The CX-30 is based on the Mazda3 and offers an elegant, well-equipped, driver-centered baby SUV.
Our circle of tester family members is testing the new Mazda CX-30.
In the incredibly competitive world of small SUVs, the Mazda CX-3 has been a sales champion despite an apparent flaw: it’s small.
Good price, nice finishes and a laugh to drive, however, the trunk is a shoebox and the back seats are very useful for adults.
Our circle of tester family members is testing Mazda’s new CX-30.
The new CX-30, bigger, is Mazda’s response. Its younger brother, the CX-3, is based on the Mazda2, but this one is compatible with the right Mazda3. Space, finally, for the family? Our testers are testing a G20 Evolve version with front-wheel drive.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Iain: If the CX-3 is too small and the CX-5 too big, what Mazda SUV will you get?
Jules: Clearly a CX-4.
The CX-30 is based on the Mazda3 small car. Photo by Thomas Wielecki.Source:Supplied
Iain: Fake! A CX-30, of course. The CX-4 is reserved for the Chinese market
Jules: We’re in China.
Iain: Good point. Anyway, the CX-30 is based on the perfect Mazda3, but has a 25mm top and there are giant plastic plates around the wheel steps and body base.
Jules: How much more do I have to pay for those privileges?
Iain: More than $3000. Our CX-30 Evolve grade costs $35,100 on the road. The Mazda3 with the same engine and automatic transmission costs $31,800.
Jules: Ah, the SUV tax. I’ll have to say it looks great, especially the front end. Grill and smooth, curved and hot lights.
Iain: Mazda makes designs much cooler and cleaner than the angular eye sores of some Asian rivals. I know that many love the shape of the SUV, however, for me, the CX-30 does not fit the good look of the Mazda3.
Jules: The doors have curves. I’m sure it’s an incredibly complex iron job, but it looks like something hit the look of the car.
The CX-30 is expensive compared to its competitors. Source: Supplied
Iain: Maybe in a safe light. In terms of price, CX-30s are not cheap. Admission costs $33,550, while you want A25 quality (from $40,757) for a more energetic engine or all-wheel drive (from $42,817). Competitors, all but expensive, come with Kia Seltos, Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi ASX. The new Volkswagen T-Roc will be an intriguing “semi-premium” rival.
THE LIVING SPACE
Jules: My parents own Mazda’s smallest CX-3. This is much less claustrophobic.
Iain: Definitely an improvement, however, adults will find legroom on their backs narrowly.
Jules: I know the CX-30 is more than its rivals, but you can feel the difference in quality in the cab.
Iain: That’s right. The doors, dashboard and armrests are soft to the touch. Reflecting the exterior, the design is simple and white, while the buttons have an elegant touch. Only the comfortable fabric seats seem a little cheap.
Mazda’s interior is an over-the-top elegance. Thomas Wielecki Source Photos: Supplied
Jules: The two-tone cabin may surprise some buyers. Ours is blue degraded in black. I’m not sure he’s getting old.
Iain: I’m a fan. An undeniable black hut is too austere.
Jules: I’m going to hire the 8.8-inch widescreen information and entertainment. No touch screen, but a center console dial simplifies the use of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Built-in satellite navigation, rear camera and virtual dashboard screen where your money goes.
THE TRANSFER
Iain: Talk about a revolution. Once, the Mazdas suffered extraordinarily from the piercing noise of the cockpit. This CX-30, like the Mazda3 on which it is based, is quiet inside. Like a limousine.
Jules: A flexible operator. Until you hit a big pothole. It doesn’t blow like a real 4×4 SUV.
Iain: Our front-wheel drive CX-30s are more for empty nests and parents with young children: the road or suburbs are their habitats.
Jules: It’s a perfect cruise, however, radar cruise control can arrive and brake quite aggressively.
Mazda has taken a step forward in the sound insulation of the interior.
Iain: When I was looking to get back to speed, I also accelerated strongly. Strange. There’s a car here so delicately, but this generation will bring it down.
Jules: The air conditioning is not hard either, but I love the color of the head on the windshield.
THE RACES
Iain: Remember when we bought SUV cars? They had bigger boots.
Jules: The CX-30 adapts to the maximum of things. But no, your bike doesn’t fit.
Iain: For $1,500 more, you can buy an advanced security package with 360-degree camera, front parking sensors and will alert and slow down if you think you’re going to drive in traffic. You already have this for reverse, as well as rear sensors and a popular camera. There’s no excuse for bingles in the Coles parking lot.
The CX-30’s rear seat is for younger children.
SUNDAY RACE
Jules: The engine doesn’t have many problems.
Iain: It’s a choice: a 2.0-liter 114 kW turbo-free four-cylinder. The gearbox is good, but the engine may not win any personality contests.
Jules: There’s no spark or laughter in the city, unlike the small turbocharged engines.
Iain: Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbo would make the CX-30 something special. Behaves and drives excellently, not far from the Mazda3, but our 114 kW engine can’t make the most of those talents.
Jules: At least there are paddles to take control. But who buys a CX-30 for winding roads? It’s so attractive that my Sundays would have spent parking in posh suburbs popping up their curves.
FAMILY
Iain: The popular physically powerful defense equipment and coverage of the CX-30’s adult occupants, the ANCAP crash test, were nearly 99% perfect. Mazda well done.
Jules: We’re 8 and 5 years old, so in terms of size, the CX-30 is fine right now, but they’d soon have gotten over it.
Iain: The family budget circle will not appreciate the relatively high purchase price, but the warranty, service and fuel prices are reasonable. Although we return 7.8 L / one hundred km that 6.5 L / one hundred km indicated.
THE VERDICT
Jules: Much more practical than the Mazda CX-3 too small, this larger SUV is charming inside and out, well equipped and fun to drive. The engine only wants more personality and there are rivals for less money.
Iain: If you don’t want an SUV, and I appreciate that many of them have unreliable hips or knees, buy yourself a Mazda3. With the same money you buy the premium G20 Touring sedan lined in leather and you lose the plastic parts of the CX-30 that stain the design a little. Otherwise, the CX-30 is a small, expensive quality SUV.
MAZDA CX-30 G20 EVOLVE FWD VITAL
Price: $35097 by car
Warranty / maintenance: five-year warranty / km ul, $1991 for five years / 5,000 km
Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter gasoline, 114W/200 Nm
Safety: five stars, 7 airbags, AEB, rear camera, blind spot monitor, radar cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, speed signal recognition, lane exit warning, lane assistance
Thirst: 6.5 L / one hundred km
Spare part: space saver
Home: 317L