Mazda CX-30 - Should You Buy One?

Mazda needed a wider SUV range and this compact CX-30 model broadens it usefully. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Market and Model

CX-30 prices sit in the £23,000-£33,000 bracket, spread across five trim levels, 'SE-L', 'SE-L Lux', 'Sport Lux', 'GT Sport' and 'GT Sport Tech'. Every version features a colour windscreen projecting head-up display, radar cruise control and LED headlights. With a choice of eight exterior colours, 'SE-L' and 'SE-L Lux' cars feature 16-inch grey metallic wheels, while from 'Sport Lux' onwards, 18-inch wheels are standard: silver metallic on Skyactiv-G and bright silver metallic on Skyactiv-X models.

Inside, premium dark grey cloth with navy blue accents is standard, as is a 7-inch TFT instrument display. So is an 8.8-inch central infotainment screen incorporating Navigation, an 8-speaker DAB audio system and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. There's also radar cruise control, Smart Brake Support autonomous braking and Intelligent Speed Assist, which can adapt your velocity according to posted speed limits. 'GT Sport' and 'GT Sport Tech' models feature black leather with rich brown accents or (for £200 more), stone-coloured leather. The plushest models get niceties like a 12-speaker Bose surround system. And a 360-degree View Monitor camera system.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. The base petrol Skyactiv-G engine manages 45.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 116g/km of CO2. Or 42.8mpg and 126g/km as an auto. We'd recommend you try and stretch to the more powerful but, conversely, more economic Skyactiv-X petrol unit, which improves that showing to 47.9mpg and 105g/km as a manual or 43.5mpg and 118g/km as an auto. This same Skyactiv-X petrol engine also comes with AWD. In this guise, it manages 43.5mpg and 111g/km as a manual or 40.4mpg and 128g/km as an auto.

We should also mention the warranty, the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile package. If you want to extend that, you can do so via optional 'Essential', 'Elite' and 'Complete' plans. Included in the standard package is a three year paintwork warranty and 12 years of anti-perforation cover. In addition, there's a 'Mazda Accident Aftercare' scheme which sees the company liaise with your insurer after an accident, making sure that you have access to a courtesy car if you need one and ensuring that all repairs are carried out to full Mazda standards.

Summary

The CX-30 makes a reasonable case for itself in an increasingly crowded segment. It lacks a premium badge on the bonnet of course, but then it also lacks the kind of inflated prices you'd pay from premium brand contenders in this market space. Plus under the bonnet of a Skyactiv-X variant, there's arguably the cleverest petrol engine you can have in the compact SUV segment, delivering an enticing combination of very sprightly performance and diesel-like economy.

Yes, there are more practical choices in this market segment. And arguably, there are also more fashionably-styled ones. But our overall impression of the CX-30 is of a very complete and thoughtfully-positioned package. Add it to your lengthening shopping list if you're in search of a car of this kind.

[klaseronen]

I drove the CX-30 today. Every gauge and knob and switch were exactly where you wanted them to be. The ride was very comfortable. The longer I drove it the more I liked it. I absolutely want this car. I too recommend also other people to try it if you're thinking of buying a new car. Great work, Mazda!

[satram]

I bought a 2020 CX 30 Skyactiv G 122 L-Lux last month, even though I felt a little less punch from the engine, I am slowly starting to enjoy the driving with around 35 mpg in town and up to 51 mpg on motorways, combined mpg of around 45mpg, it looks like I made the right choice. The tech in the car is brilliant! and of-course the plush looking interior which made me to make the final decision between KIA Xceed and the CX 30. Overall I think it's a great car from Mazda!

[andreasvolos]

Excellent car and OSV is one of the top and most trustworthy reviewers.
But as such, don't you think it's time to stop this driving while talking at the camera nonsense!? It's enough that cars now have all these gimmicks and touchscreens and the safety systems to compensate for distractions, but as leading reviewers set the example for road safety and driving enjoyment.

[kingkongicloud]

Had a mazda 3, getting the 23 plate CX 30 in march, already bought it

[markg]

I’ve test driven one and just loved it. I’m getting one.

[Knightlore]

I'm smitten with Mazda now. It will take a lot for me to buy something else.

[michelledehaen]

Absolutely ! I have this one and it's a very comfi, fun and easy driving car ! Value for money, greetings from Belgium :)

[brianheard]

I looked at it. Lovely vehicle, but when I had adjusted the drivers seat to an acceptable position I found that on ingress and egress I hit my head on the A pillar. I'm not tall, 177cm. This put me off somewhat!

[WesNG]

World car of the year? Or maybe Mazda 3? What do you reckon?

[africanandproud]

Are the safety features exactly the same across the range?

[frankopanklaric]

Is this more compareable to the VW t-cross or t-roc? How does it stack up against those?

[MrKanjidude]

I'd like to get one, if it weren't for all that black exterior plastic around the wheel arches. Looks horrible, and probably won't age well.

[gautampatel]

Best engine Mazda petrol & Mazda diesel
Ford diesel engine & Ford petrol engine. Both engine who is the best engine

[robertsparks]

You might mention its assembled in Mexico

[graemecouch]

Who drives a manual SUV ! Nobody so why bother reviewing one !