MAZDA is bringing back the rotary engine in a plug-in hybrid version of its electric MX-30 compact SUV.

The car will be revealed at the Brussels Motor Show and brings back technology not seen in a Mazda since the RX-8 sports coupe went out of production some ten years ago.

The new model will give MX-30 drivers more range with the current EV version capable of only around 130 miles on a full charge.

The Japanese car maker says more details will be announced when the car makes its debut on Friday, January 13.

So far, all that has been said is that the new MX-30 will use the rotary engine to power an electric generator for the motor acting as a range extender.

Mazda has a long history of using rotary engines dating back to the Cosmo Sport in 1967 and also used the technology in the RX-7 sports car which was introduced late in the 1970s.