Wankel engine returns to Mazda, but not in the way one would like

A Wankel engine, a piece of technology reserved for real enthusiasts only. At least for now, Mazda is definitely building a rotary engine into the MX-30. Although in this case it differs slightly from the RX-7 and RX-8.

The manufacturer has been flirting with the idea of ​​using a Wankel engine in its models for a long time. As a drive motor, however, it is often not efficient enough to meet current environmental requirements.

Wankel engine as a range extender

Mazda already said in 2018 that the Wankel engine would make a comeback as a range extender. Now that Mazda has an electric model to fit this range extender in, they do.

In the Netherlands you can currently only order the Mazda MX-30 with an all-electric powertrain. An electric motor with an output of 105 kW (143 hp) is located on the front axle. With it you can print from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour within 10 seconds.

The electric motor is paired with a battery pack worth 35.5 kWh. This allows you to drive around 200 kilometers according to the WLPT. According to Mazda, a larger battery is not necessary. Small batteries are better for the environment. According to the brand, the production and recycling of a 75 kWh battery pack causes CO2 emissions equivalent to driving 80,000 kilometers in a Mazda 3 with a diesel engine.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

If you want to go further with your Mazda MX-30, then you should reach for the R-EV version with a Wankel engine. How far this will go is still unknown. It is still unclear which Wankel engine the Japanese will install in the model. It is said to be a Wankel engine with an output of 38 hp. Final specifications will follow at a later date.

MX-30 without range extenders

Autovisie launched the Mazda MX-30 without a range extender two years ago. A car with a completely different philosophy. Autovisie editor Dries van den Elzen explains how this works in the video below!