Mazda CX-30 Mild Hybrid 2.0 SkyActiv-X Luxury (A) Review

There's a lot to like about Mazdas today. They offer striking looks, beautiful interiors and refinement that many of its competitors lack.

The CX-30 crossover, introduced earlier this year, has all of those traits we love. Seen here is the CX-30 SkyActiv-X Mild Hybrid, a new variant to the CX-30 range.

SkyActiv is a nameplate that many would recognise, but not really understand what it offers. Mazda's latest SkyActiv engine, the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X, makes its first appearance here in the CX-30.

So what's new?

We've spoken in great lengths of the CX-30's good qualities in our written and video reviews thus far.

Previously, the only powerplant on offer in the CX-30 here is the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine.

But now, this new SkyActiv-X engine benefits from a 24V mild-hybrid system, and a high compression ratio of 15:1.

The engine acts much like a diesel one, with combustion that's mainly aided by high compression.

But the fuel-air mix is still ignited by spark towards the end of the piston's compression stroke, allowing for more complete and rapid combustion. If this is all sounds like witchcraft to you, we'll put it simply. This engine makes a little bit more power, and manages to be fuel efficient by burning a very lean fuel-air mixture.

Bit more soulful inside

The SkyActiv-X engine is an impressive motor in the world of naturally aspirated engines. But pick the CX-30 SkyActiv-X variant here and you get a special bit of kit, too.

2020 marks Mazda's 100^th anniversary since its founding. As a tribute, Mazda is offering a limited run of special edition models worldwide.

The 100^th Anniversary Special Edition car available in Singapore is this CX-30.

In homage to its first passenger car - the R360 Coupe - a mix of white and red materials complete the already lovely cabin. With various special edition badges and inscriptions around the car, it definitely feels special.

But the usual quality remains, of course. You can tell there's a lot of thought into designing this space. It is a pretty luxurious place to be in, with plenty of soft-touch materials and buttons in all the right places.

As the SkyActiv-X variant is only offered in Luxury trim, it benefits from all the extra gizmos such as a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a sunroof, and a full suite of safety assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

Any difference in the drive?

The numbers may not seem like much in comparison. 177bhp and 221Nm of torque versus 162bhp and 213Nm in the regular SkyActiv-G powered CX-30.

On the get go, things are slightly different. Mid-range torque is stronger, and the CX-30 just feels a little more willing to go.

The mild hybrid system on the other hand doesn't necessarily offer an electric torque boost, but works to smoothen out certain areas of the powertrain, such as in between gear shifts.

Surprisingly, though, start-stop isn't as seamless as one would expect from a mild hybrid. It is still smooth, but not completely unnoticeable.

Fuel consumption is indeed better, thanks to the stronger powerband that requires lesser footwork to get moving.

Our previous test on the regular CX-30 got us 10.1km/L, but we managed 12.9km/L with this car over 200km of driving. A pretty good figure for a non-turbo crossover.

Should I go for it?

The CX-30 showcases the marked difference that Mazda cars offer today. Japanese dependability resonates well with many, and you'll never lose out to even European competitors with its levels of refinement and outright quality.

At $148,888 (as of 16 December 2020), this CX-30 SkyActiv-X is a good $26,000 more than its regular sibling. At this price, it is even more money than the bigger but older CX-5 ($137,888).

But what you're getting, effectively, is a crossover that closely matches premium rivals in terms of engineering and refinement.

And the CX-30 SkyActiv-X, in all of its 100^th Anniversary Special edition glory, is a celebration of Mazda's heartfelt commitment of achieving exactly that.