Mazda’s CX-30 SP20 isn’t what you think

Mazda is rolling out the electrification. First it was the MX-30 EV, then the somewhat backwards MX-30 mild hybrid. Now the CX-30 has the hybrid engine, in top-spec AWD Takami trim and in this, the front-driven CX-30 M-Hybrid Blackout SP20. Let’s just call it the SP20.

OUTSIDE

By and large the SP20 is identical to the other CX-30s on offer, with Mazda’s clean and, frankly, gorgeous exterior design punctuated by glossy 18-inch alloys, black mirror caps and a chrome grille trim (despite the Blackout name, yeah, I know).

Not much to report on elsewhere, but you’d be utterly wrong to call the CX-30 ugly.

INSIDE

There are even fewer changes inside the SP20, with red contrast stitching the main highlight. But that’s okay because, like the outside, the CX-30 interior is superb.

The screen might seem small by comparison to some of the big units on the market these days, but it’s set far back in the dash to not be a distraction.

Considering the SP20 is based on the base GSX, it makes do with a single-zone air-conditioning system with analogue knobs, cloth seats, and little in the way of digitisation behind the thinrimmed wheel.

UNDER THE BONNET

You might think that SP20 badge means something spicy under the bonnet, but you’d be wrong. Powering this CX-30 is a very mild hybrid 2-litre four, producing 114kW/200Nm and paired with a six-speed auto, the same engine as in the MX-30 M-Hybrid.

Mild hybrids are generally 48-volt units, with enough power to handle stop-start duties, drop a bit of a extra torque into the powertrain when needed, and power auxiliaries. However, Mazda has decided to go down to 24 volts, which can generate an extra 6kW of power under acceleration, as well as recover energy under braking and ease loads in the stop/start and cylinder shutdown systems.

You notice the extra power at lower speeds, which is a nice improvement because the base GSX needs a bit of prodding to get moving. But could you get the same, if not better, results from a turbocharged engine? Probably. But Mazda doesn’t really like turbos, so this is the next best thing for the CX-30.

MAZDA CX-30 M-HYBRID SP20 BLACKOUT

Base price: $44,390 (RightCar estimated Clean Car fee: zero band). Powertrain and economy: 2-litre petrol inline four, 114kW/200Nm, 6-speed automatic, FWD, combined economy 7L/100km, CO2 165g/km (source: RightCar).

Vital statistics: 4395mm long, 1795mm wide, 1540mm high, 2655mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 430 litres, 18-inch alloy wheels.

Safety: Five stars (source: ANCAP)

We like: Basically a more practical, cheaper hybrid MX-30, fantastic styling, barely any electrification tax

We don’t like: Only a 24-volt mild hybrid system so barely better on fuel than standard CX-30, not much cheaper than more powerful AWD GTX, SP20 in name only

However, there isn’t much difference in fuel savings, with our tester sitting at around

8-9L/100km on average, broadly identical to the non-electrified CX30 GSX. Mazda itself says there’s only 0.2 difference between the two, though both fall into the zeroband of the Clean Car Programme so don’t cop any fees.

ON THE ROAD

Mazda has always been pretty on the ball when it comes to driving dynamics and despite the humble power figures, the SP20 handles itself well. Every CX-30 now gets G-Vectoring Control Plus, which applies a tiny bit of brakes when you enter a corner to improve the steering and chassis.

The conventional suspension does its job nicely, if slightly on the harsh side, but the plushness of the cabin does a lot to mitigate

any iffy ride qualities.

There is a bit of mushy brake stuff too, a common problem with regenerative braking systems, but it’s not too bad.

VERDICT

Considering the SP20 is only $2000 more than the GSX, it’s easy to recommend as it essentially fixes the powertrain problems without really adding to the cost. Plus, it’s $2.5k cheaper than the MX-30 M Hybrid, which uses the same engine but changes the wrapping paper. So unless you really like freestyle doors, a coupe roofline and a cork interior, the CX-30 is the best option for the front drive small SUVs.

However, it’s only about $1500 to jump to the 139kW/252Nm 2.5-litre-powered GTX, which also gets all-wheel drive and dual-zone climate control.