[en] We discuss a phenomenological picture consisting of two- and three-level mixing models to describe the low-lying 0⁺ states in ³⁰Mg and ³²Mg, respectively. Within this approach, self-consistent solutions exist that are in good agreement with the available experimental information. The inclusion of a third state, namely the neutrons $4p4h$ configuration, resolves the ‘puzzle’ that results from a two-level model interpretation of the ³⁰Mg(t, p)³²Mg reaction data, and at the same time provides a consistent interpretation of $B(E2)$ strengths. Our analysis indicates a ³⁰Mg ground-state dominated by the spherical ($0p0h$) component while ³²Mg emerges naturally and robustly as dominated by deformed ($2p2h$ and $4p4h$ configurations), at the 95% level. (paper)