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January 13, 2023

Promise Fulfilled: The Rotary Engine Returns In The 2023 Mazda MX-30 e-Skayctiv R-EV


This is it: the rotary engine is back and it’s found in the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV—a plug-in hybrid model that uses the famous piston-less engine as a gas-fed generator just a few days after the Japanese carmaker teased its logo.

Similar to the Nissan Kicks e-Power, the rather clumsily named MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV still uses the electric motor as its only source of propulsion. In this case, the single electric motor from the MX-30 EV has been uprated to now make 170 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. However, unlike the BEV variant of the MX-30, the 35.5-kWh battery has been swapped for a 17.8-kWh lithium ion which gives it a 85-kilometer total driving range.



If that seems short, don’t worry; that’s where the rotary engine comes in. The newly-developed rotary engine is Mazda’s latest pride and joy. With a displacement of just 830 cc, it makes 74 horsepower at 4,700 rpm, and is small enough to be positioned in the same axle as the high output motor. Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV features a 50-liter gas tank good enough for a 600 kilometer range.

The rotary engine itself is over 15 kilograms lighter than the last Mazda rotary engine, the twin-rotor Renesis thanks to its all-aluminum construction. The use of direct fuel injection reduces emissions and increases fuel economy, while the engine also features an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system to improve efficiency at low rpm and low load running. 

Furthermore, it actually supports both AC and DC fast charging. AC charging takes as little as 50 minutes using a 3-phase system. It can also supply power of up to 1,500 watts. Three drive modes—Normal, EV, and Charge can be selected by the driver.



Marking the global launch of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV it will come in a special Edition R version (see lead photo). This variant has a black-based exterior and interior with a Maroon Rouge Metallic roof. It also includes exclusive design elements such as a rotor-shaped emblem sewn into the floor mats and embossed on the seat headrests.

Europe will be the first market to get the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV and it will arrive in showrooms there by the middle of the year.

8 comments:

  1. Is there a chance we will see this here?

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    1. King Vanette It will still be possible as many markets are switching to electric and hybrids.

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  2. Does it work just like the Nissan Kicks?

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    1. If you read the story, then yes. It works like the Kick's e-Power system. The rotary acts as a generator. Here though, there's also an option to plug-in too.

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    2. This sounds like a greater deal, though the concern is are rotary engines reliable? And are they cheap to fix?

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  3. Considering the CX-30 pricing here, expect a 2M to 2.5M+ range for this one of even higher

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  4. I admire Mazda for always trying something new, even if it always doesn't work out.

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    Replies
    1. I believe they're doing this for the enthusiasts.

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