The return of rotary! 2022 Mazda MX-30 range-extender set for Australia as new SUV looks to take down Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV

The MX-30’s mild hybrid and all-electric variants will be joined by a rotary range-extender next year.

Mazda Australia may be gearing up for the launch of its first all-electric model, the MX-30 small SUV – which will also be available with a mild-hybrid powertrain – but it’s the eagerly anticipated rotary range-extender that’s set tongues wagging, and it could be here soon.

Last October, Mazda Australia’s parent company announced the yet-to-be-revealed MX-30 rotary range-extender would be launched in Europe and Japan in the first half of 2022, with those markets prioritised due to their strict emissions regulations.

But speaking to CarsGuide at the launch of the updated CX-9 large SUV and MX-5 sports car, Mazda Australia’s managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, indicated the company will also launch the sports-car-inspired MX-30 rotary range-extender locally as soon as possible.

2021 Mazda MX-30 officially confirmed for Australia with all-electric SUV setting its sights on Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV

“We’re not sure when it will be available for us, but as soon as it’s available, it’s our intent to bring it,” he said. “The good news is they’ve confirmed it … will hit the production lines.”

Mr Bhindi also confirmed more specific timing for the MX-30’s staggered launch, with the mild hybrid – or M Hybrid – due in April, while the all-electric powertrain will arrive in July.

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Pricing for both models is still unconfirmed, but the M Hybrid FWD (114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 24V electrical system) will be positioned below the similarly sized CX-30 X20 Astina AWD ($46,490 plus on-road costs).

The all-electric powertrain is more of a mystery, though, with Mr Bhindi reiterating it will be a niche offering initially. Either way, it will battle the MG ZS EV ($43,990 driveaway) and Hyundai Kona Electric (from $60,740 + ORCs) as well as the soon-to-be-released Kia e-Niro.

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For reference, the all-electric powertrain consists of a 107kW/271Nm electric motor and a 35.5kWh battery that provides 224km of driving range, according to outdated NEDC testing. Like the M Hybrid, it drives the front wheels via an automatic transmission.

Both the ZS EV (337km) and Kona Electric (546km) better the MX-30 when it comes to driving range, but that’s where the rotary range-extender will come in, using a small petrol engine to recharge its battery while on the move to travel greater distances.