by The Mazda CX-30 crossover has been on sale in Ukraine for several years now, but in front of us is practically its latest updated version. Like in the case of CX-5 test which we also conducted, changes can only be noticed by Mazda fans, but that doesn’t matter, because in this case the main essence lies in the model itself.
Like all modern Mazda models, the compact SUV primarily attracts attention with its expressive and at the same time sophisticated exterior. Despite the good ground clearance (180 mm), this car looks more like a raised and slightly elongated hatchback, rather than a crossover of the usual format. And, apparently, this design move proved to be so successful that even the Italians peeked… well, just look at the proportions and more.
Ferrari Purosangue and Mazda CX-30
If you hide the rear door handles and tweak the aerokit a bit, you can make a downsized version of the Ferrari Purosangue crossover. That’s the idea…
Interior
In the latest version of the CX-30, there is a 7-inch driver screen and an 8.8-inch center screen. Let’s note – it’s a screen, not a touchscreen. In fact, this will please fans of traditional buttons and logically placed keys. Even with a wide color screen of the multimedia system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, control is done through a convenient rotary controller, not a touchscreen, ensuring efficient use of functions without the need to poke a finger through the menu. For some, this is a reflection of the past, but personally, I’m all for it. Maybe I’m just getting old.
The restrained design of the interior in Mazda CX-30 impresses with its minimalism, despite modern technologies and clear lines. Decoration, materials – like in the older CX-5. The same applies to the level of equipment. In the top version, everything will be here (and in some places, even more) than in a higher-class Mazda crossover. For example, the test car has comfortable leather seats, a Bose sound system, driver fatigue control, and much more.
I must say that CX-30 is not as well-equipped by size, even compared to premium competitors from Germany. Again, if we do not take into account the absence of touch screens. How capacious is this crossover? And although they say it’s an “off-road three”, in reality, it’s not quite like that. The body is completely different, and the hatchback and the crossover differ in size.
The interior cannot be called spacious, but there is plenty of space, and the trunk is quite capacious (almost 300 liters).
Overall impression: restrained, concise, convenient, and without excesses like illuminations of everything and more.
In motion
In terms of road behavior, especially in corners, the CX-30 resembles the Mazda 3 hatchback – maneuvering very harmoniously and pleasantly. Even with a higher center of gravity, the car remains stable and agile, impressing with precision and ease of steering.
I don’t know how the Japanese did it, but despite the beam at the back, the engineers not only managed to make a true all-wheel drive but also endowed the car with a comfortable suspension. In terms of smoothness of ride, it’s no different from the new CX-60, and maybe even better in some stretches of road! By the way, we highly recommend reading our Mazda CX-60 test.
Under the hood – a 2-liter 150-horsepower gasoline engine. It provides quite normal dynamics and consumes about 7 liters of fuel in a mixed cycle. The gearbox is a 6-speed automatic. In simpler terms, nothing new. And in the conditions of the modern world, this is more of a plus than a minus – it will break down less often, or not at all.
Who wants to buy the CX-30?
The question is rhetorical, but there are certain patterns. First, this car will appeal to those who don’t like crossovers as such, but at the same time do not want to
