For several years now, we've had to make do with a Mazda crossover, the CX-3, based on the Mazda2 and an SUV based on the mid-size Mazda6 in the form of the CX5. That has left a rather large, Mazda3-shaped hole in their lineup. Up until now. I present to you the missing link, the Mazda CX-30, the perfect in-betweener.
Related: First drive review: Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 was presented to the world in 2019 yet was only released locally at the beginning of the year. Despite this, it has already proved to be a popular alternative to the opposition with an impressive array of standard features and attractive styling for those that are prepared to stray from the status quo.
Styling
Mazda can readily be criticized for having a less than varied lineup of models on offer. From a distance, it can be rather tough to tell whether the vehicle you see is a CX-3 or CX-5 and it has to be said that the CX-30 is no different. Immediately recognizable as a Mazda offering, the CX-30 follows the same KODO design language that is part of Mazda's current arsenal.
The CX-30 does borrow heavily from the rest of the range with the look of its front end and it's only when viewed from side-on that the lower roofline, C-pillar details and proportions are presented. While this may seem like a heavy-handed criticism, it's rather a compliment as the Mazda CX range has shown to be ageing well in the aesthetic department. Several years from now the CX-30 will still look contemporary and elegant.
Interior & Space
The largest shortcoming of the CX-3 is the lack of space. While it looks large from the outside the truth is that it is rather small inside and has a boot that is even smaller than the Mazda2 that it is based on. This is rectified with the CX-30 though and you get similar space and storage to that that you will find in the Mazda3 hatch. There's 430-litres of boot space, more than the 351-litres you get from the Mazda3 hatchback making the CX-30 factually more practical than the hatchback it's based on.
Rear passengers may find the rear legroom to be a little on the tight side, but for families with young children or teens, this should not pose much of an issue. The front passenger and driver are afforded generous room despite the cabin's cosseting design.
The interior of current Mazda products always impresses, especially in range-topping Individual trim. our test model, an Individual, was swathed in luxurious black and brown leather. While a strange colour combination, it works well and gives one the impression that their money has been spent well.
Comfort & Convenience
There's no denying that even in base-spec trim that the CX-30 is well-equipped. As the market progresses and high-end technologies filter down into the more affordable models, this statement will carry less weight, but for now, there is no need to worry about the CX-30.
All models in the range get self-levelling LED headlights and a heads-up display. The 8.8-inch MZD infotainment system is also standard and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for on-the-go smartphone tethering and use of approved in-car apps. 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted to Active and Dynamic models while the Individual model gets a striking set of 18-inch alloy wheels and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Performance
Only one engine is on offer n the CX-30, that being the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine. I still firmly believe that, while not necessarily flawed, this engine is the weakest part of the CX-30 recipe. Up at higher altitudes, the lack of a turbo sees its force-fed counterparts outperforming it in both performance and economy. Modern turbocharger technology is not the laggy, thirsty exercise that it once was and low-pressure turbos make the world of difference when you start losing barometric pressure at the reef.
On paper, the 2.0 mill produces 121 kW of power at 6 000 RPM and 213 Nm torque from 4 000 RPM. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and drives the front wheels. All CX-30s are fitted with Mazda's proprietary G-Vectoring Plus system, a unique system that modulates the torque delivery to improve turn-in and mid-corner balance. This creates a level of driver engagement that is sadly lacking in competitors in this price range.
Performance of the CX-30 isn't blistering, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just over 11-seconds with the automatic gearbox that the South African market gets but as we've learned over the years, even a slightly less powerful Mazda can be enjoyable to drive. Mazda has veered from performance figures (and doesn't even quote them in its press material) but ensures that driver engagement is high on the priority list.
Fuel Economy
Here's the bit that you will find rather infuriating because I know that I did. Nowhere, not on their website, nor on their press releases (local or global) do they readily divulge the claimed fuel consumption figures. One needs to do some serious digging and that does not bode well, it feels as if they're trying to hide the information. When you do find the claims of 5.5 l/100km, you wonder why it is that they're not promoting it more.
Real-world figures naturally vary but that didn't stop our test unit from returning acceptable figures in the mid 7s with a mixed bag of driving, at the aforementioned reef altitudes.
Safety
The CX-30 scores exceptionally well in the safety department though and offers a full 5-star Euro NCAP rating with a 99% score for adult occupants. You get 7 airbags and the usual array of braking assistance systems such as ABS, EBD and EBA.
Price
Coming in at R540 000 means that the range-topping Individual model teeters precariously close to the boutique SUVs such as the Audi Q2 and MINI Cooper Countryman. There's certainly value for the money you spend but when faced with the alternatives, the sale is a little tougher. I do see the impressively-specced Active models receiving more attention with their starting price of R469 000.
Naturally, options are limited so what you see is rather close to what you will end up paying for. Something to keep in mind when comparing to the German rivals.
Competitors
We've mentioned the Audi Q2 and MINI Countryman but the Audi Q3 is not far off the mark either. Buyers will probably consider the Hyundai Kona, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota C-HR when looking at the CX-30.
Verdict
I rather enjoyed my time with the CX-30. There were no nasty surprises and it was a familiar package that I was quickly comfortable with. The lengths that Mazda has gone to, to ensure that the ergonomics and driver experience are polished, is commendable in this day and age where technology sells cars. The CX-30 slotted into my household without any glaring omissions. I may be missing some of the street cred that other brands offer but that certainly doesn't make it a lemon. It's very far from that.
