Mazda MX-30 review: Mild hybrid is funky and stylish

The Japanese maker is rapidly expanding its line-up of SUVs and the latest version has a striking new feature, but will it take off?

Mazda’s electric car revolution starts with the MX-30.

But before the EV version of the all-new model arrives, Mazda is putting a toe in the water with the MX-30 M Hybrid.

It looks exactly the same as the upcoming EV but instead of a battery pack and electric motor, it has a conventional 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine allied with a 24-volt mild hybrid system.

The new Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid has just launched in Australia.

The MX-30 enters a very crowded SUV market, although a starting price of $33,990 before on-roads makes it an affordable style statement.

The sleek coupe-like rear end is made possible by “freestyle” doors, similar to those found in the brand’s old RX-8 sports car.

While they open dramatically wide, clambering into the back isn’t that easy and once you’re there, it’s a rather claustrophobic space short on legroom. You need the front doors open before you can escape the rear.

The back doors are rear hinged.

Most buyers won’t care. This isn’t a family-focused small SUV — Mazda has its CX-30 model for that — rather it’s aimed at style-conscious urbanites.

It’s been given a thinner nose than other Mazdas, deep-set LED headlights and, on flagship $40,990 Astina grade, a three-tone paint job where the top half of the car is different to the lower and the roof is black.

The unconventional design oozes flair and elegance, which carries over into the cabin.

No austere all-black colour scheme here. There are combination colour cloth seats for the entry-level; vegan-friendly imitation leather for mid-spec Touring ($36,490) and gentleman’s lounge-style Vintage Brown leatherette for Astinas.

The MX-30 interior is well appointed with high-quality materials used throughout.

Cork is used for the centre console tray, drink holder covers and door grips, while fibres from recycled bottles make up the grey door trim.

There’s decent space for those seated up front and a trio of digital displays — an 8.8-inch centre screen with a separate readout below for the climate controls and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. In typical Mazda style, it’s all well laid out and simple to navigate.

All MX-30 M Hybrids feature keyless start, satnav, dual-zone climate control and paddle shifters; Touring adds keyless entry, vegan leather and power driver’s seat, while Astinas have a sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel and Bose stereo. Driver aids help it achieve a 5-star crash rating.

Prices start from $33,990 before on-road costs.

While the EV version of the MX-30 is the most interesting, the mild-hybrid will pay the bills, according to Mazda’s Alastair Doak.

“Electric vehicles make up a tiny part of the Australian market. If we limited MX-30 to just electric we wouldn’t be able to justify a business case. There’ll be more volume with this Mild Hybrid than the pure EV,” he says.

That makes sense. Electric cars are expensive in Australia and the M Hybrid gets you the look for a cheaper price with a tried and tested petrol engine.

The hybrid set-up doesn’t do much for improving fuel economy.

Unfortunately, that engine feels very last decade. It’s smooth, quiet and refined in town and highways, but lacks the urge of turbocharged rivals and gets breathless and noisy when pushed. The mild hybrid tech, sadly, adds little to the party.

It’s so mild the small battery and motor merely assist in re-starting the engine after it switches off (to save fuel) when you come to a stop.

The fuel saving is paltry. It returns a very average 6.4L/100km, a saving of only 0.1L/100km compared to Mazda’s same-sized and same-engine’d CX-30 SUV. It’s slightly more effective in urban congestion, but our mainly open road test returned 8.0L/100km.

It does, however, corner and steer with well-engineered class, and is impressively quiet in cruise mode.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Stylish, funky, with a delightful cabin, the MX-30 is a welcome point of difference in the overflowing small SUV segment. Just don’t confuse it with a real hybrid.

MAZDA MX-30 M HYBRID VITALS

Price: From $33,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/200Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-year/unlimited km, $1942 over 5 years

Safety: 10 airbags, five stars, auto emergency braking, active cruise, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition

Thirst: 6.4L/100km

Spare: Space saver

Cargo: 311L

MORE VERSIONS ON THE WAY

The MX-30 M Hybrid looks nearly identical to the electric version due in a matter of weeks, priced from an estimated $50,000. It uses a 35.5kWh battery and single 107kW/271Nm motor, so neither range (a claimed 224km) nor performance will scare Tesla drivers.

Mazda says the range is fine for most urban dwellers, as the average Australian daily commute is just 35km.

For those who want more range, a third MX30 should join the line-up in 2022. It uses a small rotary engine as a generator to power the electric motor.