Mazda CX-30 - TopCarNews

Mazda CX-30 (2019 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Mazda CX-30 is an SUV/crossover that sits between the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-5 in the Mazda SUV range. It was launched at the 2019 Geneva motor show before going on sale later in the year.

The CX-30 is based on the Mazda 3 hatchback and is more sleekly-styled, although less practical, than the slightly larger CX-5.

Based on 26 reviews we have compiled as of December 2021, the Mazda CX-30 has an Expert Rating of 73% and has received generally positive reviews from UK motoring websites. It has been praised for its driving dynamics and interior quality, although it has been criticised for its small boot and poor practicality compared to rivals.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol
Price: From £22,945 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SkyActiv-XScore: 8.2 / 10“The Mazda CX-30 may not be much smaller than a CX-5 or larger than a CX-3, but it’s the best of all worlds with stylish looks and impressive quality.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It’s great to drive, looks stylish inside and out, and feels expensive.”
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Model reviewed: SkyActiv-G 122 GT Sport AutoScore: 8 / 10“This is the car that could become Mazda’s best-seller in Europe.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-30 has a lot going for it, offering smart looks and a high level of safety equipment and standard kit. It’s good to drive, too, and provides decent practicality. Sitting somewhere between a conventional hatchback and an SUV in character, it’s worth considering as an alternative to either.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: e-Skyactiv X 2021Score: 8 / 10“Mazda’s medium-sized crossover has first-rate drivability, handsome styling and an enticing cabin.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Satisfyingly agile and blessed with a truly high-quality interior, the Mazda CX-30 is a tempting choice if you don’t need vast amounts of space inside.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Sweet handling and a plush interior help the stylish new Mazda CX-30 stand out as it touches down in the UK.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 Skyactiv-GScore: 8 / 10“All things considered, we’d certainly recommend putting the CX-30 into your shortlist of SUVs to try if your budget is around £25,000.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“In a crowded segment, the CX-30 makes a decent case for itself.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre diesel manualScore: 8 / 10“In a crowded segment, the CX-30 makes a decent case for itself. Mazda’s design language continues to crank out good-looking cars, its interior rivals the best in the sector and it will engage you a little more than your run-of-the-mill small SUV.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SkyActiv-X AWDScore: 9 / 10“With its stylish looks, high-quality interior and fantastic driving experience, the Mazda CX-30 offers something that plenty of rivals can’t. If you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of versatility in the way of a sportier drive and better looks, the CX-30 is a brilliant choice.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SkyActiv-GScore: 8 / 10“The CX-30 is a great addition to Mazda’s range, and it offers a well-kitted and refined package with a better driving experience than just about every other car in its class.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-30 is a stylish SUV that’s good to drive but its sleek shape hinders practicality”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda CX-30 SUV sits between Mazda’s CX-3 and CX-5 in terms of size. It seats five, is well equipped and can be had with Mazda’s frugal new Skyactiv-X petrol engine.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SkyActiv-X 2WD GT Sport“Entertaining to drive as long as you work the engine, and full of luxury kit, but not as roomy as it needs to be.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual AWD 180hp GT Sport TechScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-30, which sits between the CX-3 and the CX-5 in terms of size, is another good-looking Mazda product, with decent economy for a compact SUV.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: 2.0 Skyactiv-X“The Mazda CX-30 is a trendy crossover that’s great to drive and has a superb interior.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda CX-30 is essentially a Mazda 3 on stilts, sitting between the CX-3 and CX-5 and rivalling the likes of the Skoda Karoq.”
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Model reviewed: Skyactiv-D“It’s as refined as can be too, with very little mechanical noise, wind bluster or tyre roar to burst your wellness bubble.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“Mazda’s Qashqai rival impresses all-round”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda CX-30 is a real head turner and performs well beyond its £22k price tag”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Sport LuxScore: 8 / 10“Thanks to its satisfying road manners, beautiful interior, and looks that brighten even the rainiest of days, the Mazda CX-30 is a winner.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual 100th AnniversaryScore: 7 / 10“If you’ve already got your heart set on a Mazda CX-30 (or if you’re just shopping around for a well-driving crossover), the 100th Anniversary Edition is certainly worth a look. Yes, it’s a bit of a marketing ploy and is just over £3,000 more than a top-spec GT Sport Tech, but that interior looks and feels top draw.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda 3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If you’re after a plush-feeling SUV that has a modicum of driver appeal, the Mazda CX-30 should definitely be on your shortlist.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda CX-30’s bold looks certainly stand out in an SUV market that’s dominated by traditional, boxy-shaped designs. Its superb cabin looks good, is easy to use and is well equipped. It may not be the most practical car in its class, but the CX-30 is a great all-rounder.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2019

99%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

80%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

77%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Model tested: SKYACTIV-X 180 PETROL 4X2 MANUAL
Date tested: February 2021

4.6 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

4.7 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

4 / 10

GREENHOUSE GAS INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

The Mazda CX-30 SkyActiv-X 180 2.0-litre petrol manual received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.

Green NCAP said: “The CX-30 180 petrol employs Mazda’s Skyactiv-X technology, with a very high compression ratio and lean fuel mixture to try to reduce emissions. This is combined with a 24-volt mild hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency.

“Together with the exhaust after-treatment – three-way catalyst, exhaust gas recirculation and a gasoline particulate filter – the car shows generally low values of pollutant emissions. The weakness is at high engine loads where values of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide become elevated. This limits the scores in the Clean Air and Greenhouse Gas indexes.

“Overall, the CX-30 scores similarly across the three areas of assessment and emerges with a solid 2½ star rating.”

This rating only applies to the SkyActiv-X 180 2.0-litre petrol manual version of the Mazda MX-30, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: March 2020

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