Although not every customer will be a good fit for the Mazda CX-30, it has much going for it. We believe it looks fantastic, and the cabin is on par with competitors charging far more. With precise handling and a comfy ride, it’s also a pleasure to drive. The CX-30’s lack of a diesel engine is its major drawback, and it also lacks particularly noteworthy utility.
Some of the most incredible vehicles for sale are those that don’t even need to exist. A tiny SUV that competes with the Nissan Juke and SEAT Arona, the (slightly average) CX-3 was previously available from Mazda. In contrast, the larger (and better) CX-5 competed with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V in the family SUV segment.
But in 2019, the Mazda CX-30 appeared. It fits between the CX-3 and CX-5 (presumably for reasons other than its name) and checks the sporty crossover box, much like the Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota C-HR.
It has every quality needed to be a successful crossover SUV. It should not be prohibitively expensive to operate and blends a fashionable appearance with a price tag that is reasonably priced. Additionally, it is more adaptable than a typical hatchback (in this example, a Mazda 3).
However, it would be unfair to say that the Mazda CX-30 checks off all the boxes. Although it has a ton of standard equipment, its interior is just as excellent as options from high-end automakers like Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Even the cheapest models available don’t feel in the least bit like they belong at a rental vehicle lot.
The entry-level SE-L vehicles include the same 8.8-inch navigation system as the rest of the lineup, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, fashionable 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, and Bluetooth.
The SE-L may be the most reasonably priced model, but no Mazda CX-30 is inexpensive. It’s an automobile that people want, selling in minimal quantities and for a premium retail price. That indicates there isn’t a ton of them on the secondhand market.
The engine selection is, um, constrained. A diesel or hybrid (at least not a true hybrid) won’t be found here. There are two available engines: the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G patrol with 122PS or the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-X patrol with 180PS. Although it may be difficult to distinguish between them, they are both mild hybrids, with the Skyactiv-X using smart spark-controlled compression ignition to give efficiency comparable to diesel. I mean, conceptually.
If you don’t mind pushing the engine hard, the entry-level engine—while lacking power at low rpm compared to turbocharged competitors—is adequate for town driving. The Skyactiv-X has more significant muscle, but you pay a premium for refinement since sometimes it sounds oddly like a diesel.
The Mazda CX-30 is a pleasure to drive, engine issues apart. It is simple to maneuver on the road and balances comfort and sporty handling well. It will gladly and comfortably go over rough roads on even the most enormous 18-inch wheels.
Does the Mazda CX-30 fit your needs?
The CX-30 is a great option if you want a chic crossover with a first-rate interior but don’t need to impress your neighbors with a premium badge (spoiler alert: they probably won’t care). It comes fully equipped, and since the alternatives are few, buying it used is simple. Since it isn’t as popular as, for example, a Volkswagen T-Roc, you’re less likely to park next to one at Waitrose.
There are certain restrictions. You might be better off searching for a diesel-powered option if you go long distances. Additionally, there are many other sensible possibilities if you want a roomy cabin. The Mazda CX-30 comes highly recommended if none of them is a problem.
What is the most excellent model or engine for a Mazda CX-30?
Choosing between the two engines is difficult since none is compelling. Even though the Skyactiv-G is expensive and highly polished, it is sluggish. We also believe that with just routine maintenance, it will last forever. The Skyactiv-X offers some essential added power, but it doesn’t always seem as fast as you would anticipate. Additionally, it lacks some of the G’s finesse and costs quite a bit more to purchase.
All trim levels are well-equipped in terms of equipment. Although the SE-L Lux isn’t much more costly on the secondhand market and adds amenities like a reversing camera, an electric tailgate, and heated front seats, we don’t believe you’d be dissatisfied with the base SE-L. Look for a Sport Lux or GT Sport model if you want a sportier option with a more luxurious interior.
Interior Design
The inside is elegant and well-designed, somewhat unlike the Mazda 3 hatchbacks.
The high center console and large steering wheel give the impression that it was thoughtfully created with the driver in mind. It almost feels like a cocoon, with everything conveniently placed close at hand.
But you could be disappointed if you’re hoping for a lofty seat. In the CX-30, you sit scarcely any higher than in a hatchback, so don’t rule over smaller cars. That works well if you want to feel close to the road (like a racecar driver), but it doesn’t work well if you’re going to look over other vehicles—hedges.
Several adjustments are available, including manual tilt, slide, recline, and height adjustment for the driver’s seat across the board. In other words, finding a comfortable driving position should be relatively straightforward. However, you must seek a GT Sport model for electric seats. These also have adjustable lumbar support.
Quality and finish
The CX-30’s cabin is built with nothing less than exceptional quality. Due to its soft-touch materials and beautiful chrome accents, you cannot compare it to vehicles like the Volkswagen T-Roc or Toyota C-HR. Regarding the quality of the finish, the CX-30’s interior is on par with that of the Audi Q2 and BMW X2.
There are no sharp edges or finishes, even for curious fingers, and all the buttons have a delightful tactility. It all seems to continue for a long time, and then the doors shut with a satisfying “thunk.”
As usual, more expensive versions have a more upscale feel, but even the entry-level trim levels have plenty of features. All include a steering wheel and gear shift encased in leather, and the dark grey fabric inside decor is as elegant as cloth. Go for a GT Sport or GT Sport Tech variant if you want leather seats.
Mazda CX-30’s infotainment has a touchscreen, USB port, navigation, and a radio.
The Mazda CX-30’s button-heavy design may be retro, but we believe it works well. It’s refreshing that the media system isn’t the cabin’s centerpiece and that almost everything can be controlled without a central touchscreen display.
You have genuine buttons to change things like the radio level or the temperature control. In Mazda’s terms, the Multimedia commander is situated between the front seats and is responsible for navigating the dash-mounted 8.8-inch display.
We’d even argue that this setup is excellent. The TFT display is well situated for glances while driving, and menu navigation is simple using the rotary controller. This would be appreciated by anybody who has ever attempted to poke a touchscreen device while moving and unintentionally dialed their mother-in-law.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features throughout the lineup. These are excellent for mobile access to your phone’s services, such as Google Maps and music playlists. While their integration might sometimes leave much to be desired, they operate without a hitch in the Mazda.
The infotainment system’s visuals are easy to read and responsive. If we were being fussy, the somewhat slender display is smaller than the alternatives, but we can overlook it.
It’s also important to point out that most versions of the CX-30 have a CD player. That’s odd, but it can be appealing if you have a back library you’re unwilling to give up.
Mazda CX-30 boot space
You’d be better off considering flexible options like the Skoda Karoq or the larger Mazda CX-5 if you want to purchase an SUV to transport the whole family and the related baggage that goes with it. The CX-30 is a stylish option with an excellent interior, but isn’t very roomy.
Up front, everything is good. Thanks to the adjustable seats, even the tallest drivers will have enough space, and the CX-30’s reasonably vast interior ensures adequate shoulder room. Additionally, there is a good quantity of storage, including roomy door pockets and a practical cubby box beneath the center armrest.
Like fashionable competitors like the Toyota C-HR, the Mazda CX-30’s rear seat is exceptionally cramped. Access is difficult due to the relatively tiny doors, and the windows are likewise rather small. If you have small children, that’s not good for travel sickness.
While headroom is best characterized as “adequate,” teenage children will grumble about legroom, mainly when tall people are in the front. The outside rear seats have Isofix points installed, so installing kid seats should be simple. But getting them through the narrow back doors can be a task in and of itself.
The CX-30’s boot, which can hold up to 430 liters of baggage, is noticeably more significant than the Mazda 3’s. Although smaller than a Volkswagen T-Roc or BMW X2, it is also more critical than the Toyota C-HR. A substantial boot lip accentuates the absence of an adjustable boot floor.
The rear seat can be folded down and provides up to 1406 liters of capacity thanks to its 60:40 split.
Driving quality
The CX-30 is enjoyable to drive, whether navigating stop-and-go city center traffic, meandering down a rural road, or clocking up the kilometers on a highway.
It has far better pedal placement, enjoyable handling, and a selective gear shift on manual variants than a vehicle like a Nissan Qashqai. It will tilt more than the comparable Mazda 3 on a rural road, but it isn’t nearly as elegant as the SEAT Ateca.
The ratio of responsive handling to a plush, pleasant ride is very well-balanced. Even with the more prominent 18-inch alloy wheels, it won’t swerve over potholes on the road. Although it isn’t quite as soft as a Skoda Karoq, most customers will find it accommodating enough.
On the secondhand market, four-wheel-drive variants of the Mazda CX-30 are less common than regular front-drive cars and cost more to purchase and operate. If you often drive on icy country roads, the more excellent grip on offer could ease your anxiety, but that’s a tiny percentage of drivers. If you’re worried about driving in the winter, we suggest a two-wheel-drive vehicle fitted with winter tires.
Engine and transmission for the Mazda CX-30?
As long as the Mazda CX-30 has a 2.0-litre gasoline engine, you may choose whatever machine you like.
Choose the Skyactiv-G, the entry-level model, but don’t anticipate a stunning performance. Although it has a large engine, it only has 122PS, and there is no sign of a turbocharger, so it is somewhat slow. The manual transmission will accelerate to 62 mph in 10.6 seconds (11.2 with the automatic). If you’re accustomed to a turbocharged competitor with plenty of low-down torque, this engine’s high rpm need and need for effort may shock you.
The Skyactiv-X, a 180PS engine, is the most powerful one. This engine’s peculiar spark-controlled compression ignition allows Mazda to create quite a show and dance out of it. What matters most is that it accelerates far more quickly than the sluggish Skyactiv-G, hitting 62 mph in as little as 8.5 seconds.
It will take some getting used to compared to snappy turbocharged options, but this would be our engine of choice if most of your driving is outside of town. I said it doesn’t feel as speedy as the numbers indicate.
We won’t see a turbocharged CX-30 since Mazda is so committed to naturally aspirated engines, and we think that’s a bit of a pity. On the positive side, unrestrained gasoline engines should be dependable and economical in real-world use. Still, the Skyactiv-X engine hasn’t been available long enough to assess its reliability over the long haul.
Additionally, there is no diesel engine, at least not in the UK. Mazda claims that the Skyactiv-X has sufficient characteristics of a diesel to meet that criterion, although we are inclined to disagree. We would seek a diesel-powered option if you spend all your time traveling on motorways or want to tow a caravan.
Noise levels
If you want luxury, we suggest the Mazda CX-30 with its six-speed automatic transmission, significantly reducing the driving hassle. Because it has a classic torque-converter gearbox, it should be more dependable than dual-clutch systems that need sophisticated maintenance (i.e., those found in Volkswagen Group competitors). It responds quickly and offers relatively smooth gear changes.
However, don’t disregard the handbook. A straight throw and a light enough clutch offer a vehicle’s most pleasurable gear change. That’s excellent news since you’ll be shifting gears often due to the slow engines.
The necessity to push the engine’s complex influences refinement, particularly with the Skyactiv-X, which produces an odd midrange clatter that sounds like a diesel engine. Nevertheless, they are far quieter than loud three-cylinder substitutes, sometimes euphemistically called “characterful.”
The fact that most engines are reasonably smooth and quiet while in cruise mode is aided by the soft suspension, which won’t allow too many bumps to enter the cabin.
The mild hybrid system aids in refinement in urban areas by enabling the stop-start engine to engage before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. But don’t go expecting it to run on electricity alone.
Safety equipment: How secure is the Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 is a very secure vehicle to drive. Incredibly, it received an 86 percent rating for minors and a 99 percent rating for adult passengers in Euro NCAP’s 2019 crash tests. It received an 80 percent grade for vulnerable road users and, for its safety assistance features, a 77 percent score. An outstanding five-star safety rating is the end product.
Numerous safety devices are included as standard across the board. Lane-keep Assist will keep you in your lane on the highway, and Smart Brake Support will apply the anchors if it anticipates a collision.
If you want the best safety features, go for a GT Sport Tech model with the highest specification. A sophisticated 360-degree vision monitor employs cameras on the vehicle’s front, back, and sides to assist you in maneuvering. Cruising and traffic assistance will control the brake, accelerator, and steering in slow-moving traffic.
While Smart City Brake Support helps to prevent low-speed collisions by applying the brakes if it detects a potential crash – whether you’re going forward or in reverse – the GT Sport Tech also has a Driver Monitoring system that can see when you’re getting sleepy and warn you to take a break.
Trim levels
All Mazda CX-30 cars are well-equipped out of the box. The entry-level SE-L model’s highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, and LED head and taillights. Inside are manual-adjustable dark grey cloth seats, a head-up display projected onto the windshield, and a seven-inch TFT color instrument panel. Along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch infotainment system with navigation is included as standard equipment.
The SE-L Lux adds an electronic tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and an auto-dimming driver door mirror. You get heated front seats, dual-zone temperature control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and keyless entry inside. Even a CD player is included.
Sport Lux variants provide a sportier flair, as the name implies, with features including 18-inch alloy wheels, different black exterior accents, rear privacy glass, and an electric sunroof (combined with the Skyactiv-X engine). A frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and chrome interior trim are included inside.
The GT Sport has a heated steering wheel, premium Bose surround sound system, and black leather inside with motorized driver seat adjustment. The top-spec GT Sport Tech model has a rear cross-traffic brake, cruising and traffic sport, 360-degree view monitors, and other practical safety features.
