Rotary-Powered Mazda MX-30 PHEV To Debut January 13
The Mazda MX-30 is about to make the jump from EV, to PHEV.
It’s been speculated for a long time, but it looks like now we’ve got official confirmation; Mazda is bringing back the rotary engine. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that it’ll be in sportscar form, instead, it’ll show up as a range extender engine for the Mazda MX-30. The once-rumored powertrain will make its debut on January 13, at the Brussels Motor Show.
Very little information is known about the forthcoming rotary-powered MX-30, but the MX-30’s rotary will likely act as a range extender, similar to the old BMW i3. Meaning, the engine won’t be connected to the wheels, only serving to recharge the batteries when they get low. Whether or not power, electric range, or battery size will be affected, remains yet to be seen.
What we do know, is that there’s a new logo for the forthcoming car. It looks a lot like the typical rotary engine shape, with an “e” hidden inside, likely referring to the vehicle’s primarily electric motivation.
In its current form, the Mazda MX-30 hasn’t been a very compelling offering. Its 35.5-kilowatt-hour battery is only good for about 100 miles of range. It has a tight interior, and high price tag for its lack of range, no wonder that Mazda sold less than 400 cars for all of 2022 in the United States. Still, perhaps a range extender could add utility to the compromised EV, and make it an intriguing offering against other PHEVs like the Toyota Prius Prime.
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Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.
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We were one of the victims of the early rotary engines and Mazada did not back up the replacements subsequently we will never buy another Mazda product.
This could be the most expensive vehicle to repair, given the electrification and rotary power train.