Electrification continues to play a role in our society’s move toward a carbon-neutral future, and in Mazda’s case, this doesn’t mean abandoning the internal combustion engine (ICE). Instead, they aim to augment electrification with the ICE as a bridge for the two technologies before going all-in on an electric future. This unlikely ally comes from an engine that everyone has mostly abandoned but Mazda, the rotary engine that’s fitted into the Mazda MX-30 R-EV.
As the nomenclature suggests, the MX-30 R-EV is actually an electric vehicle (EV), but the “R” stands for rotary. That’s because, while the rotary engine is back, it doesn’t power the wheels of this MX-30. Instead, the 830cc spinning Dorito only charges the 17.8 kWh battery that’s enough for 85 km of range. Together with the rotary generator, the MX-30 R-EV has a total driving range of 600 km.
So yes, think of the Mazda MX-30 R-EV as a Kicks e-Power, but with a larger battery. Therefore, this can be charged in 50 minutes through 11 kW AC, or 25 minutes from 20 to 80 percent through the fastest 36 kW DC. Furthermore, that electric motor powers the front wheels, with output being at a modest 164 horsepower and 260 Nm. This is good enough for an equally modest 0-100 kph time of 9.1 seconds.
As for its design, the 2025 Mazda MX-30 R-EV looks largely the same as the original pure EV model that debuted in 2019, but with a few changes. The MX-30 R-EV gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels and an available black and deep red two-tone paint finish that’s exclusive to this variant. The MX-30 R-EV also has a reverse-hinge design for the rear doors, Toyota FJ Cruiser-style. Therefore, the rear doors can only be opened if the front doors are also opened.
Once opening those doors, you’l be greeted to a typically premium interior that the Mazda brand has been known for. There’s a 7-inch partly-digital instrument cluster, along with generous physical controls despite the presence of a secondary touchscreen for the climate controls. There’s also the familiar 8.8-inch infotainment running the latest generation Mazda Connect operating system, and it gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Bose sound system. Finally, the cork board material that debuted in the MX-30 carries over in this model, giving the interior a premium yet sustainable touch.
While this may be a novel and unique step for Mazda Philippines to continue its path towards electrification, the MX-30 R-EV is only being previewed for the Philippine market. Given enough public interest for this model, Mazda Philippines may consider bringing this model into the Philippine market.
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