2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP

At the smaller end of Mazda's extensive SUV range, the Mazda CX-30 provides a smart stepping-stone from the sporty, but low-riding, Mazda 3 hatch, without the need to move all the way to the bigger CX-5. It's not just Mazda's own range that's contained. In the mainstream small SUV under $45,000 class, where the CX-30 sits, the Mazda is one of 22 vehicles available. In order to give it the widest appeal possible, the CX-30 comes in a wide spread of 10 different variants, with a choice of two engines, plus front- or all-wheel drive. At the upper end of the range, the CX-30 G25 GT SP pairs the higher-performance 2.5-litre engine with black trim highlights and a bold red interior for a look that's more premium, and just a little sporty.

There are a few price points to note in the CX-30 range. The cheapest G20 Pure model starts at $33,940 with a 2.0-liter engine, a six-speed automatic, and two-wheel drive. To move up to the more powerful 2.5-liter model means stepping up to the CX-30 G25 Touring from $41,140. Only the bigger-engined G25 models are available with all-wheel drive, and then only in the top two GT SP and Astina grades, from $45,140 to $48,340 – all before on-road costs.

Opt for the CX-30 G25 GT SP as shown here with two-wheel drive and the price starts from $43,140 plus on-road costs, plus $595 for the premium Zircon Sand paint color shown here, and an optional Vision Technology Pack – but at the time of writing Mazda was running a $3000 discount on the on-road costs for a new CX-30, bringing the drive-away price of this car down to a reasonable $45,892, although final costs may vary by location. The step up to the GT SP brings upgrades like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, a powered driver's seat, and tilt-slide glass sunroof. Some of the 'SP' touches center around black 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, and burgundy leather seat trim. Key details 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP Price $43,140 plus on-road costs Color of test car Zircon Sand Options Premium paint – $595 Vision Technology Pack – $1300 - 360-degree camera - Front cross-traffic alert - Driver monitoring - Cruising and traffic support cruise control Price as tested $45,035 plus on-road costs Drive-away price $48,892 (Vic) $45,892 (special offer pricing)

At just a touch under 4.4m long and 1.8m wide, the CX-30 is a close match to the Mazda 3 hatch. Height is the key difference, at 1.54m for the CX-30 and 1.34m for the Mazda 3. Because the CX-30 offers crossover-SUV ride height and access, it's an easier car to get into. The seat base is positioned a little higher, and head room is a touch more generous, but despite the taller stance, the sleek design still doesn't offer the truly open and airy cabin feel of some rivals. Mazda's interior design is sleek and modern, but some elements of the brand's adherence to a sportier style may not click with everyone. The cockpit-like wrap-around dash and low-rise infotainment screen won't suit everyone, but does help bridge the gap between hatchback and SUV. Interior space is most generous in the front seats, with good head and leg room, and reasonable width. Interior storage may not hit the mark for pack rats, but there's a small open tray ahead of the gear selector that houses a wireless charge pad, and a pair of cupholders. Under the lidded armrest, there's another compact space, and the door pockets are slim but do have a bottle holder recess.

The front seats are quite comfortable, but broad-shouldered occupants may find them a snug fit. Power adjustment for the driver's seat and two-position memory make getting set and saving your preferred position a breeze – great for households who share driving duties. Rear seats are less spacious, with knee room on the short side, but the head room is more typical for the small SUV segment. The rear seats are sculpted to more readily accept two occupants, with a raised center section that reduces accommodation. The rear seats have vents in the back of the center console, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, and bottle holders in the doors, but no USB ports or window shades. Two ISOFIX and three top-tether points are also installed in the rear. Boot space isn't particularly generous either, but should do the job for a couple's weekend-away luggage. The boot measures 317 litres, smaller than the 407-litre Kona and 418-litre Qashqai. The rear seats have a 60:40 split and can be folded to free up additional space. There's no hidden under-floor storage and no bag hooks, but there are tie-down points to secure cargo. Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare wheel. 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP Seats Five Boot volume 317L seats up Length 4395mm Width 1795mm Height 1540mm Wheelbase 2655mm In the GT SP, mobile phone connectivity can be via a wired or wireless connection, and audio is pumped through an eight-speaker unbranded sound system. As part of a 2024 update, Mazda has added Mazda Connected Services to the CX-30 range, allowing owners to remotely lock their car, flash the headlights, or start the car remotely. Stolen vehicle tracking and SOS calls are also included. Access to connected services is complimentary for the first three years of ownership. Mazda's low and wide infotainment display doesn't feel like the most ideal solution. The in-house software is high-contrast white text on a black background, and moving through the on-screen menus is quite simple and intuitive. A rotary dial allows the driver to move through the system without needing to take their eyes off the road, and shortcut buttons for maps and music work for both the Mazda infotainment system, or for apps within CarPlay and Android Auto when connected. Although not designed as a touchscreen, the system can be used as one when stopped, or turned to a full-time touchscreen via a setting that's not active by default.

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