The Mazda CX-30 targets premium rivals with great style and driving experience, although practicality and performance aren't the best.
There's no denying that the Mazda CX-30 is a well-rounded premium compact SUV. In fact, the interior build quality surpasses most of its major competitors. This, combined with the popular SUV body style and record high Euro NCAP crash test scores for adult occupant protection, could help the CX-30 become one of Mazda's best-selling models.
It's not perfect, as rivals like the Skoda Karoq and Peugeot 3008 promise more in terms of practicality and a wider range of powertrains. Even so, Mazda's compact SUV comes with the latest engine technology and is comfortable to drive – the latter quality is offered by only a few SUVs and crossovers. Overall, the CX-30 is an interesting example.
About the Mazda CX-30
Being the first of its kind, the Mazda CX-30 has little of a history compared to its competent predecessors to look back on. However, the Japanese brand's range of cars is not considered to be of poor quality and the CX-30 has some of the same technology already seen in its impressive peers.
There's only one body style available on the CX-30, and that's the five-door SUV form, although Mazda has revamped its trim lineup to now include Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line, and the top-of-spec Takumi. diverse.
Equipment is strong across the range, with amenities like air conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity standard for all. As for engines, only two petrol units are available. One Mazda calls the “Skyactiv-G” with 120bhp, and the other the “Skyactiv-X” makes 183bhp.
Both engines feature a mild hybrid system but only the mild hybrid system uses Mazda's innovative compression ignition system (more on this later). In contrast to some of its rivals, all trim levels and engines are available with manual or automatic gearboxes, while the more powerful 183bhp model comes with front or all-wheel drive.
Mazda isn't known for making great performance versions of its mainstream cars, and even the ones they have made are simple and forgettable – few will see an MPS version of the second-generation Mazda 3 on the road. Instead, the Japanese automaker ensures its standard models have good driver appeal, and the CX-30 is no exception.
However, if there's one thing the CX-30 has going for it, it's a lot of mid-size SUV rivalry. On the one hand, there are more premium alternatives such as the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Audi Q2, and Lexus UX. Meanwhile, on the other hand, there are less glamorous rivals such as the Vauxhall Grandland and Honda CR-V.
The cars the CX-30 really has to beat are the class leaders, including the Skoda Karoq, SEAT Ateca, and Peugeot 3008. In general, Mazda's pricing structure allows it to compete with most of its competitors, although some German rivals can easily surpass the price of the top-end CX-30.
As mentioned previously, the CX-30's driving experience is impressive. Few SUVs come close to how well rated the Mazda's pedals, steering and gearshift are. Making sure these key touchpoints are fun to use helps make the CX-30 fun, whatever the speed.
Mazda engineers have also done a good job of ensuring body roll remains under control – meaning it's easy to judge when the tires are reaching their limits. That said, those who prioritize sharp handling will probably be better served by the Mazda 3 as it promises less body roll (helped by being closer to the ground).
