Test drive of the Mazda CX-30 2.0 e-Skyactiv-X 186 CV, another way to save and be ECO

This test looks at one of the boldest bets on the market: a different way of approaching fuel economy when designing an engine, without giving up the enjoyment behind the wheel.

Why do I say this? Because the Japanese brand Mazda has opted for a turbo-free engine that strikes a well-judged balance between performance and economy, and now, with an ECO label, thanks to mild hybridisation. This is the Mazda CX-30 2.0 e-Skyactiv-X 186 CV with manual gearbox that we have tested.

The Skyactiv-X engines are not new to us, since we have already tested the Mazda CX-30 with this petrol engine and have also analysed the CX-30 Skyactiv-G version. But now mild hybridisation has arrived to improve consumption and earn the ECO label, and today we test the e-Skyactiv-X.

Design of the CX-30

The design of the CX-30 is very elegant, very Mazda. The Japanese brand has managed to create a line with strong personality, with exterior features that define it unmistakably, playing with curved shapes, subtle lines and even reflections of light on the paint. This SUV stands out for a well-judged balance between off-road character and the elegant lines more typical of a saloon car.

Inside, the quality of the finishes stands out, and stands out a lot. Our unit had leather on part of the dashboard, doors and seats. The remaining materials have a correct finish on a par with any premium vehicle; in fact, depending on the brand, they even surpass them.

The front seats are spacious, the rear ones adequate, and overall the level of interior comfort is high.

Engine and performance: saving with a naturally aspirated engine

Under the bonnet of this e-Skyactiv-X sits a two-litre block producing 186 CV, a naturally aspirated unit that does incorporate a supercharger, but its job is to feed air into the engine, not to increase power or response.

The revolutionary Skyactiv-X block, as we already noted in the previous test, is based on a different way of achieving combustion: compression ignition controlled by spark (SPCC), with a mixture richer in air than in petrol, which allows it to be far more efficient.

On top of this, the e-Skyactiv-X incorporates a light hybrid system, made up of a support electric motor (4.8 kW) and a 0.22 kWh battery, which recovers energy (during braking, for example) and assists with better response at low revs.

The biggest difference with respect to the traditional block lies precisely in low-rev response, where this mild-hybrid system is noticeable and helps reduce consumption.

That said, we must not forget that we are driving a turbo-free vehicle, and that means we will have to rely much more on the excellent manual gearbox to squeeze out every horse. Thanks to the precise feel of the gearbox, using it frequently is no problem; in fact, it is refreshing to drive in an era of automatic gearboxes and electric motors.

In fact, the response is lazy until we climb above 3,500 rpm; still, above 1,800–2,000 rpm it starts responding to the pedal. It may seem strange that we need to rev to 4,000 or 5,000 rpm to overtake, but that is normal for a naturally aspirated engine, and its response, always smooth, is appreciated.

The smoothness of the block is another of its strong points, smoothness comparable to a larger-capacity engine, which also accelerates in a linear and progressive way.

Handling

In dynamic terms, the CX-30 with this engine performs well on the road; bear in mind what we mentioned in the previous section, but if we decide to take a winding road and bring out its more dynamic side, it will be there and we will enjoy it. That said, it is not a sports car and does not aim to be one.

The suspension set-up is correct but is oriented more towards comfort than sportiness; it keeps its composure, but it is not sporty.

What does it stand out for? Its smooth progress, taking into account the engine, the gearbox feel and the excellent interior soundproofing; this CX-30 invites you to cover distances enjoying calm and smoothness, knowing that everything rolls along smoothly, a quality that becomes addictive the more kilometres you cover.

Consumption

The technical data sheet homologates 5.6 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle, a realistic and achievable figure as long as we drive on the open road. In fact, in our consumption tests we obtained lower figures, but while driving very carefully.

On the urban cycle, along our usual route through Vigo, the average figure was 7.3 litres per 100 km, a very good result for its power and displacement. On the open road, if we are not careful with the accelerator we will hover around 6 litres per 100 km.

Verdict and price of the Mazda CX-30 2.0 e-Skyactiv-X 186 CV

What we liked most about this mild-hybrid version of the CX-30 is its smoothness. It is an SUV made to enjoy driving, the smoothness, and a gearbox with a feel rarely seen in non-sporty models on the market.

That said, the response will be different from that of a turbo engine: slower, more linear, and with a different driving style. Once you get used to it, the 186 CV are noticeable and the response is adequate.

The Mazda CX-30 with the 122 CV e-Skyactiv-X engine is available from 27,399 euros, an entry-level mechanical option but with enough capability to move this CX-30 with ease.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverMazda CX-3061 versions · from 31,340 €