It's not the first time the Japanese brand has announced it was planning to reinvent the rotary, with the car-maker showing a concept of them working as a generator for a battery powered Mazda2 concept back in 2012.

As well as the rotary range-extender version of the MX-30, Mazda also confirmed new details of its more conventional mild-hybrid derivative of the small SUV.

As predicted, the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV G combines the firm's naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a small 5.1kW electric motor and a 24-volt battery.

In Japan, the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV G has been priced from ¥2,420,000 ($A31,000) with buyers given the option of two- or four-wheel drive.

As far as introducing the Hyundai Kona Electric rival Down Under, a decision to import the battery-powered Mazda MX-30 has yet to be made, with its fate delayed by the global pandemic.