Mazda has unveiled a new, plug-in hybrid version of its previously all-electric MX-30.
The new variant features a petrol rotary engine – a technology last deployed by Mazda with the RX-8 sports car in the 2000s.
The 830cc engine does not directly drive the wheels, instead acting as a generator for an electric motor.
The powertrain, which also includes a 17.8kWh battery, has an output of 170hp – 25hp more than the fully-electric MX-30.
The new plug-in hybrid, badged R-EV, has a 53-mile range on its battery alone, and a combined total range of 373 miles once the petrol engine’s contribution is factored in.
CO2 emissions of 21g/km are achieved on the official WLTP cycle.
The R-EV is compatible with both AC and rapid DC charging, with a three-phase AC charge taking around 50 minutes, and a DC charge taking around 25 minutes.
It is being offered in the same Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Makoto equipment grades as the existing all-electric model, plus a limited-edition, range-topping Edition R variant, with cosmetic features marking the return of rotary power to the Mazda range, of which only 400 examples will come to the UK.
Prices for the R-EV start at £31,250 – the same as for the EV version – while the Edition R is priced at £37,950.
Orders are open now, with the first cars due in the UK this summer.