Mazda MX-30, an unconventional hybrid

Mazda is preparing to launch its MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV by showcasing it to the French public at the Lyon Motor Show from September 28 to October 2.

As a specialist in rotary engines, Mazda was eager to revive this architecture. It first appeared in 1967 on the Cosmo Sport coupe, then on the famous RX-7, before winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991. Too polluting, the rotary engine disappeared from Mazda’s catalog in 2012 with the discontinuation of the four-door RX-8 coupe. Now, it’s back in 2023 on a car that is initially… electric!

But why?

The Mazda MX-30 inherits this technology, but not to drive the wheels directly. The rotary engine acts here as a generator to power the batteries, whose capacity has been reduced from the original 35.5 kWh to 17.8 kWh. With a purely electric range limited to 85 km, the hybrid system takes precedence to cover more distance.

The rotary engine features a displacement of 830 cc and a power of 74 hp to generate electricity for the electric motor’s batteries, which ultimately drives the front wheels. Developing such a technology requires a real dislike of simplicity. This electric unit has a maximum power of 125 kW (170 hp) and a torque of 260 Nm. Weighing 1,778 kg, don’t expect extraordinary performance for this hybrid MX-30, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and is limited to 140 km/h.

Thanks to its 50-liter tank, Mazda claims a total range of 680 km without recharging the battery at a charging station or standard socket, with an optimized fuel consumption of 7.35 l/100 km. Nothing extraordinary for a technology that has never really achieved impressive energy efficiency results.

A special edition for salvation alone?

The version shown at the Lyon show is the R Edition, a special edition available at launch of the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV in December. It features an exclusive Jet Black finish with red accents on the roof in homage to the brand’s first passenger vehicle, the Mazda R360 Coupé. It also inherits exclusive design elements, such as a rotor-shaped logo sewn onto the floor mats and embossed on the headrests of the seats.

The Mazda MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV will be available in December starting at 38,250 € for the Prime-Line trim. The price rises to 39,250 euros for the Exclusive-Line trim, while the displayed model at the Lyon Show will cost 45,450 euros.

An incredibly complex technology, an unmemorable name, silly performance, and fuel consumption higher than that of the best thermal engines. Honestly, this MX-30 will only satisfy customers eager to drive differently from the rest of the population and willing to pay a high price for this eccentricity.

READ MORE > Today’s Deal: Mazda MX-30 at €31,990 (-€11,960 / -27%)