Mazda CX-30 SP20 MHEV Blackout Edition 2022 Car Review

MODEL: Mazda CX-30 SP20 MHEV Blackout Edition
PRICE RANGE: $44,390 + ORC
ENGINE: 2.0-litre engine with M Hybrid (e-Skyactiv G)
POWER: 132kW/224Nm
GEARBOX: Six-speed automatic
ECONOMY: 6L/100km
BODY STYLE: SUV
STATUS : Currently available

We have always admired Mazda’s attention to detail and their distinctive, classic and sleek styling. The CX-30 SP20 looks stunning with its black accentuated exterior and red panel stitching in the interior, expressing an energetic and sharp appearance.

The CX-30 interior includes an Active Driving Display, GPS, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay connectivity and Reversing Camera, which all run through the 8.8-inch widescreen colour display (Mazda Connect). There is also privacy glass included as standard across the CX-30 range.

Mazda have done an incredible job in the cabin with a lot of detail and care focused on the finish. Everything feels cohesive and fitted well, creating a premium finish. We love the analogue gauges and retro style steering wheel, and even though there are quite a few buttons at hand, Mazda have somehow used trickery to blend them in, creating a minimalist look.

Mazda CX-30 introduces a new dimension to the Kodo philosophy, drawing on Japanese calligraphy to inform the exterior design ethos, called ‘charge and release’. This idea integrates the three key factors of the evolved Kodo design theme, namely Yohaku, the beauty of empty space; Sori, curves with poise and balance; and Utsuroi, the play of light and shade.

Some of the standout differences, aside from the mild hybrid system, are the slick black cabin theme with red panel stitching, the special 18-inch alloy wheels (black metallic finish), and the exterior heated mirrors, which are finished off with piano black caps. While these cosmetic changes do work in harmony to deliver a striking appearance, the star of the show has to really be the new mild hybrid system.

Mild-Hybrid system

What is unique about Mazda’s mild hybrid system is that it recuperates energy that would usually be wasted during deceleration. Other benefits of the new mild hybrid system is better drivability due to having access to the torque from both the electric and petrol motors. With this added flexibility even at very low RPM there is an added boost of power off the line.

The built-in control is always predicting energy input and output while driving to ensure the most intelligent use of energy possible when the car is starting, accelerating, or coming to a stop resulting in improved fuel economy.

Electricity is stored in the lithium-ion battery, allowing the system to recover and store approximately two and a half times the deceleration energy as the capacitor-based i-Eloop.

The power plant produces 132kW and 224Nm of torque seamlessly and the fuel consumption is only 6L/100km with a C02 output of just 141g/km - this is quite an achievement. The transmission is one of our favourites; a six-speed automatic SKYACTIV technology with sports mod, which holds onto the gear for more spirited driving.

Verdict

With fuel prices on the rise, it marked the perfect time for Mazda to bring a mild hybrid alternative into the mix. The new CX-30 mild hybrid doesn’t lose any of the flare we loved and it’s received just enough tweaks to draw buyers in. If the CX3 is too small and the CX5 too big, you have the right to be fickle and slip into a CX-30.

Pros

• Economical
• Slick minimalist interior

Cons

• Not quite as economical as a standard hybrid
• A bit tight in the rear with three adults

Safety systems

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)

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