Introduced to fill the void between a brace of Mazda SUV’s the CX-30 is an incredibly stylish crossover with a premium feel.
Since its launch around one year ago, with the exception of having one for a week, I’ve yet to see this new model on our roads.
However, this may change dramatically due to the fact that Mazda seem to have ceased production for the UK market of its smaller CX-3 SUV. That is no bad thing, as this new crossover offers much more practicality without the price tag of the larger CX-5 SUV.
Priced from £22,940 the CX-30 could be pitched against the likes of similarly priced models such as the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen’s T-Roc. It sits in a segment that is absolutely packed with alternatives such as the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Peugeot’s 3008 to name a few.
With so many options on the market, Mazda really do have their work cut out with the CX-30. It’s sharp, stylish looks and well-built interior with premium desire, alongside realistic pricing on the lower trim models, the Japanese brand could be onto a winner with this new crossover.
Featuring an abundance of SUV-like unpainted plastic around its lower half, protecting it against everything a young active family could throw at it, the CX-30’s upper body is very much attractive five-door hatchback, not too similar to the Mazda 3.
Speaking of which, it is this model that Mazda have borrowed most of the interior from in creating the CX-30.
Like most cars of this type, the vast majority will be front-wheel-drive only, but Mazda offer an all-wheel-drive option on its higher trim levels. Starting from £29,540 it gives the brand an upper hand for buyers who require all-wheel-drive without the need for a large SUV.
A total of five trim levels are available, starting with an ‘SE-L’ which features 16-inch grey metallic alloy wheels, premium dark grey cloth trim, air conditioning, LED headlights with halogen daytime running lights and high beam control, rain-sensing front wipers, rear parking sensors, and smart brake support.
An ‘SE-L Lux’ is priced from £24,440 and adds heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, powered tailgate opening, reversing camera, and smart keyless entry.
A ‘Sport Lux’ sits in the middle of the range and features 18-inch silver metallic alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights with signature LED daytime running lights, frameless auto-dimming rear view mirror and rear privacy glass, all of which is priced from £25,540.
Priced from £27,340 is a ‘GT Sport’ which adds black leather trim, 12-speaker Bose surround sound system with Bose CenterPoint, BassMatch and AudioPilot technology, and door mirror tilt down function when reversing.
A top of the range ‘GT Sport Tech’ as tested, starts from £28,240 and adds 360-degree monitor via front, rear and side cameras, cruising and traffic support, driver monitoring, front cross traffic alert, and smart brake support rear crossing.
Just two engines are available in the Mazda CX-30, both of which are petrol and each of them 2-litre in capacity. Starting with a front-wheel-drive only Skyactiv-G which produces 122ps, you have the option of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox, returning 45mpg and 42mpg respectively.
The model tested and pictured came equipped with the higher power Skyactiv-X engine which produces 180ps and has the option of either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic ‘box. In FWD guise the manual will return 47mpg, with the auto seeing 43mpg. If AWD, the manual will return 43mpg, with the auto seeing 40mpg.
With many rivals opting for lower capacity turbocharged petrol engines that pack-a-punch, the CX-30 can feel a little sluggish in comparison. That said, when utilising the rev counter of the model tested on the motorway, the CX-30 doesn’t struggle in the slightest to keep up with traffic and when on a country road, minimal weight in all the right places is apparent with great agility.
Inside this model tested, which with a few options is priced at £30,910 is a little Marmite for many. I on the other hand think it’s great with its stone leather upholstered seating sitting in stark contrast to the black trim throughout the cabin which is enclosed with a generous band of chocolate brown leather trim.
Offering for me, a great driving position with its supportive yet comfortable seating, rear legroom wouldn’t be much to write home about if four adults decided to venture off on a road trip, though perfectly suitable for family life if bulky ISOFIX baby seats are not required.
The boot, as can be seen from the photos, offers ample space for most people’s needs and Mazda’s reliability record is sure to be a strong selling point, too.
Mazda offer a 3-year, 60,000 mile warranty with servicing annually, or every 12,500 miles (whichever comes first).
Fact File for model tested
Make : Mazda
Model : CX-30
Trim : GT Sport Tech
Engine : 2.0-litre petrol
Gearbox : 6-speed manual
Cost : £30,910
Words & Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the photographer
