Mazda CX-30 2.0 Individual Edition (2025) Review

Pros

• Embodies its design philosophy well and oozes character
• Elegant looks
• Driving ergonomics are sublime
• Pleasant driving experience

Cons

• Infotainment functionality is arguably dated
• Very underrated 
• Scratchy gloss interior trim can dampen its quality
  

Saturation in the family vehicle space is certainly something that's been common as of late. The formula is simple, something on an SUV base, carries four to five people, the dog, the pram and luggage and drives with ease for everyday usage. It gets to a point where many of these vehicles as a reviewer start to feel samey. Then you get what Mazda is cooking up by making a car that has character and clear intention that they want everytime you hop into the car a sense of occassion. The CX-30 is one of those cars and embodies the Kodo Soul design philosophy. We had the Individual Edition Trim on test.

Styling

Mazda's Kodo design philosophy embodies emotional design with the fewest elements. Less is more, if you will. Many cars nowadays are bombastically designed to separate themselves from their peers, but the CX-30 is elegantly executed with maximum impact. From various angles, it is indeed pretty, and our test unit, which is finished in Soul Red Crystal, ties the design up with a bow and will garner a headturn as you walk away. A large, prominent grille flanked by projector headlamps. Body cladding indicating its SUV application. Subtle curves and a strong silhouette. Those stand out on the CX-30. The only thing we'd change here are the gloss black wheels. It's different from the usual diamond cut affair you tend to see, but the black hides the design. Despite that, as you can see from our images, it's quite the photogenic vehicle, wouldn't you agree?

Space and comfort

Gracefully step inside and you'll notice how premium the CX-30's cabin is. The finishes are top-notch, using suede, leather, and soft-touch material. Interactions with the touch and feel points and switchgear reflect Mazda's stance on vehicle tech at the time this vehicle was designed. It's tactile versus interacting solely with a large touchscreen. Arguably, one would argue that it's dated in that respect. However, everything is laid out exceptionally, and using something like the infotainment system with buttons and dials is easy. The system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible and paired with a Bose 12-speaker sound system for added punch. You'll also notice how the various components are centred towards the driver. Things you interact with often, like the steering wheel, show that Mazda worked on the driver's seating ergonomics, making it simple to set up your most comfortable and controllable driving position. 

Performance

The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol Skyactiv G engine, making 121kW / 213Nm, provides thrust for the CX-30 range. That's sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The majority of the CX-30's competitors utilise turbocharging or New Energy tech, so it's refreshing to see something that's all motor. Now, that doesn't mean it's gutless, though. This setup does the job for the vehicle size, and you're not nudging the car to do more.

The Drive

The elegance here isn't just superficial, it reflects deep within the Mazda's drivetrain too. Power delivery is linear, and the engine is free-revving. The automatic transmission's gearing matches wonderfully with the engine, and the box's operation isn't clunky. There's a sense of urgency when pulling off, but not so much that you're jerked into your seat, better than the lag associated with dual clutch transmissions. The suspension setup is more neutral but confident when you swing the CX-30. Ride quality, as you'd expect, is sublime with a dampened ride but springs that strike a balance between firm and soft, as not to take away from the confident handling. Pair all this with the solid driving ergonomics in the cabin, and you have a vehicle that wants you to drive it, and you also don't feel fatigued driving it.

Fuel Consumption

Mazda claims the CX-30's fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 L /100km, but we managed with a combined cycle in the higher 7.0 L /100km range when it settled.

Safety

Notable safety features include:

• 7 Airbags
• Auto Hold
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• ISOFIX
• Emergency Brake Assist
• Emergency Stop Signal
• Front Sonar
• Hill Hold Assist
• Hill Launch Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Reverse Camera

Price

Pricing for the Mazda CX-30 includes a 5-year/Unlimited km service plan, 5-year/Unlimited km warranty and 5-year/Unlimited km roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

*The pricing stated here was correct when published and is subject to change without further notice. The pricing shown here is base pricing.

Rivals

• Jaecoo J7
• Hyunndai Alcazar
• Volkswagen Taigo
• Ford Puma
• Subaru Crosstrek
• BYD Dolphin
• Peugeot 2008

Verdict

Instead of being a digital hub on wheels, the CX-30 is, first and foremost, a car. Plenty of passion has gone into this vehicle, and it embodies its design philosophy well. It's a shame this vehicle is underrated in South Africa. Arguably, one would say it's dated in some respects, but for what it is, it's an enjoyable drive and truly appreciated when you pilot it. It's well worth a test drive.