Mazda still plans to introduce a rotary-powered range-extender version of its quirky MX-30 small crossover, but it’s unclear if it’ll come here.
The company has been talking about its plans to introduce a rotary-toting version of its quirky MX-30 small crossover for a few years now.
The Mazda MX-30 rotary range-extender was originally set to be globally introduced in the first half of 2022, which was later clarified for a launch as soon as the end of this year.
Neither of these plans seem to have come to fruition as the car hasn’t been revealed yet, and now the possibility of a local launch has been made less clear.
MX-30 Electric
“The car does exist and will exist,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak, adding the MX-30 rotary range-extender is still on the local division’s wish list.
“I think next year it will be unveiled, and from there I’m not quite sure if it will come to Australia.”
This contradicts what Mr Doak said in early 2022, where he said the plan was to have the MX-30 rotary range-extender here this year.
Mazda US marketing materials previously referred to the MX-30 rotary range-extender specifically as a ‘series plug-in hybrid’, suggesting it would operate similarly to the now-defunct BMW i3 REx.
This means the rotary engine will likely charge the high-voltage battery rather than drive the wheels.
How much range the petrol-powered rotary generator will add isn’t clear yet. The all-electric version of the MX-30 has a 35.5kWh battery, powering a 107kW/271Nm electric motor, and is good for a claimed range of 224km on the combined cycle according to ADR testing.
It isn’t clear how much it will cost. The MX-30 Electric itself costs $65,490 before on-road costs, and if the series PHEV version retains the same battery and adds the new rotary generator, it’ll add cost – though Mazda could potentially use a smaller pack.
Once the rotary range-extender version launches, the MX-30 will be available in three drivetrain choices: the petrol-powered mild-hybrid, all-electric, and series PHEV.
Trademarked rotary range extender badge
Last month, Mazda submitted a range of trademarks to IP Australia for the naming rights to ‘e-SKYACTIV R-HEV’ and ‘e-SKYACTIV R-EV’.
This could be referencing to what Mazda might call the MX-30’s rotary range extender powertrain.
The company also submitted a proposed badge design for its rotary range extender, with the letter ‘e’ inside a triangular rotor shape.
MORE: Everything Mazda MX-30
