BMW X1 vs Mazda CX-30 vs Audi Q3 2020 comparison review

Is the Mazda CX-30 the best small SUV? To find out, we match the CX-30 up against two premium compact crossover rivals: the 2020 Audi Q3 and 2020 BMW X1. If Mazda Premium is a real thing, this is where the top-spec 2020 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina needs to be able to compete! Can a mainstream crossover take it to the luxury brands? In this video, a comparison of the 2020 CX-30, 2020 Q3 and 2020 X1, Tom looks into the practicality, dynamics and value for money of each vehicle.

Watch some of our other car comparisons:

Which SUV do you think is best? Would you save a few thousand and grab a high-grade Mazda CX-30? Is German your flavour, leading you to an Audi Q3 or a BMW X1? Or are you waiting for a Mercedes-Benz GLA or GLB?

Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.

Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the Audi Q3 2020 / BMW X1 2020 / Mazda CX-30 2020.

[VB-]

The fact that Mazda has to be compared to luxury brands means Mazda has already won. The CX5 and CX30 are the best crossovers pound for pound on the market.

[hazchem]

Test drove Tiguan, F-Pace, Discovery, Volvo XC60 & Outlander. Mazda IMO beats the lot. Drives just as quiet and comfortable as any of the aforementioned and I got leather interior, heads up display, intelligent cruise, a cracking sound system that puts the rest to shame and loads more for 15 grand less. Badge snobs... thank-you.

[ty]

I own a CX 30 and I'm really satisfied with it

[andresfelipearboleda]

Been driving a CX-30 for 2 weeks here in Japan. Can’t be happier. It’s a very reliable machine, the interior is lovely and driving it is like travelling on a cloud. People complain about the cladding and it’s one of the things that make the car easier to take care of. And another thing, the quality of the engine and the transmission can’t be compared to the new crappy things BMW and Volkswagen have been making for some years.

[mdatpe]

While I like the Audi (considered b4 I got my cx5) no one talks about service fees pay a premium for the car but oil changes etc can be a lot more expensive than the Mazda.

[myelle]

Mazda Cx30, hands down! cheaper maintenance, better reliability, great driving dynamics, only downside is the little space...

[tonyagius]

Great review, fact is that for either BMW or Audi to directly compare features they cost around 15 to 20k more. They have 3 year warranties and at least the BM doesn’t have a spare wheel. The Mazda rates higher for passenger safety and has a higher resale value and lower servicing cost. Mazda in customer satisfaction surveys rate significantly higher than the Germans. What sets the Germans apart is badge or snob value. The CX30 wins clearly for me because I place, value, safety and quality ahead of a badge.

[joepowell]

The service costs and parts on the Audi and the BMW are WAY more expensive and the drive and ride is much better in the Mazda than both of the others ...It's the Mazda for me. I'm actually going to buy one for my wife, and also enjoy it too.

[Colosseus]

Being a person who drove all of these cars, and finally ended up leasing the CX-30, I´d like to chip in. In my mind, there is no question about the winner: The CX-30.

Let me explain why:

There are so many things you get, in the CX-30, that you dont, in these entry level "premium" brands.

I'll start with the things that this review doesnt put weight on at all, or dont mention. The head up display! Its standart in all levels of the CX-30, and in the Cosmo edition (thats the name of the top model in Denmark where i live), its no different. Yes, you dont get wireless carplay (which is fixable with a 70 dollar dongle), and you dont get carplay navi in the head up display. But... you DO with the build in navi, which isnt at all bad. Traffic sign detection, blind spot assist, navigation, adaptive cruise control... all of this, is present in the head up display, and i absolutely love it!

Secondly, theres the audio system. He mentioned it briefly, but you do get a 12 speaker Bose setup with subwoofer in this, and it absolutely is one of the best sound systems out there. It competes with B&O and burmeister etc. The sound systems in the entry levels of the other 2 are horricfic at best.

Thirdly, The engine. When you go for the Cosmo edition, you also get access to Mazdas new Skyactive-X engine, with SPCCI. Long story short, you get the torque from a diesel, and the horses from a petrol on higher revs. I drove a long drive (600 km) and ended up on 5, 6 l/100 km. It has 181 horsepower.... Think about those numbers.

With the Cosmo edition, you also get flappy pedal gear changers, for those tho want that, and dark sidepillars. You also get the signature lights front and back, which looks awesome. Full LED all around.

Then theres the adaptive high beam control. I think it has 18 fully adaptive LEDs in the front, which seamlessly blocks some of the highbeam, in ongoing traffic. It works like a charm!

Lastly, i wanna mention the cameras in this car. The review didnt show it, but its actually VERY hd feeling. All around, the cameras are very high quality, and updates with like 30 fps. It just leaves you with a feeling of quality, that none of the others do. They have SD resolution at best, and only reverse camera... not 360, like the CX-30 does.

I could actually go on and on about this, as this review fails to mention alot of the benifits of the Mazda compared to the to others. Like being the most quiet in the cabin....

I have no understanding whatsoever, that the conclusion should be the Audi. I agree that an Audi in stop spec wins, hands down, but thats not the question here.... is it? Trust me, theres a a reason why the CX-30 was in the runnings for car of the year.

Only things i really would have liked theres to be present in the CX-30, to make it my favorite car, is massaging seats, Ambient lighting and a more powerful engine. I actually dont think i would have taken a top specced Audi or BMW over the Mazda then.... if it had those things. :)

[lukemalhotra]

Mazda is doing unbelievable stuff now . Keep it up please . Can you imagine if you switched badges !

[karanmalik]

Just what I wanted. This channel is by far the best for everything car reviews in Australia. I love the way Tom can drive and talk details all at the same time. It just flows naturally. Keep revving them Tom.

[dystopia-usa]

I'm happy with my 2022 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Edition. No problems or issues to report after 18 months thus far. I chose it over the Lexus UX & everything else in the smaller crossover size segment in the USA.

[jacekkaminski]

If the badge does not matter too much then the choice should be rather easy. Mazda offers more for much less...Not mentioning soul red crystal paint. I'm a fanboy though.

[justincrdable]

One of the best Aussie Car channels ive come across. great review and keep up the great work!

[adam]

My cousin lives in Germany and always says to me that german luxury brands are the best cars to lease and then sell off to some people from east Europe.
I made the jump to japanese cars a few years ago and I still can't get over the fact that a car CAN run for a year without any new problems showing up.

[cityplanner]

I just brought CX 30, really happy with it. Feels like I wasn’t short changed

Only negative is the boot space. Quite small for the class

[MrMoose-mfoy]

I think the Mazda’s interior is nicer and the exterior would be nicer if it weren’t for that excessive black cladding on the body :/

[rohaniyer]

Insane how newer entry-level BMWs look like economy cars, whereas newer Mazdas look far more upscale than they need to.

[sunilayya]

Impressive review. Flawless presentation.

[JPRC]

We were debating the same and very happy with our 45TFSI 2020 Q3 so far. It handles extremely well and ride is still very composed on the 19” summer tires.