The Mazda MX-30 R-EV announced at Brussels Motor Show

Mazda have announced the launch of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV at the Brussels Motor Show and the new model is set to reintroduce rotary engine technology back to the range for the first time since the iconic RX-8. Here’s what you need to know about the unique MX-30 R-EV.​

The MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid unlike any other. Similar to a battery-electric vehicle, the wheels are driven exclusively by electric motors. However, the 830cc petrol engine doesn't power the wheels directly but acts as a generator to charge the battery, meaning the MX-30 R-EV always drives via the electric motor to deliver a seamless EV driving experience. The 17.8kWh battery allows for 53 miles of travel on pure electric, enough to complete the average daily drive. When paired with a full 50 litres of fuel, there's a total range of over 400 miles. Once the energy stored from a plug-in charge runs out, or the system requires more for rapid acceleration, the 74bhp rotary motor kicks in to enable longer drives without the need for charging anxiety. Recharge to full in 25 minutes when using a 36kW DC charger or only 90 minutes at home via a 7.2kW wall box, then you can get back on the road with little interruption.

The MX-30 R-EV’s hybrid system has three modes. In Normal mode, the car uses the electric motor alone, with the rotary engine switched off. But when the battery level falls sufficiently low, or more power is required for an overtake, the petrol unit starts up to ensure there’s enough energy in the system to keep the electric motor spinning. EV mode forces the car to use pure-electric driving until levels are fully depleted, but if you push the accelerator hard enough, the petrol engine will activate. Finally, Charge mode is designed to maintain a level of charge during a journey that will allow pure-electric running in areas like cities or a low emission zone. The engine will then activate when the battery charge drops below the specified reserve level, charge the battery and then maintain it again.

The Mazda R-EV is offered with no styling changes to the interior but will introduce model-specific badging with a ‘rotor-shaped’ emblem, along with a more aerodynamic alloy wheel design that incorporate a black base tone. The highly specified grades remain the same as the all-electric MX-30: Prime-Lime, Exclusive-Line and Makoto.

The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV will match the EV’s pricing and is available to order now!