You know the Mazda MX-30 that Europe just got as a fully electric model? It just went on sale in Japan but with a mild-hybrid internal combustion engine drivetrain. The carmaker said this would be the case back in August, when they announced this e-Skyactiv G derivative, combining a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter direct injection naturally aspirated unit with the M Hybrid 5.1 kW assist motor and 24-volt battery.
Mazda will also make the MX-30 its first
model to feature a revived rotary engine, which will be introduced as a
range-extender in 2022, as reported by Autonews Europe. The mild hybrid’s
motor-assist system is able to give the engine a slight boost, facilitating
controlled braking and providing better acceleration, although it will
certainly be no match for the all-electric version as far as efficiency, seen
as how the latter has a 104 kW motor and 355-volt battery.
Speaking of the EV model, Mazda will introduce the fully-electric MX-30 in Japan next year, but under a lease program. As for the mild-hybrid model being marketed outside of Japan, nothing has been made official yet, although we reckon it could be successful outside its homeland. Neither of the two have been announced for the U.S. – at least not yet.
In Japan, the mild-hybrid MX-30 is priced
from 2,420,000 yen (US$ 22,900) and can cost as much as 3,393,500 yen (US$ 32,100),
including tax. It is available in both 2WD and AWD and Mazda expects to sell no
more than just 12,000 units per year locally.
