Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-30 Overview

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a compact SUV that is sandwiched in between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-30 competes with the Honda HR-V, Subaru XV and Peugeot 3008. The made-in-Japan Mazda CX-30 is also priced not too far away from its larger stablemate, the Mazda CX-5 as well as bigger-but-cheaper locally-assembled models like the Proton X70. Starting at around RM 140,000, the Mazda CX-30 isn’t the cheapest but no one will have complains as it has premium appointments. Mazda is known for its reliability, and the 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G range of engines, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, are very fuel-efficient.

Mazda CX-30 Design

No doubt the Mazda CX-30 ‘Kodo - Soul of Motion’ design philosophy has won it Japan’s most beautiful car in year in 2020.

Mazda CX-30 Dimensions

The Mazda CX-30 features lightweight construction to improve performance and economy. It shares a similar platform with the Mazda 3, which makes it easier to manoeuvre around busy city streets.

Mazda CX-30 Interior

The two-highest variants of the Mazda CX-30 come with dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, leather upholstery, a 10-way powered driver’s seat with two-position memory function as well as paddle shifters.

There’s a futuristic yet simple dashboard with easy-to-use controls, and a floating-type infotainment screen, which can only be operated via a rotary knob on the centre-tunnel. The digital speedometer – which looks just like a conventional analogue unit sitting between two other dials – is very clear and easy to read.

There’s as much space between the front seats as there is in the bigger Mazda CX-5, though the seat base could be a little longer and a higher headroom would’ve offered better support for taller drivers. The boot floor’s is a little too tall for loading heavy and tall items, but 430-litres of space is practical.

Mazda CX-30 Features

The Mazda CX-30 features Mazda Connect infotainment system within its 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Besides Commander Control, there’s Android Auto and AppleCarPlay support, and 8 speakers as standard fitments.

The entry 2.0G variant comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlamps, keyless start, a windshield-projected head-up display, manual air-conditioning, fabric upholstery, silver dashboard trim, manually operated front seats, i-Stop idling technology and a reverse camera.

The higher 2.0G High and 1.8D High variants – which share the same equipment set – gain an automatic high beam function and signature illumination for the LED headlamps, along with larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Other improvements include keyless entry, a powered tailgate, a powered sunroof and parking sensors (four located at the front and six at rear)

For safety, the Mazda CX-30 scores 5 stars in the EuroNCAP test. 7 airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee) are standard and the High grade variants get extra premium stuff like Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for front and rear, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), ABS, DSC, EBD, brake assist, traction control, Hill Launch Assist, an auto hold function for the electronic parking brake, and ISOFIX child seat anchors for the rear outer seats.

Mazda CX-30 Driving performance

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is available in 4 variants. The base petrol 2.0G and range-topping 2.0G High (2WD and AWD) are powered by a SkyActiv-G 2.0 litre naturally aspirated, direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 164 PS at 6,000 rpm and 213 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm with a top speed 196 km/h.

The diesel variant 1.8D High features a SkyActiv-D 1.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 115 PS at 4,000 rpm and 270 Nm from 1,600 to 2,700 rpm with a top speed 183 km/h.

All engines are mated to a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda’s gearboxes are usually among the best fitted to any mainstream cars.

Mazda CX-30 Ride comfort

Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) comes standard across the range as well. The Mazda CX-30 has very accomplished ride and handling, which is something that should come as no surprise, given it’s based on the Mazda 3, which is known for its driving excellence.

The Mazda CX-30 is also not actually much heavier despite its crossover body style. It steers, brakes and corners in the same smooth and fluid fashion. Its ride is well-damped, but there’s an initial firmness that introduces a little patter on poorly surfaced roads.

Mazda CX-30 Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.4 l/100 km (mix) for petrol 2.0G variant and 1.8 diesel is rated at 4.9 l/100 km (mix). Fuel consumption is indeed subjective based on one’s driving behaviour, road condition and geographical area.

Mazda CX-30 Conclusion

Mazda CX-30 represents a premium choice with practicality and versality that appears to be a sporty elegant-looking car that comes with a refined interior. Compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-30 doesn’t portray a spacious feel inside so family-oriented buyers should look elsewhere. Keen drivers, however, will be happy with the Mazda CX-30.