Mazda’s first rotary engine in a decade announced (and it’s a PHEV)

The rotary engine wasn’t invented by Mazda, but the company is forever linked with the unique engine layout thanks to a string of iconic cars. Cars like the RX-7 have become  valuable modern classics, and many Kiwis have fond memories of even older models like the RX-2s and RX-3s with their unique free-revving soundtracks. 

Despite the cult classic status these and many other rotary models have, the RX-8 was the last Mazda to be rotary powered and ended production in 2012. Now, longstanding rumours of a rotary return have finally been confirmed, but not quite in the way many will have imagined. 

How Mazda’s rotary engine is making a modern electric comeback

Did you really think an engine known for high revs and high fuel consumption would come back in its ‘90s form? The era of the rotary as a turbocharged power plant for sports cars is long past, but Mazda has found another way to make use of its unique characteristics. 

Mazda recently announced the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a plug-in hybrid version of the all-electric MX-30 that’s currently available in New Zealand. Just like old times, the use of a rotary engine marks this caras a unique choice among other hybrid vehicles. 

The unit in the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is just 830cc, so you may be wondering how it could move a crossover at any respectable speed. Well, it’s described as a “range extender”, helping to charge the car’s battery pack and contribute to an overall range of 644 kilometres. Like many other PHEVs, it can run on battery power alone too, for smooth and silent commutes. In this mode, Mazda is expecting 85 km of range. 

Oh and the letter R in the car’s name? Mazda says it stands for return. They know people have been waiting.

What makes the rotary a perfect range extender?

Even though few brands other than Mazda made the rotary such an integral part of their lineups, the engine has a number of advantages over regular piston engines. The rotating motion of the engine, rather than having a set of pistons moving up and down, makes for a smooth power delivery, and results in less vibration. In quiet cars like electric vehicles, that lack of vibration will help to create a comfortable environment. 

They’re also much smaller than a regular piston engine, which means Mazda can better place the range extender for optimal weight distribution, while also freeing up space in the vehicle. That small size was part of the reason rotaries were so useful for Mazda’s nimble sports cars. 

Without getting too technical, rotaries are more useful when run at a consistent speed. So by using them as a generator for the batteries, Mazda is able to ensure optimal efficiency while also extending the engine’s lifespan. So while it’s far cry from what Mazda used to use rotary engines for, it makes a lot of sense. 

When will Kiwi drivers get their hands on one?

The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV debuted recently in Europe, with similar pricing to the all-electric version already on sale here in New Zealand. While the exact details of pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed, current expectations are for the car to be on sale here by 2024. 

Kiwis love a rotary, and we love a crossover, so surely Mazda putting the two favourites together will result in a winner. To find out more or see what else the team at Niccars has on offer, give us a call or stop by one of our locations.