New Mazda MX-30 R-EV plug-in hybrid revealed

• PHEV setup utilises small rotary engine
• Pure-electric range of 53 miles
• Edition R on sale now from £37,950

Mazda has unveiled an all-new plug-in hybrid version of its MX-30 SUV, allowing owners to travel much further than they would in the standard EV model. Dubbed the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, this new hybrid will be sold alongside its fully electric sibling and will utilise a novel rotary petrol engine.

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The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is available to order now in special Edition R specification; limited to just 400 units nationwide, this fully-loaded model is priced at £37,950. Less-expensive, Prime Line, Exclusive Line and Makoto models are confirmed to be coming later in 2023, with prices confirmed to start from £31,250. In a strange move by Mazda, the fully-electric MX-30’s pricing will be adjusted to match that like-for-like of the plug-in hybrid, in order to give customers “ease of choice”.

As previously mentioned, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is fitted with a rotary engine; also known as a ‘wankel’ engine, these are famed for their compact size and high power output, but issues with reliability and fuel efficiency have held back rotary powertrains from gaining mainstream appeal. 

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The return of the rotary engine has long been teased by Mazda, and it’s also possible the popular RX-7 sports car could make a comeback with some form of rotary power, based on the Mazda Vision Study Model concept car.

Regardless, the MX-30’s rotary engine will be paired with a 17.3kWh battery to provide a total driving range of 373 miles on a single tank of petrol and a full charge. This ‘range extender’ setup provides significantly more range than the electric MX-30 which has a larger 35.5 kWh battery and needs charging after just 124 miles – significantly behind that of rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

Like most plug-in hybrids, the e-Skyactiv R-EV can travel short distances on electric power alone; with a pure-electric range of 53 miles, so the hybrid MX-30 will enable buyers to cover short commutes without using a drop of fuel. With charging speeds of up to 36kW DC, a full top-up of the battery will take 25 minutes at a public rapid charger, or 90 minutes at a 7kW home wallbox.

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Combined, the rotary engine and electric motor provide an output of 168bhp and 260Nm of torque, enabling the MX-30 PHEV to get from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds – slightly faster than its full-electric counterpart. However, like the electric MX-30, we expect the e-Skyactiv R-EV to remain fun to drive, despite a small gain in weight.

Visually, there won’t be much to differentiate both the PHEV and the EV MX-30 models. The e-Skyactiv R-EV will get model-specific ‘rotary’ badging on the front wings as well as a set of aerodynamic alloy wheels. Limited-run Edition R models can be identified by their Maroon Rouge paintwork and embossed leather seats. Otherwise, the rest of the car is mostly unchanged, bar a slightly smaller boot in order to fit a fuel tank.

Looking for an inexpensive way into the world of EVs? Check out our list of the top 10 cheapest electric cars