Mazda CX-30 2024 review: G25 GT SP | What it's really like to live with the Volkswagen T-Roc rival

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is happily chugging along in the small SUV segment, which is increasingly evolving with the arrival of new hybrid and fully electric models, while the Japanese contender is happy sticking with its petrol engine options, which continue to be naturally aspirated no less, albeit tweaked.

In fact, the CX-30 did have two mild-hybrid powertrain options, but they were short-lived due to low buyer interest. Point being, Mazda is sticking to its guns for now, but that doesn't mean the small SUV is being left untouched, as a recent model-year update ushered in a revised line-up, with the six-speed manual transmission option axed.

That said, the headline act is the new G25 GT SP variant, which brings black exterior trim and Burgundy leather upholstery, among other features, to the higher-spec offering. In this expert review, CarsGuide Journalist Chris Thompson spends three months living with it to find out how well it stacks up day to day.

#Mazda #CX30 #Review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Pricing and features
01:39 Ownership
01:50 Design
03:29 Practicality
07:34 Under the bonnet
07:53 Efficiency
08:20 Driving
09:56 Safety
10:38 Verdict
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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[acde]

As a current Mazda 3 owner, I'm 100% sure the small NA engine has no way to chase fuel economy. The small turbo engine with a more modern 8-speed auto or DCT, plus the auto start/stop system (Mazda's auto start/stop is not bad for sure), will make up the combination for ICE cars to remain efficient now.
The most ridiculous thing is that Mazda's NA engine consumes so much petrol but outputs no more, or even less, power and torque than rivals' small turbo options.

[pauld]

I have the Astina CX-30. Love it. Mazda does simple but they do it in a great way.

[andrewjukes]

I have the 2.5 Astina and it is a beautiful car in so many ways. The interior is sublime and the safety features second to none.

[hashmi]

They should consider reducing the size of the wheel arch cladding lol. Looks really odd

[Posy]

Best interior in its class and stuff the fuel consumption that Mazda 2.5 l is so worth it!

[willson]

Fuel consumption seems a bit off ? Must be a LOT of stop start city use, my 2023 2.5ltr cx-30 averages 7.2l per 100km on short runs into town (20 km round trip) and gets down to 6.3l/100k on longer hwy runs ...I do live rural tho so not many races between traffic lights. Total avg from new is 7.1 l/100k

[Greggie_D]

My Mild hybrid 2.0l gets 6l per 100km real world avg. with hardly any power sacrifice (just rev it a little more when needed). In the Evolve grade you get many of the features here for about $15, 000 less if you haggled a little. Shame the mild hybrid has been discontinued.

[GEE]

I personally think it’s an attractive car .

[Mr_duck]

What is the sound system like? Like if I was driving back to the city from a county footy match and I wanted to crank some absolutely face melting bassline bangers, could it handle that?

[louisheal]

They change the metal look buttons on the steering wheel to black why

[anakinskywalker]

Not sure how you get 10l per 100ks. I have a Mazda 3 G25 GT with the vision pack. I can get 6.8l per 100ks without much fuss at all. For me it’s all about how smoothly drive.

[jakeslapp]

Need to get rid of all that black plastic around the exterior

[tapper]

Good job presenting this CX30 in vid. Just an ok vehicle, IMO, odd proportions ... Only thing I actually like is the color.

[scottedwards]

Too much plastic cladding around the wheels and the base of the doors. This cladding will fade over time and look very ordinary and require lots of materials to keep it looking right.

[gregturner_awod]

Nice looking car, looks comfortable and a good review. But it’s badly let down by very poor fuel consumption. Petrol’s not going to get cheaper. The car has “goodies” perhaps, but the poor fuel economy is a bad reflection on Mazda and “goodies” don’t make up that. Mazda makes hybrids but no true EV’s. They’ll certainly be left behind in this changing world.

[mvnorsel]

I just can't forget about its fuel consumption.

[kiaalexander]

Really hate the burgundy pleather seats.

[jesse]

So many people triggered by fingernails in the comments 😅😂

[stevefong]

A mullet and painted finger nails !!! Now I’ve seen it all

[novica.m]

I stopped watching when I saw his nails