Snapshot
- 2024 Mazda MX-30 R-EV Plug-in Hybrid Revealed
- The rotary engine returns to the all-new Mazda.
- Features a combined driving range of 600 km; In Germany it costs the same as the MX-30 EV.
gave 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV Plug-in Hybrid has debuted with a rotary engine – but it has yet to be rolled out for Australia.
While it was suggested that the all-electric MX-30’s internal combustion engine would kick in as a range extender after the battery runs out, the MX-30 R-EV is closer to a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
After production of the RX-8 sports car ended in 2012, it is headlined by the addition of Mazda’s newly developed single-rotor engine.
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The petrol mill volume is 0.83 litres. It produces 55kW and 116Nm, with direct injection, a high compression ratio of 11:9:1 and an exhaust gas recirculation system to improve efficiency.
According to Mazda, the rotary engine has a slight vibration to ensure the driving experience remains the same as the all-electric version.
There’s also a three-way catalytic converter and a petrol particle filter, to meet the stringent Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emission standards.
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However, as with Nissan’s e-Power ‘series hybrid’ system, the wheels are always driven by an electric motor – rather than a traditional ‘parallel hybrid’ setup, which combines internal combustion and electric power.
The electric motor produces 125kW and 260Nm – 18kW more than the all-electric MX-30, but 17Nm less.
Under the skin, the MX-30 EV’s battery capacity has been halved – from 35.5kWh to 17.8kWh – for a WLTP-rated 85-km all-electric driving range, compared to 120 and 144km for the battery-electric model. There is less in between.
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But with the addition of a 50-litre fuel tank for the rotary engine, the combined driving range of the MX-30 R-EV is said to be over 600 km – three times that of the MX-30 EV.
Mazda claims the plug-in hybrid model has a WLTP-rated combined fuel consumption of 1.0 liters and CO2 emissions of 21 grams per 100 km, and battery consumption of 17.5 kWh per 100 km.
The lithium-ion battery will take one hour and 40 minutes to charge using a three-phase AC charger on an 11kW wallbox, or 25 minutes with a 36kW DC ‘fast’ charger – the maximum for the MX-30 R. Higher charge rates. E.V
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Three drive modes – EV, Normal and Charge – are available. As the name suggests, the vehicle will be driven exclusively by the electric motor in EV mode unit, it will reach zero percent, when the rotary engine starts.
In standard mode, the MX-30 will use electric power until the vehicle reaches 40 percent, when the rotary engine will switch to recharge the battery.
As for the charging mode, it prefers the rotary engine to ensure that the battery can reach a certain level of charge while driving.
In all drive modes, the MX-30 R-EV is limited to 140 km, while the 0-100km/h sprint is said to take 9.1 seconds.
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While it looks largely identical to the electric and mild hybrid MX-30, there is a unique rotor badge on the front guards and an ‘e-Skyactiv R-EV’ badge on the tailgate.
It also reviews several model year 2023 changes first seen in Japan, including; Zircon Sand colour, revised 18-inch alloy wheels, and a ‘smooth’ gear lever with shift button are now placed at the front.
Is the Mazda MX-30 R-EV coming to Australia?
While Mazda Australia has yet to officially confirm whether the MX-30 plug-in hybrid will make it to local shores, it could be sold here in limited numbers – such as an all-electric version.
“The MX-30 range extender is coming out… and we’re still queuing up for that car,” Mazda Australia marketing director, Alastair Dovac, said last year.
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“This is a unique proposition worldwide. There is some interesting thinking behind this car that could be used in other applications down the track.
How much does the Mazda MX-30 R-EV cost?
in Germany, 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV Plug-in Hybrid It’s priced at €35,990 (AU$56,000) the same as the all-electric variant, with five grades available.
If it does make it to local shores, similar pricing for the MX-30 EV in Europe suggests it could cost around $65,000 in Australia – compared to the all-electric MX-selling here from $65,490 before on-road costs. According to 30