It seems like just yesterday that Mazda’s local arm introduced the CX-30 — a swoopier, more low-slung SUV equivalent to the likes of the more traditionally shaped CX-3 and CX-5.
Now, in a sign that a model has earned its ‘veteran stripes’, the CX-30 has been given a new black-pack-style trim level for 2022, called the SP20 Blackout Edition.
The Blackout Edition comes with a 2.0-litre e-SkyActiv G 24-volt mild hybrid producing 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque, making it the new entry-level electrified CX-30 model. Previously you would need to purchase the flagship Takami in order to get an MHEV powertrain (its version being more powerful e-SkyActiv X version, producing 132kW/224Nm).
The Black Edition will be priced from $44,390 — some ten grand cheaper than the aforementioned Takami. Although it’s worth reminding that, on top of having the gutsier engine, the flagship Takami is also all-wheel drive while the Black Edition is front-wheel drive.
Last October Mazda Global confirmed updates were coming to the mild-hybrid engine. A revised intake port and softened exhaust silencer to make it sound a bit better when on the power. And the throttle pedal has been recalibrated, too.
Beyond the bonus engine, the Black Edition’s main changes are aesthetic. Inevitably it gets more black treatments on its exterior, namely via a set of black wheels (the chrome grille and window trims remain). It also gets new red stitching inside.
Beyond the Black Edition, Mazda has also given a few updates to the rest of the CX-30 line-up.
Pricing has been revised for the full line-up, with each model getting a mild increase. The base-model two-wheel drive GSX is now $42,390, with the all-wheel drive GTX, Limited, and Takami now priced from $46,090, $51,790, and $55,790 respectively.
There’s also a new colour in the mix named Platinum Quartz, which gives “highlighted areas look silky while the mid-tones give off a quartz-like hard and translucent feel”, according to Mazda.