Back in May, Mazda started building the MX-30 electric crossover in Japan for Europe, but the model won’t launch in its home market with all-electric propulsion.

Rather surprisingly, the company announced that the MX-30 compact SUV will debut in Japan this fall with a mild-hybrid powertrain dubbed e-Skyactiv G. The new addition to the lineup combines the Skyactiv-G 2.0 direct-injection naturally aspirated gasoline engine with the M Hybrid mild-hybrid system.

Thanks to the assistance provided by the small electric motor and battery, Mazda promises a quiet and smooth start as well as “high-quality drive feel” and excellent fuel efficiency. No specifications have been revealed yet but we can expect a similar setup to the 24-volt Skyactiv-G 2.0 M Hybrid powertrain offered on the Mazda3 and CX-30 in Europe.

On said models, Mazda offers two mild-hybrid systems based on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol unit delivering 122 PS (120 HP) and 150 PS (148 HP), respectively. We’re inclined to believe Japan’s MX-30 e-Skyactiv G model will get the more powerful variant.

The photos of the MX-30 mild-hybrid released by Mazda don’t reveal any visible exterior and interior changes over the EV, bar the ‘e-Skyactiv G’ badging on the tailgate. As for the all-electric MX-30, the carmaker says it is scheduled to begin leasing sales before the end of the year in Japan, joining the mild-hybrid variant. Pricing and specifications of both MX-30 variants will be announced closer to launch.

As a reminder, the Euro-spec MX-30 EV is powered by a 35.5 kWh battery enabling a driving range of around 124 miles (200 km) on the WLTP cycle. The battery feeds electricity to a front-mounted electric motor delivering 141 HP (143 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque to the front axle.