Mazda CX-30 Pure 2025 Review

The Mazda3 was once the darling of Mazda’s lineup, but SUVs now reign supreme. With a total of seven SUVs now in Hiroshima’s arsenal, gaining attention within its own ranks is no mean feat.

Yet, the external threat of cheaper Asian rivals means the price point of the entry-level grade is more important than ever. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 Pure must balance cost and equipment, while upholding the company’s respected level of quality.

Thanks to end-of-financial-year sales, the Pure can be had for $35,990 drive away (until June 30). Outside of this window, you’ll be looking at $34,060 plus on-road costs (ORCs).

For that spend you’re getting cloth trim, manually adjustable seats, a leather-bound steering wheel, single-zone climate control and a head-up display.

Styling wise, the CX-30 remains an attractive design – the test car’s Soul Red Crystal metallic paint is $595. There are LED headlights and taillights, halogen daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and plastic body cladding.

Mazda fits the Pure with an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display and a 7.0-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature, as well as Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and native satnav.

For 2025, the CX-30 gains Mazda Connected Services, which is accessible through the ‘MyMazda’ app and is complimentary for three years. Illuminated USB-C ports replace USB-A connections.

A five-star ANCAP safety rating applies and the CX-30 Pure has seven airbags, ISOFIX and top-tether anchorages. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist/pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control (with stop/go), blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist with departure warning are standard.

There’s nothing flashy under the bonnet given Mazda cut its Skyactiv-X M Hybrid. Therefore, the trusty 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol Skyactiv-G unit continues with 114kW and 200Nm. That power is sent to the front wheels exclusively via an in-house six-speed automatic.

One of the 2025 Mazda CX-30 Pure’s best qualities is hard to quantify – it’s just a feeling.

Forming part of Mazda’s original upmarket push results in a more premium cabin with soft-touch materials and an aesthetically pleasing dash design – although some might not like the blue colouring. The graphics used by the operating system and instrument cluster are classy and the general quality of the controls is high.

It’s refreshing to see physical buttons and the infotainment’s control wheel works well when using the native operating system. The leather multi-function steering wheel feels special in hand, while the cabin is filled with a decent amount of storage solutions, too.

The 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to create a bigger load bay, while the seatbelts are kept out of the way when doing so with a well-designed holder. A space-saver spare is stowed underneath the boot floor.

While it might not be atop anyone’s priority list, the CX-30 Pure is a tidy handler, with just about all the positive traits of the Mazda3 hatch progressing up to the small SUV. The steering is sharp and surprisingly engaging, body roll is sufficiently kept in check and there’s decent purchase from the Bridgestone tyres.

The Skyactiv-G powertrain is adequate, so much so that it doesn’t feel like too much of a downgrade from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder offered further up the food chain. A manual transmission is no longer offered, but the six-speed auto makes the daily commute a doddle.

In fact, while it might employ more of Mazda’s Zoom Zoom ethos than you expect, how easy it is to live with is key. Yes, the CX-30’s ride quality is on the firmer side, but the Pure’s smaller 16-inch wheels allow for chubbier tyre sidewalls and extra compliance.

With a claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km, the CX-30 is also efficient – on paper. There’s also cylinder deactivation and start-stop technology. Plus, it’ll accept cheaper 91 RON unleaded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 Pure isn’t overtly cheap. Yes, it’s about on par with traditional legacy-brand rivals, but the likes of Chery, GWM Haval and MG chip away at the Pure’s monetary value. The VFACTS sales chart proves buyers are willing to take a punt on the Chinese rivals, too.

While it might appear well-specified, even gaining a head-up display, it’s what you don’t get in the Pure that stings. There’s no wireless smartphone mirroring, wireless charging pad or touchscreen display.

For those intending to use this small SUV as a family car, there are limitations. Rear-seat headroom is okay, but legroom is compromised. There’s also no central pull-down arm rest with cup holders or air vents in the back. Map pockets and USB charge ports are also absent and the boot’s cargo capacity is limited to 317 litres.

The Skyactiv-G engine doesn’t have as much torque as its turbocharged or hybrid rivals, meaning it needs to be worked harder to take off quickly or traverse hilly terrain. However, it isn’t harsh or unrefined. We couldn’t match the claimed average fuel consumption, recording 7.9L/100km.

The safety systems aren’t too intrusive. However, you must purchase the $2000 Vision Technology Pack to gain i-ACTIVSENSE tech like a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors (to join the standard rears) and cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring as well as driver and traffic support.

The respected Japanese small SUV has been on sale for more than half a decade now, but age hasn’t wearied it. And in a time of upheaval with myriad emerging brands, trust and familiarity is paramount to some.

This is where the 2025 Mazda CX-30 Pure thrives. It’s a known quantity from a respected marque. And, if you get in at the right time, the drive-away pricing is attractive.

There are some drawbacks yet, overall, this is Mazda offering dependable, back-to-basics motoring without feeling basic. Ultimately, that’s something still worth paying for.

2025 Mazda CX-30 Pure at a glance:
Price: $34,060 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 114kW/200Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 147g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2019)

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