When the Mazda MX-30 made its world debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the car, which is based on the CX-30, was presented as Mazda’s first series production fully electric vehicle, and that it will go on sale sometime in 2021.

However, many have speculated that the MX-30 won’t exist as an electric-only model range, and that a hybrid model will eventually join the MX-30’s variant line-up.

A small capacity rotary-type range extender engine was also speculated to complement the electric-only variant, in the same way BMW offers an optional 647-cc two-cylinder range extender engine for its BMW i3 in some markets.

Today, Mazda has confirmed that the MX-30 will go on sale in Japan later this year, not just as an electric vehicle, but also as a hybrid. The latter will wear a new e-SkyActiv-G badge.

However, a rotary-type engine is ruled out, at least for now. Instead, e-SkyActiv-G is essentially a regular 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder engine that has been paired to Mazda’s M Hybrid mild-hybrid system.

The hybrid model will be sold the general public, while the fully-electric variant can only be leased, also by the end of this year.

Details are still lacking, and more information will only be announced in the third quarter of this year.

The Mazda MX-30 is under consideration for Malaysia, but the latest news by Mazda means that the earlier speculated rotary range extender/hybrid engine is now ruled out.