Review: 2021 Mazda CX-30

When Mazda launched the all-new CX-30, everybody knew they were looking at a fresh take on every other car on the road. Sharp and modern both inside and out, it's a small SUV that attracts even the most stylish crowd. We took it for a spin around town to see how it performed.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

The new line-up of Mazda's, with the CX-30 bridging the gap between it's smaller sibling the CX-3 and bigger brother the CX-5, are both modern and stylish. We would even go as far as to actually call them attractive. The Mazda CX-30 has an aggressive nose boosting the new Mazda grill and sharp lines leading to a well-rounded back that doesn't look bulky, yet offers al lot of headroom and cargo space. Although it's a small SUV, the CX-30 doesn't stand too high on its feet, keeping a streamlined appearance. This also helps its driving capabilities, which we'll get to next.

DRIVEABILITY

Getting behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-30 feels a bit like getting into a cockpit. With the instruments angled towards the driver, you feel connected to the car and luckily the CX-30 handles accordingly. Whether you opt for the 'G20' 2.0-litre petrol or the ‘G25’ 2.5-litre engine, both perform their task with ease. Of course the latter has a bit more punch with 139kW at 6000rpm and 252Nm at 4000rpm, compared to 114kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4000rpm. It will get you to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds instead of just over 10, but when driving it around town the difference is hardly noticeable. Both engines are instantly responsive and smooth; the G25 engine delivers torque earlier though.

Whichever one you pick, both engines are mated to the same six-speed auto and are fuel efficient, using about 6.5L/100km and run on cheap 91RON petrol. Safety is guaranteed when driving the CX-30 as well, with safety features including seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention alert, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and radar-guided active cruise control with stop-and-go standard across the range. It also achieved one of the highest ANCAP crash scores to date, achieving 99 per cent in adult occupant protection testing. That's impressive!

LIVEABILITY

If you thought the outside of the Mazda CX-30 looks modern and sleek, wait until you step inside. The interior of the CX-30 is filled with premium materials, especially on the higher trim levels. From the buttons to the screen and mid-console layout, it all works and looks very classy. Standard features include an 8.8-inch screen that supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, auto-folding side mirrors, digital radio, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and four one-touch windows - all to make live inside just a little bit nicer and easier. You can also opt for the Heads Up Display, which is usually reserved for high end vehicles.

The comfortable, hugging front seats offer ample support and the rear passengers are well looked after with plenty of headspace, and even if you're taller, you will fit with enough legroom. Add to this a boot space of 317L (53L more than the CX-3 & 22L greater than a Mazda 3) and you're secured of enough storage space both in the cabin as well as in the trunk. The Mazda CX-30 lends itself therefore ideally for both short city hops, longer highway drives and even road trips.

COST

If you're in the market for a Mazda CX-30, you're spoiled for choice. Not only can you choose between the two above mentioned engines, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), you also have no less than 4 trim levels to choose from: Pure, Evolve, Touring and Astina

It all starts with the G20 Pure (FWD) at just under 30k. If you want to dress the base model up with 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control instead of manual A/C, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, and a roof-mounted sunglasses box, you're looking at the G20 Evolve at just over 31k.

Above that you'll find the G20 Touring just under $35k. This adds extras such as a proximity key fob, auto-tilting side mirrors for parallel parking, front sensors, and black leather seat trim with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. This is the first model that can be equiped with the G25 engine for an additional $1500.  The AWD option is $2000 on top of that.

The top-of-the-range Astina starts at just under 39k for the G20, climbing to just over $41k for the G25 FWD, and topping out at around $43k for the G25 AWD. For that price you'll also get LED headlights, 12-speaker Bose audio system and a Vision Technology pack with 360-degree camera, a driver-state monitor, and front cross-traffic alert.

Every CX-30 comes with maximum service prices (at intervals of 12 months or 10,000km), which cost $309, $354, $309, $354, and $309, plus $69 for brake fluid every two years and $92 for a new air filter every 40,000km. Very clear and straight forward; no surprises there, including 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.

CONCLUSION

With the CX-30 Mazda has set a new standard for style, safety and luxury in the small SUV scene. Sleek, sharp lines combined with an upscale interior make for a pleasure to look at and a comfortable experience to be inside. 

Driving the CX-30, there is no lack of power and though you get a great overview sitting up higher a bit, the handling is like a normal hatchback. Another perfect combination. With ample choice in trim levels, there is a CX-30 available for everybody and because of its maximum price servicing program, you don't get any nasty surprises while owning it.  A great reason to definitely put the CX-30 on your shopping list for your next small SUV.