The CX-30 has the latest generation technologies developed by the Japanese brand under the Skyactiv label, meaning its engines, transmissions and chassis components are shared with the recently launched Mazda3. The CX-30 also adopts its very effective noise-killing body construction features.
Mazda will launch front and all-wheel drive versions of the CX-30. As with the 3, base and middle grades will come with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder and top models get a 2.5-litre.
Taller and with more ground clearance than the 3, the CX-30 has less distance between the front and rear axles and it’s shorter overall than even the hatchback version of Mazda’s popular small car.
The CX-30 has been carefully scaled to appeal to SUV buyers who find the CX-3 a little too little and the CX-5 a bit too big. Still, it matches both in some important measures.
For example, its front seats are roomily spaced as far apart as the CX-5 but its turning circle is the same as the CX-3.
The exterior combines curvy pressed-metal panels up top with hefty pieces of plastic cladding down low for a look Mazda describes as “Sleek and Bold”.
Inside, the aim is for class and quality throughout. Everything is good to look at, well made and easy to use.
Front seat comfort and adjustability are outstanding and the driving position pretty much ideal. Mazda designed the height of the seat for easy access by “people of all nationalities”; taller Australians, Americans and Europeans, and shorter Asians — access is very easy.
There may be five seat belts but Mazda designed the interior to be comfortable for four adults.
In the spacious rear seat — even if the backrest is fairly upright — there’s ample headroom for those up to about 185cm tall and plenty of space for feet beneath the front seats. The cargo compartment is reasonably roomy at about 400L.
As well as being pretty and practical, the CX-30 also has driving personality. Its centre of gravity is naturally higher than the Mazda 3 but the SUV’s handling is equally eager to please.
The CX-30 loves to go around corners. Its steering is neat and quick and this is one SUV that doesn’t wobble or wallow when driven briskly. It’s a four-wheeled fun-lover that will make friends, and fans, easily.
At city-centre speeds, the ride is quite firm but it’s impressively smooth at a country-road clip. It’s also quiet inside — noise levels from engine and tyres are low, in contrast to previous Mazda models.
With the new 3, and now the CX-30, the company has come up with winning strat...