Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid Limited 2021

A new day has dawned for Mazda, with the introduction of their first total new model of car in what seems like forever, the expansion of the MX naming convention, and Mazda’s entry into low and zero emissions driving.

The MX-30 is marketed as an SUV Coupe thanks to its sloping roof line and small ‘lifestyle’ forward opening doors. We recently reviewed the full electric model and now we’ve had some time in the M Hybrid (mild hybrid) or MHEV which stands for Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle. While the MHEV is not really in the same class as a more conventional hybrid Toyota Prius for example, it’s fast becoming the go to low emissions powertrain option for many vehicle manufacturers thanks to some amazing technology that allows energy generation and storage in order to take a load off the combustion engine and thus reducing fuel usage and emissions.

More specifically, when you decelerate, the integrated starter motor generator produces electricity which is stored in a 24 volt lithium-ion battery. This electricity is used for a number of purposes, including starting the engine and providing motor assistance when you pull away. It can also power the car’s electrical systems.

The MX 30 brings quite the breath of fresh air to the Mazda range

Inside, the wide infotainment screen is crisp and clear which is most noticeable when viewing the Navigation maps. The Vintage Brown Deluxe Leatherette interior gives off an element of luxury without being over the top, combined with the multi surface and colour types make the interior anything but boring.

As with the EV, the MHEV is of a totally new design. It is unique with its use of breathable fabrics and recycled materials offering a lower environmental impact.

The raised gear selector control unit which houses the infotainment controls, and the HVAC screen is a unique change and sits above sustainable cork materials, whilst providing minimal distance for the hand to travel away from the steering wheel when driving.

The exterior of our test car is what Mazda call 3-tone body colour- Soul Red Crystal Metallic® with black roof and grey sides, which also comes with a Ceramic Metallic® body colour.

The smaller front grille that opens up into the headlights allows instant distinction of the vehicle type when viewed from the front, in contrast to the large Mazda shield-like grille the rest of the range has adopted.

The lifestyle doors were very much a talking point for those who saw us with them open while the loading and unloading of a toddler and car seat took place. Despite the doors being quite small, the way they open makes a ton of difference to ingress and egress.

Powered by the new 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv engine which boasts 114kW, combined fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100km, while emitting 150g of CO2 per kilometre. While offering no actual electric drive, we found the Mild Hybrid to work quite well as the fuel economy from the engine it was noticeable as we upped the kms travelled, the fuel gauge barely moved, which is exactly what you want considering the current price of fuel.

Thanks to Mazda’s clever e-GVC (Electric G-Vectoring Control) which improves cornering response by reducing engine torque and shifting the load to the front wheels, a more pleasant feel is given for the driver and passengers. Basically this means less steering wheel adjustments or corrections are needed to make a long corner than one normally would giving a much smoother ride.

Featuring an impressive array of safety and assist systems the MX-30 has recently received a 5-star ANCAP result. A Far Side airbag is also added to prevent the driver and passenger colliding in an accident - a feature we’re seeing fitted to more new cars lately.

When comparing the drive of the two variants it is unfair to compare the sound in the cabin, with the EV, as it is pretty much silent. While in the MHEV it’s almost as though the engine sound is intrusive when it fires up. But if you think about the price difference, you pay for that peace and quiet. Still it’s not that bad, thanks to the effort Mazda are making in the Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) department.

However, neither matters when you crank up the volume of the premium Bose® amplifier and speaker sound system when you hear your favourite song come on. There are 12 speakers dotted around the vehicle for that true surround sound experience.

The M- Hybrid model comes in a Limited specification only which is not much different to the Takami grade of the EV, except for absence of a few little features like the front and side cameras that generate a panoramic parking view.

Once again Mazda has created a fantastic vehicle that has a great level of comfort, luxury, and environmental consciousness in two stunning powertrain options that will appeal to a wide audience.

Safety systems

• Blind Sport Monitoring (BSM)
• Brake Override System
• Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot and Road Keep Assist 
• Smart Brake Support, Front Pedestrian and Cyclist, Rear, Rear Crossing, and Turn-Across Traffic
• Driver Attention Alert and Monitoring 
• Cruising and Traffic Support
• Forward Obstruction Warning
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution 
• Lane-Keep Assist System
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Roll Stability Control
• Traffic Sign Recognition 
• Radar Cruise Control 

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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