Not that the Mazda CX-30 is getting old, but the compact crossover has just gotten another update to keep up with the competition.

Externally, the front “wing” around the grille is now given a black chrome finish, making it look less like a fish than before. The window garnishes also get a piano-black treatment.

The CX-30 now gets adaptive LED headlights as standard, too. At speeds up to 40km/h, the system has a wide setting for better illumination in busy, low-speed areas. Above 90km/h, the system adjusts for long-range visibility.

Inside, the door handles, the dashboard, the air-conditioning vents and controls, and the transmission shifter ring wear new gunmetal accents. The seats are wrapped in Terracotta leather and black Leganu suede, with more of the same strategically placed elsewhere in the cabin.

A new 10.25-inch infotainment screen graces the dash, controlled via physical controls on the center console and the steering wheel. It’s compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and (wired) Android Auto.

A heads-up display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a 360° camera system, a power tailgate with memory, a wireless charger, and dual USB-C ports are also featured.

The CX-30’s i-Activsense driver-assistance tech now gets front cross-traffic alert, front cross brake support, rear cross brake support, and a driver monitoring system.

All previous driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, front and rear brake support, forward obstruction warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist are retained. The car has a total of seven airbags as well as parking sensors.

The CX-30 HEV pairs the 2.0-liter e-Skyactiv-G engine with a 24V electric motor. Regenerative braking stores energy into a lightweight lithium-ion battery, driving the electric motor while also powering the car’s electrical system. The motor generates an additional 7hp and 49Nm for a total system output of 162hp and 213Nm.

With sufficient charge and a very light load, the electric motor can power the car for a short duration. Mazda pairs this with its lovely six-speed automatic with a Sport mode and paddle shifters (no DCT or CVT here).

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 2.0L HEV is priced at P1,995,000 and comes in six colors: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, and Snowflake White Pearl.

As with all current Mazdas, it also comes with a five-year Free Service Plan, covering the expenses of periodic maintenance in either six-month or 10,000km intervals for up to five years or 100,000km.