Family Fun : Mazda CX-30 Drive [review]

By benchia, 10 August 2019

batch 48255760387 d6653def79 k

batch 48287783617 0439ccd8f8 k

Ben Chia in Frankfurt, Germany - By and large, crossover thingys are dull and utilitarian. They're the family sedans of today: Practical, spacious, but mostly boring.

A couple of them may inject some 'fun' into the mix with a slightly more powerful engine, or some tweaks to the handling to make them more 'car-like', but the vast majority of them are just tall pseudo-SUVs that drive ordinarily, nothing exciting.

batch 48287790162 3eaa62d58a k

If the new CX-30 is anything to go by, it appears that Mazda hasn't followed the script.

Then again, this is Mazda, a company that doesn't usually follow convention, especially with its insistence on sticking to combustion engines when everyone is moving to electrification.

With that sort of thinking, one can already expect Mazda's compact crossover to be unlike any other.

batch 48287687816 669e2db5e9 k

At first glance, the CX-30 looks just as you'd imagine a Mazda crossover to: It's basically a raised Mazda 3, with black plastic cladding on the wheel arches for that rugged look drivers of such vehicles appreciate.

However, looks can be deceptive, because the CX-30 is actually smaller than the 3, and it slots in that (tight) space between the CX-3 and the regular 3.

Also, if you're wondering why it isn't called CX-4, that's because there already is a CX-4. It is a sleek-looking thing, more of a coupe-SUV in the style of a BMW X4, but unfortunately that model is reserved solely for the Chinese market.

While Mazda remains tight-lipped, the CX-30 could indicate a future shift in naming convention for the brand's future SUV products too.

batch 48255690376 710ab8851e k

Where the CX-30 sits though, is in that hyper-competitive compact SUV space, and it faces assault from many rivals, which include the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, all of which are selling in big numbers. So, the CX-30 has its work cut out for it if it wants to muscle in on some of the action.

batch 48287806172 dc173e68c3 k

batch 48287810747 fa6c295898 k

In all the relevant metrics, namely practicality and interior packaging, the CX-30 seems to acquit itself well enough to stay competitive. The dashboard is classy, made from materials that wouldn't feel out of place in a German car.

batch 48287711491 ab5632f398 k

batch 48287786452 ec5b6b0b40 k

batch 48287789372 64a5fa6073 k

There is adequate room for five, although larger passengers may find the rear a bit of a tight fit. Also, at 430-litres, boot space is decent, although it's not quite as massive as some of its rivals.

batch 48255758197 ce1d33aaa5 k

The big plus? Out of all the crossover SUVs currently available, the CX-30 is by far the most fun to drive.

This is a bold claim, but Mazda clearly has some magical engineers in its midst who value driving joy above many other priorities.

batch 48287692721 1a6001398d k

Out on the winding roads around Frankfurt, the CX-30 demonstrates deft handling, as it tackles corners with poise and agility.

It's honestly easy to forget that you're driving a crossover, because there's little body-roll and a capable chassis that delivers well-controlled handling.

batch 48287788897 1154fd42f8 k

The steering also feels nice and meaty, with good feedback, and there's plenty of grip from the tyres to imbue much confidence in the driver.

batch 48255759887 5030efe7ac k

Overall, the CX-30 feels a lot more nimble than you'd imagine, and it's a huge credit to Mazda's engineers that they can not only make a crossover SUV feel like a car to drive, but also make it entertaining to boot.

batch 48287809922 b2aece41ad k

batch 48287810447 635c381e90 k

batch 48287790057 affb69cc95 k

The sole engine available on test was the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol with 120hp and 213Nm. This sounds meagre, but in real world urban conditions, it proved adequate, as long as you don't do regular high speed autobahn runs.

Having said that, Mazda plans to put its innovative Skyactiv-X powerplant in the CX-30 in the not so distant future, and this is an interesting development to watch out for.

The Skyactiv-X brings more power (180hp) yet improves efficiency, so this could well be the sweet spot for a vehicle like the CX-30.

batch 48287689096 f4c480af26 k

In the meantime though, if you find yourself having to settle for a compact crossover SUV, but don't want to sacrifice the fun of driving, all's not lost. The CX-30 could save your day...

PHOTOS Mazda / David Smith

Mazda CX-30 Skyactiv-G 2.0
Engine 1998cc, inline4
Power/rpm 120hp/6000rpm
Torque/rpm 213Nm/3000rpm
Transmission 6spd auto
0-100km/h TBC
Top Speed TBC
Fuel Consumpton est. 6.6l/100km
CO2 TBC

Related Articles