There are various several types of SUV.
There’s not simply the dichotomy between rugged, body-on-frame SUVs and extra car-like unibody crossover wagons.
Wanting inside simply the latter class, there are fashions with boxy our bodies, ones that attempt to seem like coupes, and others that actually simply seem like hatchbacks on stilts.
The Mazda CX-30 is likely one of the latter. Positive, it shares primarily nothing externally with the Mazda 3 hatchback it’s carefully associated to beneath the pores and skin, however strip away these overly chunky black plastic wheel-arches and drop the journey peak a bit and, properly, it positive appears like a hatchback.
The CX-30 now outsells the Mazda 3 and it prices extra, which suggests it’s prone to be extra worthwhile for the model.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation on the 2020 Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve
They could have comparable silhouettes however the CX-30 has a extra hospitable again seat, whereas solely the CX-30 presents the choice of all-wheel drive in Australia.
That’s what we’ve put to the take a look at: an all-wheel drive CX-30 in second-from-top GT SP trim. It’s completed in a beautiful Platinum Quartz metallic paint end however, because it’s a CX-30 not carrying the Astina badge, it’s bafflingly saddled with halogen daytime operating lights. Yuck.
When you’re utilizing the again seats, the CX-30 is arguably already well worth the value premium over a Mazda 3. However is that this hatchback-style SUV at its finest in GT SP AWD trim?
How does the Mazda CX-30 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mazda CX-30 towards equally sized autos.
Mazda
CX-30
How a lot does the Mazda CX-30 value?
On take a look at right here is the GT SP, which is the penultimate trim degree within the vary. It’s out there in front- and all-wheel drive – our take a look at automotive has the latter.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure | $33,940 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve | $35,840 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring | $39,640 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring | $41,140 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring LE | $41,940 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Astina | $44,840 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP | $43,140 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP AWD | $45,140 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina | $46,340 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina AWD | $48,340 |
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the Mazda CX-30 like on the within?
The CX-30 has one of the crucial upscale interiors within the small SUV phase by far, and the crimson leather-based trim of the GT SP actually makes it pop.
The dashboard design is considerably odd in look, however materials high quality is class-leading.
Mazda has nailed the important thing contact factors. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels smooth and supple, although a few of its switchgear is a bit fiddly.
There’s leatherette padding on the edges of the centre console, a soft-touch sprint high and a few notably smooth trim throughout the entrance of the sprint. Likewise, the entrance doorways have soft-touch trim up high, and have leatherette accents additional down.
There are nonetheless buttons and knobs for the local weather management, and these have a tactile, satisfying operation and look good-looking besides.
Mazda has employed some shiny black trim on the centre console, however look carefully and it has a carbon-fibre weave look to it, which makes it a bit extra attention-grabbing if no much less smudge-prone.
The centre console is intelligent. There’s a sliding lid for the centre bin, permitting you to cowl extra of the console.
Different storage consists of bottle holders within the doorways that can truly match a 1.5L water bottle, a competitively sized glove compartment, plus a wierd cubby to the right-hand facet of the steering wheel. This has a big door however solely a tiny area that may match maybe a number of cash.
Maybe to maintain the centre stack and console trying clear, Mazda has additionally buried some buttons over right here just like the one to manually activate the digital camera, in addition to the hill descent management change.
Whereas that’s not notably intelligent, we do recognize the sunshine that comes on on the wiper stalk to let when rain-sensing mode is on.
Mazda has made the constructive step in including contact performance again to a few of its automobiles’ screens, if solely whenever you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring. There’s additionally nonetheless the helpful rotary dial for navigating all the opposite screens.
There’s only one drawback: Mazda remains to be positioning its infotainment screens like they don’t have contact performance even once they do. It’s an enormous stretch attempting to succeed in the display screen.
The infotainment interface is engaging and intuitive, although we didn’t expertise the smoothest reference to wi-fi Android Auto.
It wouldn’t drop out, however there can be slight skipping on songs. This wasn’t one thing we skilled in Audi and Chevrolet fashions that got here by means of our storage across the identical time.
The CX-30 has a reasonably excessive belt line and slim home windows, nevertheless it feels airier inside than a Mazda 3 hatchback.
The crimson leather-based trim additionally brightens the cabin up, although we’ve felt nicer leather-based.
Step into the again and there’s a good if not excellent quantity of room. The entrance seatbacks are helpfully scooped out and, at 180cm tall, I had enough headroom, knee room and leg room, although boxier small SUVs just like the Kia Seltos really feel extra spacious again right here.
There are top-tether anchor factors for baby seats, in addition to ISOFIX factors for the outboard seats. You additionally get a pair of air vents again right here, plus map pockets and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. No USB shops, although.
Boot area is a claimed 317L, once more down on boxier rivals just like the Seltos. Below the boot flooring you’ll discover a space-saver spare.
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 | |
|---|---|
| Size | 4395mm |
| Width | 1795mm |
| Peak | 1540mm |
| Wheelbase | 2655mm |
| Boot capability | 317L |
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Our tester is provided with the bigger and extra highly effective G25 four-cylinder petrol engine.
| Specs | Mazda CX-30 GT SP AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl naturally aspirated |
| Energy | 139kW |
| Torque | 252Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed computerized |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1546kg |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 6.8L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 9.7L/100km (inner-city, suburban and freeway loop) 11.3L/100km (over the course of every week) |
| Gas tank capability | 48L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 157g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1200kg |
Mazda claims combined-cycle gasoline economic system of 6.8L/100km with the CX-30 GT SP AWD – 0.2L/100km greater than a front-wheel drive model – and concrete gasoline consumption of 8.7L/100km.
Over a loop consisting of inner-city, suburban and freeway driving, we averaged 9.7L/100km. Over the course of every week, admittedly with a heavy skew in the direction of city driving, gasoline consumption rose to 11.3L/100km.
We’ve noticed higher gasoline economic system within the Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI, although the rival SUV has claimed combined-cycle gasoline economic system that’s greater.
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Mazda CX-30 drive?
Massive engine, small automotive.
The CX-30 ought to be enjoyable, and with the turbocharged model of this engine out there in North America it most likely is.
However this naturally aspirated engine, mixed with a six-speed computerized, merely isn’t as pleasant as rivals with usually smaller displacement however turbocharged engines.
The transmission deserves many of the blame. It doesn’t shift as easily because it ought to, with some pronounced shifts and even a little bit of jerkiness among the many decrease ratios.
The CX-30 additionally awkwardly swapped cogs when on steep grades, which furthered the sensation of the Mazda being a bit breathless.
I hardly ever use paddle shifters however I discovered myself utilizing them on a number of events with the CX-30. The engine additionally has a droning word that isn’t notably nice to hearken to, although from outdoors the automotive it sounds attention-grabbing.
Total, the powertrain lacks the snappy shifts and low-end responsiveness of the torquier Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI and Cupra Formentor V.
Alas, whereas it’s a bit underdone within the powertrain division, the ‘zoom-zoom’ of us have given the CX-30 a agency and ‘sporty’ journey. We’d cease in need of calling it uncomfortable, nevertheless it communicates all the main points of the street floor.
At greater speeds, the CX-30 is extra nice. The cabin can also be decently insulated from noise, although some tyre roar leaks in throughout coarse-chip surfaces. These tyres can even howl throughout spirited driving.
We’d love for the turbocharged engine to come back right here as a result of the CX-30 is an pleasant steer for those who put aside the disappointing powertrain.
The steering is well-weighted and whereas there’s a bit extra physique roll than with a Mazda 3, the CX-30 handles properly and stays good and flat in corners.
Compression and rebound damping is managed properly throughout floor modifications, too – this nonetheless feels extra hatchback than SUV.
The motive force help techniques usually work properly, although we did expertise one notable exception.
Driving up a carpark ramp, the autonomous emergency braking system utilized the brakes although we had been driving at low velocity and there was no oncoming car or imminent danger of collision. Happily, this solely occurred as soon as.
Out on the street, the lane-keep help works properly with out feeling too intrusive. There’s additionally a lane centring perform with the Imaginative and prescient Know-how Package deal that works properly, although it should ding at you each time it detects a break in lane markings.
The Imaginative and prescient package deal additionally brings a surround-view digital camera with wonderful decision.
The CX-30’s adaptive cruise management works properly, and there’s additionally a separate velocity limiter perform which is helpful.
We’ve already spoken of gasoline consumption which was greater than anticipated, notably given the Mazda has an computerized engine idle-stop system to enhance effectivity. This method is definitely among the many smoothest on the market, and by no means irritated us sufficient to make us wish to flip it off.
All-wheel drive doesn’t actual a lot of a gasoline economic system penalty, not less than on paper. However given the CX-30’s modest outputs, it’s not just like the AWD system is required to assist get all this energy to the bottom.
Positive, some moist climate on the finish of our mortgage made us higher recognize the presence of all-paw traction. However with stability management and a very good set of tyres with loads of tread, you scarcely want all-wheel drive for wet climate, and we don’t precisely have a whole lot of snow on this nation.
We reckon most patrons can be well-served by the extra reasonably priced front-wheel drive possibility.
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure gear highlights:
- Mazda Linked Companies
- Car locator
- Geofencing
- Flashing lights function
- Curfew notifications
- Distant locking
- Car well being
- Standing studies
- Stolen car monitoring help
- 16-inch gray alloy wheels
- House-saver spare wheel
- Computerized LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Computerized power-folding facet mirrors
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8.8-inch infotainment system
- Head-up show
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 2x USB-C ports (replaces USB-A)
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Push-button begin
- Leather-based-wrapped shifter
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Cloth upholstery
Evolve provides:
- 18-inch silver alloy wheels
- Paddle shifters
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Overhead sunglass storage
- Rear fold-down centre armrest
Touring provides:
- Entrance parking sensors
- Auto-dimming driver’s facet mirror
- Reverse tilt-down driver’s facet mirror
- Aspect mirror reminiscence
- Keyless entry
- Illuminated entrance vainness mirrors
- Black leather-based upholstery
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- Two-position driver’s seat reminiscence
Touring LE provides:
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black grille
- Signature spoiler
- Black mirror caps
- Terracotta ‘Maztex’ and suede upholstery
- Terracotta armrest, centre console, door card and dashboard distinction stitching
- Imaginative and prescient Know-how package deal
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Cruising & Site visitors Help
- Driver monitoring system
- Encompass-view monitor
- 10.25-inch infotainment system
GT SP provides (over Touring):
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
- Energy tilt and slide glass sunroof
- Gloss black grille
- Gloss black facet mirrors
- 10.25-inch infotainment system
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated entrance seats
- Burgundy leather-based upholstery
The Imaginative and prescient Know-how package deal ($2000, G20 Pure and Evolve; $1800, G20 and G25 Touring; $1300, G25 GT SP FWD and AWD) provides:
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Cruising & Site visitors Help
- Driver monitoring system
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Entrance parking sensors (G20 Pure and G20 Evolve solely)
- 10.25-inch infotainment system (G20 Pure, G20 Evolve, G20 Touring, G25 Touring)
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Mazda CX-30 protected?
The Mazda CX-30 obtained a five-star ANCAP security ranking again in 2019.
| Class | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 99 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 80 per cent |
| Security help | 76 per cent |
Customary security gear consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Rear AEB
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep help
- Lane departure warning
- Driver consideration alert
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
- Tyre strain monitoring
G20 and G25 Touring provides:
Touring LE and G20 and G25 Astina provides:
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Cruising & Site visitors Help
- Driver monitoring system
- Encompass-view monitor
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Mazda CX-30 value to run?
The Mazda CX-30 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years or 105,000km |
| Complete capped-price service value | $3213 |
| Common capped-price service | $535.50 |
Choosing all-wheel drive doesn’t deliver with it a premium when servicing your CX-30.
To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Take
Until you propose on going to the snow, there are higher choices inside the CX-30 lineup.
You possibly can save $2000 and go for a front-wheel drive GT SP, or spend the identical sum of money because the all-wheel drive mannequin and get a totally loaded front-wheel drive Astina.
There are additionally fascinating choices outdoors of a Mazda showroom.
A Volkswagen T-Roc is extra pleasant to drive, a Kia Seltos is extra sensible, and a Toyota C-HR extra environment friendly.
The CX-30 delights with the upscale feel and appear of its inside, in addition to its usually subtle infotainment and driver help know-how.
However the driving expertise leaves a bit to be desired, with its pleasing dealing with and usually quiet cabin let down by a agency journey and clunky powertrain.
The CX-30’s sporty chassis wants a greater powertrain to again it up. It’s a pity we don’t get the turbocharged model right here, as that would actually elevate this SUV. Within the meantime, there are rival SUVs that do the zoom-zoom factor higher.
Fascinated about shopping for a Mazda CX-30? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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