The Mazda CX-30 first hit South African roads in 2020 with their updated derivative released late 2024. It is not positioned as a predecessor to the CX-3 in South Africa. It is a larger and more versatile compact SUV but in many ways, however, there is a striking resemblance to the CX-3.
The CX3 was one of my favorite crossovers, with its only disadvantage being that it was on the smaller side especially in the interior. Consequently, I looked forward to the CX-30 test expecting not only a larger vehicle but also greater evolution in technology. The compact SUV market is a highly competitive one and the price of the CX-30 may put it at a disadvantage both with competitors and within its own line-up.
The drive
The consistency that comes standard in all Mazda’s is evident in the CX-30’s ride quality. It feels solid and capable on the road and with a 2L engine it performs when you need it to, albeit perhaps with that extra vroom that a turbo provides. Ultimately, however, its ride is comparable to other more expensive vehicles.
All three CX-30 derivatives are powered by a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder engine that delivers 121 kW of power and 213 Nm of torque. This is coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Mazda claims the fuel consumption is notable but does not state what this is. Our consumption was 8.2L/100km which is not terrible but also not impressive for a compact SUV. Much of the driving time was in sport mode thus this figure could be improved but it would be fairly difficult to get it below 7.9/100km.
Design
The CX-30 aims to combine sleek lines with a powerful stance. It gives the compact SUV a unique profile. Higher derivatives also offer drivers personalisation like black mirrors and red interior stitching.
The test unit was the top of the range Individual AT Edition. It offers anew Retro Sports interior option with Terracotta upholstery and black contrast elements. The intention is to bring back the elegance of classic coachwork. I, however, found that it detracted from a sporty feel, but this is a personal preference.
The seats are a mixture of leatherette and suede. A nice touch is the addition of suede and soft touch material to the dash and door panels. I do wonder though, in the context of a family car, what it will look like with dust and normal wear and tear – I don’t see it wearing well.
Stepping inside
In the latest Mazda CX-30 features are added across the range to further enhance its human-centric approach. When I tested the CX-5, however, I was frustrated that the infotainment screen wasn’t a touchscreen or very intuitive. I was hopeful of seeing an update in the CX-30 and it reportedly does have a touchscreen but only when stationary but still lacks modernity.
The buttons and dials are easy to use and well placed but throughout the test period I touched the screen only to return to the dials because it never worked. Our instinct is to expect a touchscreen thus this seemed like a strange oversight and probably one of my biggest critiques.
Additionally, the infotainment screen is only 10.25-inches in size. They are such a vital part of every vehicle – from entry level to top of the range and the small screen does not do the CX-30 justice. I just did not find it to be intuitive or user-friendly.
It also didn’t connect to Android Auto wirelessly but does have wireless CarPlay. I have become so accustomed to Android Auto connecting wirelessly and with no effort in almost every car, I was quite surprised how frustrating I found this.
Keyless entry and exit did receive an upgrade. Instead of a button to unlock you can now slide your finger across which adds to the aesthetics of the vehicle. I am not, however, opposed to the black button because it tends to work more effectively but I’m sure the technology will improve with time.
Another feature in the CX-30 is that it has what initially appears to be an analog speedometer. Yet, this can be changed to a ‘digital’ one that shows your precise speed as well.
Something Mazda does well is knowing when something works well. For example, they haven’t done away with the volume dial in lieu of controls on the infotainment screen or steering wheel. Another is the fuel gauge; it’s big, clear and you know exactly how much fuel there is with a quick glance.
I have increasingly come across vehicles that change the gauge compromising the simplicity you want when checking your fuel. You can check kilometres until empty but there is also value in knowing when you’re heading toward a quarter tank which, with some other vehicles, is not 100% clear.
The C-Port charger is not located next to the wireless charger. It is in the center cubby but is placed in quite a clever way. You can push the armrest back slightly to access two C-ports and still use it as an armrest. It is also close enough to the wireless charger that you can still place your phone. If you feel more comfortable with the armrest closed you can still do that as there is a space underneath where the cord can still exit without having to close the cubby on the wire. The rear does not have charging ports but the placement of the C-Port in the cubby enables use in the rear as well.
Other features In the CX-30 include cruise control, stop/start button, Bose sound system, aircon vents in the rear, head-up display, electric fold mirrors, leather trimmed steering wheel and transmission lever, auto headlights and windscreen wipers, auto-dipping rear-view mirror, auto folding mirrors and electronic parking brake.
Higher specifications add 18” alloy wheels available in black metallic, daytime running lights, wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, auto paddle transmission switches, power liftgate with a fair-sized boot, keyless entry, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and memory function, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully opening sunroof.
Safety
The driver information screen in the test vehicle indicates blind spots on the driver information screen. It shows when there is a vehicle in your blind spot by highlighting the adjacent lane in red.
The CX-30 features an impressive range of standard safety features:
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Ultra-high tensile steel reinforced chassis
- Seven airbags including driver knee airbag, dual front-side-and curtain airbags
- Auto door lock
- ABS
- EBA
- EBD
- Hill-hold assist
- Dynamic stability control
- Blindspot Monitor (Individual AT Edition)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Individual AT Edition)
If you are a fan of the CX-3 but need a bit of extra space and height, then the CX-30 is the right option for you. It is slightly bigger than what you would expect from a crossover but not quite as large as other compact SUVs on the market. But… (and this is a big but) the CX-30 is actually more expensive than the CX-5. The only reason I foresee someone buying the CX-30 over the CX-5 is if they are not comfortable with the size of the latter.
The greatest value I find in Mazda vehicles is that you always know what you are getting and the CX-30 does not disappoint in this regard.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 121 kW
Torque: 213 Nm
Price: starting from R531 800
Warranty and service plan: 5-year/unlimited km warranty and service plan
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