Mazda is one of the first and only automakers currently producing a Wankel engine with a rotary piston, it was last delivered in the Mazda RX-8 and is sold in the Mazda MX-30 since October 2023.[8] It works as a generator and increases range with the support of an electric motor.
The MX-30 is powered by an electric motor supported by a 35.5 kWh battery with a power output of 105 kW (141 hp; 143 PS) and 264 N⋅m (195 lbf⋅ft) torque, offering a range of 209 km (130 mi).[12] Up to 80% charge can be achieved within 30 to 40 minutes via 40 kW DC charging. With a 6.6 kW AC (1 phase, 230V, 29A) charging unit, the MX-30 is claimed to get fully recharged within 4.5 hours.[13]
The plug-in hybrid variant was presented on 14 January 2023.[4] Its drivetrain operates in series, featuring a rotary engine that acts as a range extender to recharge the batteries, but not to power the vehicle's wheels directly.[14] The Wankel engine is a naturally aspirated single-rotor unit with a chamber volume of 830 cc, petrol direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation, a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter. Its rated power output is 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp).[4] In Japan, Australia and New Zealand, a gasoline-powered all-wheel-drive mild hybrid version is also available. This version is powered by Mazda's 2.0 L e-Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine.[15]
Markets
Europe
The MX-30 was introduced for the Europe region in the third quarter of 2020.[16][17] Two powertrain options were available: e-Skyactiv (BEV) and e-Skyactiv-R (PHEV).[18]
Japan
The MX-30 went on sale in Japan in 8 October 2020, in a sole grade with four combination packages available. At launch, a 100th Anniversary Special Commemorative Vehicle special edition variant was available, to commemorate the 100th anniversary since the founding as its predecessor Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, Limited in 1920. [19] The e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid powertrain was marketed first, as it was easy option for many consumers and battery electric vehicles were not high selling compared to hybrid electric vehicles.[20]
In January 2021, the MX-30 EV was released in Japan with three trim levels available at launch: EV, EV Basic Set, and EV Highest Set.[21]
In November 2023, the MX-30 with the e-Skyactiv-R powertrain was introduced in Japan as the Rotary Plug-in Hybrid, with a special edition Edition R variant available.[22]
Australia
The MX-30 went on sale in Australia in April 2021, with three trim levels available at launch: Evolve, Touring, and Astina.[23] Two powertrain options are available: e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid (G20e) and the battery electric e-Skyactiv (E35), the latter powertrain comes exclusively in the Astina trim that shortly went on sale in August 2021.[24]
New Zealand
The MX-30 was launched in New Zealand in May 2021 in a sole variant, the e-Skyactiv BEV in the Takami trim.[25] In October 2021, the e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid powertrain in the Limited trim followed.[26]
North America
The MX-30 EV went on sale in USA in August 2021 with sales limited to the state of California, as a sole variant, a Premium Plus package option was available.[27] In July 2023, the MX-30 was discontinued in the USA due to slow sales of less than 600 units and Mazda USA focusing on introducing newer hybrid cars.[28]
The MX-30 EV went on sale in Canada in February 2022, with two trim levels: GS and GT.[29]
Malaysia
The MX-30 EV was launched in Malaysia in 29 June 2022,[30] with deliveries began in January 2023, with two trim levels: Mid and High.[31]
Singapore
The MX-30 EV was launched at the Singapore Motor Show on 16 January 2023, in a sole variant.[32]
Indonesia
The MX-30 EV was launched in Indonesia on 11 November 2024, in a sole variant.[33]
Safety
The Mazda MX-30 received a 5-star rating by the Euro NCAP in 2020. It was also the first car to achieve a maximum rating under the new Euro NCAP criteria.[34]
The MX-30 made the 10 Best List of the 2020-2021 Car of the Year Japan Awards.[40] It also won the 2020 Red Dot Design Award in the Electric Vehicle category.[41][42]
Nonprofit consumer organisation Consumer Reports stated, "With such a small battery, the EPA-estimated range is a scant 100 miles. That would have been competitive a decade ago, but it's not in today's EV market." CR called it a "strange little car" and found the vehicle noisy but applauded fit and finish and said it was "a fun little handler."[43]
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