Mazda CX-30 2020 Review – International

Mazda’s new CX-30 will be a lot like Netflix in Australia. You probably won’t realise you need it in your life until it’s there.

Arriving in showrooms in early 2020, the CX-30 is the fifth instalment in Mazda’s expanding SUV line-up. On paper, it might appear an overplay for the Japanese marque, whose SUV model family has grown from the large CX-9 and the mid-size CX-5 (nee Tribute) to include the small CX-3 and, most recently, the all-new CX-8 diesel seven-seater.

The strategy appears to be working. Mazda has a stronghold on second outright in new-vehicle sales race in Australia, and its SUVs are collectively leading the charge as the CX-5 remains Australia’s top-selling SUV and looks likely to overtake the new Mazda3 as its best-seller.

The naming philosophy behind the CX-30 is more confounding; it could have easily been coined the Mazda CX-4, as it squeezes between CX-3 and CX-5 in size. However, Mazda decided against the name as it already offers a China-specific CX-4 and didn’t want to double up.

In any case, the CX-30 is based on the more conventional Mazda3 hatch, using the same platform, engines and drivelines. Mazda officials say it will carry a small premium over equivalent Mazda3 models, meaning an estimated starting price of about $25,000 (plus on-road costs).

It is understood there will be three different CX-30 variants in Australia: an entry 114/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, a mid-level 139kW/252Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and a flagship 132kW/224Nm SKYACTIV-X variant, which uses the same spark compression ignition technology to be debuted by the new Mazda3 SKYACTIV-X. It will land at a later date.

Diesel is off the menu altogether. Mazda officials noted slow take-up of diesel variants in the smaller CX-3 and decided against it in CX-30.

Each will be moderately equipped with niceties including climate control, a digital infotainment screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, along with the latest safety and driver aids.

Beyond that, specification details at this early point in time are relatively scarce, other than to say the CX-30 will be backed by Mazda’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and offered with capped price servicing across set 12-month/10,000km intervals (most rivals offer 12-month/15,000km intervals).

Price-wise, Mazda officials suggest the CX-30 will closely align with its Mazda3 donor car, which suggests a starting figure of about $25,000 and a price ceiling close to $40,000 (before on-road costs).

Settling into the Mazda CX-30 interior doesn’t bring a huge Eureka moment in terms of space, proportions or design. Instead it feels familial by Mazda standards, with quality materials and build construction, sound ergonomics and a sporty, quasi-prestige pretence to the interior fitout.

Mazda is at pains to point out the human-centric approach to the CX-30’s internals, and how seats essentially borrowed from the Mazda3 support the spine’s natural shape. Similarly, marketing boffins say the hip point of the driver’s seat – the all-important point at which you pivot into the seats – is 45mm higher than in a Mazda3.

Our initial observations centre on a driver’s chair that is comfortable, low-slung enough to generate an intimate feel between man and machine, yet perched enough to afford a perched view of the road ahead.

Speaking of which, forward vision is suitably strong for an SUV, however, the rear vista is heavily compromised by a bulky C-pillar and raked rear window -- much in the same way as the new Mazda3.

The availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an assortment of USB ports (two up front) and 12V outlets, allows the CX-30 to cater to modern life, while clear instrumentation in the driver’s instrument cluster and a slightly dated but still-effective centre screen are easy to come to terms with and navigate.

Two child anchorage points with ISOFIX attachments help the CX-30 impart some family-friendly charms, but a high-set rear window line and limited knee room could deter many family vehicle buyers.

And while there are rear air-vents and a centre arm rest, plus bottle-friendly door-pockets and adequate space for two adults, the rear seat might feel a tad claustrophobic for some.

Further back, the CX-30’s 430-litre boot will happily accommodate a large suitcase or a couple of overnight bags, and offers more space via a 60:40-split folding rear seat function.

But a full-size pram might be pushing the friendship, and that’s before Australian vehicles likely add a temporary spare tyre (European vehicles use an inflation kit, which allows the boot floor to sit lower).

The Mazda CX-30 might squeeze between CX-3 and CX-5 in size, but it shares much more in common with the Mazda3 hatch with which it shares its platform and engines.

The CX-30 uses a tweaked version of the Mazda3’s architecture, employing a MacPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear axle. There are as many differences as there are similarities in the final execution, however: the CX-30’s wheelbase is 70mm shorter and overall length has shrunk 65mm.

Compared with its SUV siblings, the Mazda CX-30 is 120mm longer than the CX-3, but 150mm shorter than the CX-5. In terms of wheelbase, the CX-30 (2655mm) is 85mm more generous than the CX-3, but 45mm short of the CX-5’s figure.

As with those two dimensions, the CX-30 also sits between CX-3 and CX-5 for width (1795mm), but the new SUV is the same height as the CX-3.

Like the Mazda3, test cars at launch sent drive to the front wheels via a mix of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Our first impression is the Mazda CX-30 bears many of the hallmarks of a traditional city SUV: light, agile and easy to navigate through tight spaces.

In a mix of conditions, it errs on the sportier side of the ledger with its ride and handling balance; at low speeds the suspension and 18-inch wheel package is prone to the occasional thud over prominent obstacles, while the body feels well controlled through the bends.

A higher centre of gravity compared with the Mazda3 ultimately dilutes the CX-30’s corner-carving ability when pushed, but up until that point the SUV’s 1400kg heft is well controlled with a natural front-drive bias.

On the other side of the coin, the Mazda CX-30 imparts noteworthy long-journey credentials by way of sound insulation from tyre and wind noise, a planted feel on the road and a maturity in the way that it shakes off faster, drawn-out undulations.

It’s no CX-5, but it’s a significant step up from the smaller, nigglier and noisier CX-3.

Powertrains at the launch include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid that won’t be available in Australia, but closely resembles the entry 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that will anchor the Australian line-up.

The European engine, with lower outputs than the Australian equivalent, makes relatively light work of the CX-30’s heft, building speed confidently and working well with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Progress is never rapid and the engine does grow louder with revs, but there’s enough spice there to accommodate overtaking manoeuvres, holding highway speeds or dabbling in mild back-road blasts.

We’ll reserve a definitive impression of the Mazda CX-30 until we’ve driven it in Australia, where our own engines, specifications and chassis set-up will be more instructive.

On face value, however, the CX-30’s stocks appear strong. In a market where SUVs are the new battleground, the CX-30 will only reinforce Mazda’s popular model range – unorthodox name and all.

How much does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 cost?
Price: From $25,000 (estimated)
Available: Early 2020
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged petrol (SKYACTIV-X)
Output: 114kW/200Nm, 139kW/252Nm, 132kW/224Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual and automatic
Fuel: N/A
CO2: N/A
Safety rating: TBC