The all-new CX-30 plugs the gap between Mazda’s ageing CX-3 and family-friendly CX-5. It’s much more than a fill-in, but is it good enough to become carsales COTY?
- Who will the Mazda CX-30 appeal to?
- How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost?
- What have we already said about the Mazda CX-30?
Why is the Mazda CX-30 a carsales COTY contender?
Compact SUVs have taken over from small hatchbacks in many Australian garages, doing a similar job with trendy SUV style.
Based on the mechanical package of the latest Mazda3, the all-new Mazda CX-30 is a smooth looker with seats for five and a boot that is bigger than the underdone CX-3.
The styling reflects Mazda’s latest Kodo design language, which means it is smoother and more stylish than the other baby boxes in the class.
The cabin, too, is a cut above its direct competitors.
Who will the Mazda CX-30 appeal to?
The best thing about the Mazda CX-30 is its broad appeal. The relatively cramped back seat means it will never be a genuine family SUV, but Mazda has the CX-5 for that job.
It’s stylish enough for 20-somethings who want a getaway car, but the real fans are the youngish couples without kids who want flexibility and have moved away from the Mazda3 class in search of an SUV.
There were two four-cylinder engines available at launch – 2.0-litre (114kW/200Nm) and 2.5-litre (139kW/252Nm), dubbed G20 and G25 respectively – with front-wheel drive as the default drivetrain and all-wheel drive on the two top-specification G25s. The primary transmission is a six-speed automatic, but a six-speed manual is also now available at the entry level.
The advanced 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-X engine (132kW/224Nm), which combines the efficiency and torque of diesel compression ignition with the cleaner emissions and responsiveness of a petrol-fed powertrain, has also joined the range at the top end.
How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost?
The starting price is $28,990 plus on-road costs for the G20 Pure manual, with automatic transmission just $1000 further up the line.
There are four model grades – Pure, Evolve, Touring and Astina – with the first two only available with the 2.0-litre engine and all bar the Pure fitted standard with the automatic.
The 2.5-litre engine is offered across Touring and Astina, starting from $36,490 and $38,990 respectively, while the X20 Astina AWD with the high-tech 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-X engine now tops the range at $46,490 plus ORCs.
This is premium pricing in a class where the Kia Seltos starts at $25,990 but Mazda is banking on its badge and plenty of equipment at each stop on the model walk-up.
The safety kit starts with seven airbags and a reversing camera, extending to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward obstruction warning and rear cross traffic alert with brake support.
It all adds up to a five-star ANCAP result including the highest-yet score for adult occupant protection.
Other standard features at entry level include 16-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control and the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Everything from Evolve up gets 18-inch alloys and dual-zone climate control, as well as the rear air vents and shift paddles behind the steering wheel that absent on the Pure.
Naturally, the more you pay the more you get. At Astina level, a clear highlight is ‘Vision Technology’ which includes a 360-degree camera system and semi-autonomous ‘Cruising and Traffic’ support.
What have we already said about the Mazda CX-30?
The arrival of the Mazda CX-30 drew instant praise, as carsales senior journalist Bruce Newton reported from the launch drive.
“You can see the attraction. It’s a thoroughly modern, beautifully presented small SUV that will suit singles and couples really well,” he wrote.
The CX-30 was then pitched into a surprising contest with the BMX X1, based on its premium position, and the test crew said it could just as easily have been compared with the Audi Q2, Lexus UX or Volvo XC40.
The CX-30 won the run-off against the X1 and the final wrap was high praise: “So is Mazda premium more than a slogan? On this evidence the answer is a definite yes.”
Based on its comparison win it looks like a definite contender in the 2020 carsales Car of the Year, proudly presented by Bingle.
Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve at a glance: Price: From $31,490 Engines: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol Output: 114kW/200Nm Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 151g/km (ADR combined)
Keyword: Mazda CX-30: carsales Car of the Year 2020 contender