Mazda CX-30 review

There is no denying the Mazda CX-30 is a well-rounded premium compact SUV. In fact, interior build quality surpasses the majority of its mainstream rivals. This, combined with an in-vogue SUV body style and a record high Euro NCAP crash test score for adult occupant protection, could help see the CX-30 become one of Mazda’s best selling models.

It is not perfect, mind, with rivals such as the Skoda Karoq and Peugeot 3008 promising more in terms of practicality and wider ranges of powertrains. Even so, Mazda’s compact SUV is available with cutting-edge engine technology and is great to drive – the latter quality being something few SUVs and crossovers offer. All things considered, the CX-30 makes a compelling case for itself.

About the Mazda CX-30

Being the first of its kind, Mazda’s CX-30 doesn’t have a long history of competent predecessors to look back on. That said, the Japanese brand’s range of cars isn’t considered to have any bad apples and the CX-30 shares some of the technology already seen in its impressive stablemates. 

There is only one body style available with the CX-30, and that is a five-door SUV shape, although Mazda has altered its trim lineup to now include Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and top-of-the-range Takumi specifications.

Equipment is strong across the range, with goodies such as air-conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity standard for all. As for engines, there are just two petrol units available. One Mazda calls “Skyactiv-G” with 120bhp, and the other “Skyactiv-X” delivering 183bhp. 

Both of these engines feature a mild-hybrid system but it is only the latter that uses Mazda’s innovative compression ignition system (more on this later). Unlike with some rivals, all trim levels and engines are available with either a manual or an automatic gearbox, while the more powerful 183bhp models come with either front or all-wheel drive.

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Mazda isn’t known for doing out-and-out performance versions of its mainstream cars, and even those that it has done have been unassuming and forgettable – few would spot an MPS version of the second-generation Mazda 3 on the road. Instead, the Japanese car maker ensures its standard models have a good amount of driver appeal, and the CX-30 is no exception to that. 

If there is one thing that the CX-30 has by the bucket load though, it's plenty of mid-size SUV rivals. At one end of the scale, there are more premium alternatives such as the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Audi Q2 and Lexus UX. While at the other end there are less glamorous rivals such as the Vauxhall Grandland and Honda CR-V. 

The cars the CX-30 really has to beat are the class leaders, including the Skoda Karoq, SEAT Ateca and Peugeot 3008. By and large, Mazda’s pricing structure allows it to compete with most of its rivals, although some of the German competitors can easily far exceed the price of a range-topping CX-30.

For an alternative review of the Mazda CX-30, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...