2022 Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring SP AWD review

Mazda has applied its black-pack SP label to the CX-30 SUV. Does the on-trend treatment make for a better compact SUV overall?

What we love

Black wheels and ‘Burgundy’ red interior are a hit

Well put together inside and out

Comes with the choice of three drivelines

What we don’t

Small second row and small boot

Noisy cabin

All-wheel-drive car feels rich at $46K drive-away (as tested)

Introduction

Mazda’s small SUVs, like this 2022 Mazda CX-30, are some of the most popular vehicles in the class.

If you combine the total sales of Australian light and small SUV segments together, you’ll find that nearly one-in-five sold wears a Mazda badge.

Quite impressive. Helping achieve success in this space is the fact Mazda offers two small SUVs: the smaller Mazda CX-3 and larger CX-30. Further to cutting the small SUV segment in half with two product offerings, it also launched with nine different versions of its Mazda CX-30 alone.

It doesn’t end there. In its quest for more market dominance, the brand has introduced another trim level – the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP – meaning there are now 13 models to pick from (plus a new CX-30 G20e Evolve M mild-hybrid lower down the range).

The Mazda CX-30 Touring SP sits on the upper of the wider Mazda CX-30 line-up, and is considered the Sporty Spice of the bunch. It features trim-level-exclusive features, like a classy deep red leather trim that Mazda calls ‘Burgundy’, sharp-looking and all-black 18-inch alloy wheels, and some tokenistic black exterior side mirrors shells… Just because.

It comes in three different versions: 2.0-litre front-wheel drive, 2.5-litre front-wheel drive, and 2.5-litre all-wheel drive. All three have the same equipment, albeit the running gear.

The 2.0-litre version of the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP is naturally the cheapest of the lot costing $37,790 before on-roads and options, or around $42,300 on the road in New South Wales. Out of interest, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring model that sits underneath it can be had from $35,990 before on-roads, or around $40,400 drive-away.

If you prefer the poke of the 2.5-litre, a front-wheel-drive one costs $39,290 before on-road costs, or an all-wheel drive one $41,290, also before on-road costs. That makes our 2.5-litre all-wheel-drive 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP test car worth nearly $46,000 drive-away, if you pick one-of-three optional extra-cost paint finishes like Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey or Polymetal Grey Metallic at an extra $495 charge, but other metallic and mica finishes incur no additional charge.

Let’s try it on for size.

Inside

One of the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring’s biggest drawcards is an alternative exclusive leather interior trim that Mazda calls ‘Burgundy’. Despite the name, in the sun the leather’s pigment can be quite bright, which I personally like.

Consider it more a deep red. The seats are quite firm once you plonk your bum down, but they’re still supportive and comfortable enough. If I have to be critical, the seat backs could use some firmer and more pronounced bolstering around your hips.

Thankfully, the burgundy finish is reserved just for the seats, as the interior’s door trims, dash, and even lower console areas are still clad in a mixture of black pleather or black plastic. Sometimes car brands use the same seat trim all over the shop, which can make it feel overpowering or even a little kitsch.

Mazda’s interior design ethos is one of traditionalism, so showing refrain with material selection naturally aligns to its strengths. The overall cabin naturally remains elegantly simple, with minimal, yet enough, buttons to use various systems like its climate control or infotainment system, and a traditional set of analogue dials flanking a digital screen within the gauge cluster.

Although it may look old-hat compared to some of the latest and greatest, the Mazda CX-30 interior is more importantly super-easy to interact with on the move because of its layout.

In terms of storage and amenities, you’ll find a pair of cupholders and single USB port in front of the gear shifter, a pair of bottle holders in its doors big enough for a 500ml Cambelbak bottle, and armrest storage large enough to home your wallet, keys and some trinkets for the kids.

Over the back, space is tight, even as a small SUV. I’m 183cm tall, and sitting behind my driving position resulted in my knees hard up against the front seats, feet free to wiggle somewhat, and my head left plenty of space.

The biggest area for improvement is knee room, but younger kids and teenagers should find the space large and comfortable enough. In terms of the overall feel, passengers in the back have great visibility both fore and aft, and the cool swooping roof outside doesn’t get in the way too much of the cabin experience inside, unlike others.

You’ll easily get two large convertible child seats in the second row, but it’ll render the middle seat useless. Given the lack of knee room, a taller-than-average four-year-old in a Britax seat needed the front seat slid forward to feel comfortable.

The same goes for when the child seat is rearward-mounted, as it costs some front passenger legroom to do so. Still, the kids in the back will stay comfy due to rear air vents and a pair of fold-down cupholders for a beverage.

Boot space measures up at 317L initially, with a further 105L located under the boot floor. While grand in total at 422L, it’s the 317L section (the part you use everyday) that’s small for the class.

Cars like the 2022 Kia Seltos and 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc have 433L and 392L respectively. The Mazda CX-30’s 317L functions much the same as a ‘real-life’ boot, albeit one that’s just a touch more shallow and narrow than the class average.

Still, my compact stroller fit up against the seat back, and three rows of shopping just about stuck in, slightly squashed together. Under the boot floor you’ll find a space-saving spare wheel, which is better than a repair kit.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All 2022 Mazda CX-30 models – regardless of the trim level – come with an 8.8-inch infotainment system.

Unlike a touchscreen, you operate this system with the same, familiar and decade-old remote-located rotary dial as found in previous Mazda models. As far as interaction points go, it’s still one of the most simple and easiest to live with, once you take the time to learn all its tricks.

While the interaction point is similar, the rotary controller has been given some ergonomic tweaks, and the Mazda Connect operating software is fresher and faster than the older system still found in other Mazda models (like the CX-3). Within you’ll find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via wired connections), inbuilt satellite navigation, and DAB+ digital radio.

Sadly, the CX-30 Touring SP model misses out on the Bose premium audio, instead receiving the regular Mazda-branded eight-speaker audio system. Although clear enough, it does need to be driven hard to be heard at its best.

A nice touch could’ve been adding the Bose premium audio stereo to this particular trim level version, given it’s one that’s designed as a flashy and emotive upsell, and adding it would’ve been a simple affair.

Safety and Technology

Mazda’s CX-30 range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating having been crash-tested back in 2019.

It scored extremely well under 2019’s regulations, with 99 per cent earned for adult occupant protection and 88 per cent for child safety.

Where the Mazda CX-30 fell down slightly was in terms of active safety assist systems. Since its introduction, the CX-30 range has been incrementally upgraded to receive more safety gear since it was last crash-tested, and the same goes for the entry-level version in the range.

Safety specifics for the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP include automatic braking both travelling forward and when reversing, lane-keeping assist, an audible and visual rear cross-traffic alert with blind-spot monitoring, plus both front and rear parking sensors.

Value for Money

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP receives a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, and is expected to be returned for maintenance every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

Before we even discuss service pricing, it’s easy to see how the Mazda can cost you more in the long run. Others in the same class can go 15,000km without a service, which will be beneficial to high-milers.

Still, the first three services for a 2.5-litre all-wheel-drive CX-30 cost $322, $438 and $409, or $1169 in total. Years four and five will run you $541 and $322, meaning five years, or 50,000km of travel, costs $2032.

The cost to run a 2022 Kia Seltos GT-Line is $1080/$1989 for three or five years respectively and features the same intervals as the Mazda.

The 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc, however, can go 12 months or 15,000km before needing servicing, so despite paying more, you also get more. Maintaining one costs $1400/$2300 under the brand’s upfront payment service plan system.

In terms of maintenance, the price is fair. According to Mazda, the all-wheel-drive 2.5-litre version (like our test car) is expected to use 6.8L/100km, whereas official testing saw the car’s trip computer show 8.0L/100km.

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Driving

Mazda’s cars are generally inviting to drive.

After a few corners and bends to scope out the controls, there’s a high chance you’ll feel at home already. The steering is light in feel yet faster than usual in terms of its gearing, which helps it feel nimble and responsive.

Tapping the brake pedal gives an immediate bite, too, which also promotes confidence. The transparency of its controls makes smaller inputs easy to make and detect, and I personally appreciate a car that’s a little sharper than it ought to be.

As mentioned earlier, the Mazda CX-30 Touring SP is offered with three drivelines: 2.0-litre front-wheel drive, 2.5-litre front-wheel drive, and 2.5-litre all-wheel drive. Our test car is the latter, and the most expensive.

Regardless of the powered wheels, the larger and more expensive motor is still naturally aspirated and only makes 139kW/252Nm. It’s definitely a better performer than the 2.0-litre, but it does lack the vigour of its turbocharged rivals.

For those who travel one- or maybe two-up frequently, the powertrain is just right. However, when it comes to lugging adults, kids and other stuff around, you’ll feel the extra weight. The engine lacks the low-end torque and meaty torque delivery of its turbocharged rivals, but it’s not underpowered by the same token.

It just needs more – or sometimes earlier – applications of throttle to get the job done when fully loaded. As a pointless trade-off of being naturally aspirated, it’s quite fun to enjoy the engine’s powerband and character on a motorway on-ramp, which is linear and pleasurable.

Still, I’d prefer a turbocharged range-topper, like how Kia does things with its Seltos, albeit without the transmission. It’s where Mazda gets things right by employing a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission that’s well-geared, operates quietly and smoothly, and is just what you’d want in a modern mainstream SUV.

The handling is in tune with the car’s general alertness, so expect the ride to be bumpier than some rivals. Our particular Touring SP model benefits from 18-inch wheels, which while they look great, come with a small trade-off in the ride comfort stakes.

Still, it’s likeable overall and arguably just what you need around town. The subjectivity of its driving ethos aligns somewhat to Audi’s, in that sometimes a ‘safely tuned’ car, well-equipped to tackle adverse reactions, is a firm one.

On the flip side, there’s a high chance you won’t end up in such situations, so why have it to begin with? If you’re the sort of person who also doesn’t mind driving but doesn’t love it either, yet appreciates the passive safety, then the Mazda’s firmness and sharpness will appeal to your palate.

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-30’s biggest drawcard is the way it looks, as that helps it carve a good-looking niche between the small CX-3 and larger, more traditional-looking CX-5.

The idea of sprinkling more glitter on the body type is playing to its strengths, as the Touring SP version’s black 18-inch wheels and pretty, deep-red interior further complement its inherent look.

If you’re a single- or double-income household toying with the idea of something similar, this could be it. It’s the ‘best-looking’ one in the range, not the most expensive, and in 2.0-litre form costs $42K drive-away.

At $46,000-and-some in all-wheel-drive, 2.5-litre form, you’re probably pushing the friendship. And if you’re a young family of three or four, you could do better in terms of space, if that’s your be-all-end-all decision-making factor.

But we know there are plenty who buy on style, and we’re all guilty of it in some way, shape or form. I’m a tragic.

So, if you often indulge in that rhetoric, then it’s probably exactly what you’re looking for.

Keyword: 2022 Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring SP AWD review