Mazda’s CX-30 G20e Evolve small SUV combines style and sophistication with a lengthy equipment list and a mild-hybrid powertrain
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 brings good looks and an extensive equipment list to the bustling small SUV segment. As far as Mazda’s stable of SUVs goes, the CX-30 occupies a narrow space between the compact CX-3 and mid-size CX-5 SUVs, and also sits alongside the MX-30 crossover. Based on the same platform as the Mazda3 small car, the CX-30 delivers arguably the best blend of ride and refinement to date from the Japanese car-maker. There’s a lot of models to choose from, however, so let’s take a closer look at the line-up and, in particular, assess whether the mild-hybrid powertrain in the G20e Evolve is worth the extra cash.
Finding a ride
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 range is comprehensive to say the least, starting from $29,390 plus on-road costs and topping out at $47,490 plus ORCs.
Along the way, there’s a variety of trim levels – Pure, Evolve, Touring and Astina – as well as powertrain options that are all four-cylinder petrol-based but include a conventional 2.0-litre, a more powerful 2.5-litre and two mild hybrids – the G20e on test here and the high-tech supercharged X20.
Throw in the different driveline configurations – front-wheel drive and AWD, where available – and there’s a staggering 19 variants to consider.
If you’re after choice, Mazda speaks your language.
On test we’ve got the 2022 Mazda CX-30e G20e Evolve M Hybrid priced from $35,840 plus on-road costs, which is $2250 upstream of the non-hybrid G20 Evolve.
Our options of Platinum Quartz paint ($495) and carpet floor mats ($197) bump this vehicle’s asking price up to $36,532 plus ORCs.
As we’ve seen in the Mazda MX-30 G20e M Hybrid, the ‘e’ in G20e adds a basic mild-hybrid system to the regular G20 2.0-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine that produces the same 114kW/200Nm whether hybridised or not.
The mild-hybrid set-up combines a small lithium-ion battery with an electric motor that is starter and alternator all in one, and while there’s no electric-only driving range with the G20e, it’s engineered to provide incremental improvements in performance and economy.
It combines with a six-speed automatic transmission and sends all power to the front wheels only.
Mazda’s Kodo design aesthetic translates as sleek and sophisticated on the Mazda CX-30, as amply demonstrated here. It’s design restraint done well.
Equipment highlights on CX-30 Evolve includes keyless entry and push-button start, daytime running lights, LEDs front and rear, a gloss black spoiler, body-coloured door handles, chrome exhaust tips and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The infotainment list also runs like one you’ll find in more expensive vehicles. The Evolve features an 8.8-inch colour screen that is home to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/digital radio and satellite navigation.
Much of the in-car tech is controlled via the multifunction commander rotary dial that falls nicely into hand.
You’ll quickly master the controls, without taking your eyes off the road. Shortcut buttons and a favourites button make life easy in this regard. The steering wheel controls also allow quick access to much of this functionality, in addition to voice control.
Dual-zone climate control, one-touch power windows for all, two USB points and a 12-volt outlet as well as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are also standard.
A digital instrumentation cluster sits front and centre and is easy to read. A head-up display rounds out a practical and ergonomically sound cockpit.
The CX-30 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. A five-year/50,000km service plan will set you back $1580.
Top safety and tech
From entry-level to top-spec models, the safety technology and driver assist equipment that comes standard in the 2022 Mazda CX-30 is commendable.
Blowing your budget in order to get safety basics is frustratingly common.
Our test vehicle features autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, front and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure waring and lane keep assist, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
That level of safety detail makes for an audible circus of warning beeps at times, but I’ll take that over the sounds of silence where my safety is concerned.
Powered for city living
Keeping in mind the natural habitat of a city-sized SUV, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 G20e Evolve M Hybrid is entirely fit for purpose.
From standstill, the 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine in the CX-30 is quick to action and has a spritely feel to its power delivery, and it shifts through the gears smoothly – quickly dropping down a gear (or two) when you plant your foot. It’s obedient.
It is, however, made for the suburbs where grunt and power delivery are concerned – at rolling speeds there’s not much left in reserve for rapid highway overtaking.
Buyers chasing more oomph should consider the G25 2.5-litre engine (139kW/252Nm) found in the Touring and Astina variants – a step up the ranks and price range. The 132kW/224Nm 2.0-litre supercharged X20 also provides a peppier, though more expensive, option, topping the range at almost $50K in AWD Astina trim only.
The electric power-assist steering on the G20e has quite a bit of weight to it, which for this driver gives the CX-30 a feeling of connectedness and confident steering, while paddle shifters up the involvement. For some drivers it may feel a little too heavy, like hard work.
Disc brakes front (250mm) and rear (265mm) bring the CX-30 to an abrupt stop.
The CX-30 has a braked towing capacity of 1200kg, but we didn’t test the towing capability during our time with it.
The CX-30 is pitched to achieve fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle, which we came close to, seeing 7.0L/100km – and lower on the freeway. The official figure is only slightly better than the regular G20 that returns 6.5L/100km.
Comfort and class
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 G20e Evolve M Hybrid is one of the most refined cars from Mazda that I’ve driven in some time.
Poor cabin insulation and road noise has long been the Achilles’ heel for Mazda’s passenger vehicles, but the CX-30 shows none of this.
It’s quiet and composed, even on the poor road surfaces experienced during our test period.
The CX-30 Evolve rides on 18-inch alloys – up from 16-inch on the entry-level Pure – and a 10.6m turning circle again makes city-based chores easy work. The balance between ride comfort and handling is really good with the bigger wheel and tyre combination.
The cloth trim seats are comfortable and very supportive, with great side bolstering. The driver’s seat offers 10-way electric adjust with two-position memory. The front passenger’s is manual adjust only, but does include height adjustment.
Positioned behind the wheel, the CX-30 feels like a nice space to occupy. Front of cabin is spacious and the layout is user-friendly and ergonomically sound.
The overall fit and finish and quality of materials feels sophisticated – at the premium end of town.
The dials roll with ease and have a nice textural edge and the buttons feels nice to touch. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels chunky and solid in hand, the high gloss and chrome look finishes blending seamlessly throughout the cabin.
Outward vision is a low-point of the CX-30. The roofline slopes well forward, reducing the front windscreen and then the small side windows again reduce outward vision. You’ll find yourself relying heavily on sensors and cameras.
The second row features two directional air vents, one seatback pocket and small in-door storage. A fold-down centre arm rest is home to two cup holders. There are two ISOFIX positions and three top tether anchor points for your child seat needs.
Comfort is good, for two occupants. It’s tight for three – particularly legroom. And much like the front of cabin, outward vision is impaired by the sloping roofline that somewhat closes up the second row.
A 317-litre boot is not class-leading in this segment, but it’ll be more than enough for singles and couples free of family-fuelled detritus, with the 60/40-split folding rear seats adding further load flexibility.
You’ll also find a light and two anchor points, and a temporary spare lies beneath the cargo floor. It’s a manual tailgate at Evolve trim level, with an electric one offered on higher-grade models.
We’re not suggesting the CX-30 can’t take a moderate family load, but if you pack anything like my family does (away for two nights, pack for 10), there will be compromises.
Hard to ignore
The truth is, I’m torn. There’s a lot to like about the 2022 Mazda CX-30 G20e Evolve M Hybrid – a refined ride and an extensive equipment list being top of mind.
But there are a few niggles that detract – namely the compromised outward vision and a tight second row which limits the overall versatility of the small SUV, particularly if you’re looking for a vehicle to deal with growing family needs.
If your needs do not include kids, gear and lanky hangers-on, that’s a different story entirely.
And let’s not forget, sophisticated style coupled with a lengthy checklist and excellent safety credentials make it very hard to look away.
We’re not convinced the M Hybrid system – that’s a capital M for Mild – in the G20e makes much difference over the regular 2.0-litre engine, but there’s extra equipment with this model that makes it worth considering carefully against other grades.
Overall, the Mazda CX-30 is definitely good enough to be on your shopping list.
How much does the 2022 Mazda CX-30 G20e Evolve M Hybrid cost?Price: $35,840 (plus on-road costs)Available: NowEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrolOutput: 114kW/200NmTransmission: Six-speed automaticFuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)CO2: 144g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)
Keyword: Mazda CX-30 M Hybrid 2022 Review