Presentation and road test Mazda CX-30: the Japanese SUV that wants to make life difficult for Europeans

The current automotive landscape has lost personality and tends to follow the same pattern, which causes cars that look remarkably alike to appear. This constant replication is most evident in the SUV segment, where it is harder to find a model that stands out from the average. However, Mazda has known how to play its cards well by retaining two features of the sector that are, unfortunately, destined for extinction. We refer to naturally aspirated engines and manual gearboxes, elements present in its latest offspring, the Mazda CX-30.

We travelled to Barcelona to get an advance look at the charms of this Japanese SUV, which is born from its smaller sibling, the Mazda 3, and arrives to establish a new lineage within the brand. A design based on the Kodo philosophy and a very minimalist interior have tried to win our approval, but have they succeeded? Let’s find out.

Clean, pure and without frills

Three characteristics that, in my humble opinion, faithfully define the aesthetics of the new Mazda CX-30, a model that arrives loaded with significant novelties. Thanks to the Kodo design language, the Japanese manufacturer has managed to create a vehicle that, without leaving behind the sturdiness typical of SUVs, is capable of bringing great doses of refinement and elegance to the segment.

An imposing grille with chrome details takes the lead at the front, flanked by two very sharp and slender headlights. At the lower section we notice a modest air intake and a splitter finished in black plastic, a material that aims to underline the off-road capability present in the new CX-30.

It is in profile where we can best appreciate the work of the Kodo design, which eliminates any hard line or edge to create a much cleaner and purer whole. This helps the Japanese SUV look more streamlined despite its dimensions -4.39 metres long, 1.53 high and 1.79 wide- and gives the overall impression of a more compact car, even though it sits just below the CX-5.

The rear continues to employ this subtlety and avoids sharp angles at all costs, resulting in a very uniform design. Two slim tail lights steal much of the attention alongside the brand logo, but what has really excited me about the rear is the dual real exhaust outlet, a detail that seems trivial to matter yet gives the CX-30 more sportiness and distinction against its rivals.

Minimalism everywhere

If the designers at Mazda have managed to offer a clean exterior without frills, they could also do the same in the cabin, and so they have. Getting into the new CX-30 is a pleasant and very comforting experience, as everything looks more modern without giving up the essence of the Japanese brand, which has wanted to make clear the origin of its latest member’s DNA.

The first thing we notice when entering the interior of the Mazda SUV is the steering wheel, a generously sized, fully round wheel with a superb feel. Behind it sits the instrument cluster, which, while not as technological as some of its rivals, has a very clean presentation. The central dial is fully digital and provides various information, while the other two are analogue.

In the centre, the 8.8-inch screen houses a simple and intuitive infotainment system. Both its position and size are appropriate, although its operation is handled through a rotary dial on the centre console, as it is not touch-sensitive. Apart from the climate controls there are few other buttons in the CX-30’s cabin, which is welcome when it comes to knowing where everything is.

The cabin has good finishes, made possible by leather covering virtually every touch point. The lower part of the doors and the dashboard are the only areas where hard plastic is used, a component that has not been overused and which you will only find if you look carefully.

However, one of my first impressions upon getting into the Mazda CX-30 was a certain sense of claustrophobia, and not because the car is small, but because the front door windows -and the rear ones too- are very short, which reduces brightness and creates a slightly narrow feeling. Yet in the rear seats there is more than adequate space for two average-height adults, while the centre seat -as is usual- is a little more restricted.

Last but not least, I must tell you about the boot, which has a claimed capacity of 430 litres, a fairly generous volume. Overall the dimensions are very practical despite a somewhat high loading lip, although Mazda plans to modernise the storage process of the CX-30 with what it has named Smart Cargo, a system that will allow customers to create compartments in the boot using panels and thus organise their luggage in different ways.

Smooth and without fuss

Mazda has wanted to offer a range of engines with plenty of character, even though it has succumbed to certain modern elements such as mild hybridisation. For now, the CX-30 will be offered with three powertrains: the Skyactiv-D (diesel), Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X. At this presentation I was able to get behind the wheel of the first two options, which can also be combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

In the case of the Skyactiv-D, we find a four-cylinder engine block capable of producing 116 CV of power and 270 Nm of torque. Despite being a diesel, it is a smooth engine that does not vibrate excessively or sound too loud, something also made possible by the good insulation the Japanese SUV features.

Torque arrives at just 1,600 rpm, providing a firm push through the first stages of the rev counter without being excessive. Meanwhile the 116 CV arrive at 4,000 rpm, thus achieving a linear response that makes the Skyactiv-D ideal for motorway journeys or even for getting around town, although I did miss a more energetic overall response, which can be remedied by opting for the petrol version.

In the case of the Skyactiv-G, a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine powers the CX-30 with 122 CV and 213 Nm of torque. At first glance the power difference compared with the diesel does not seem very large, but its behaviour tips the balance in favour of this option. We should also highlight the presence of a small electric motor, which provides support on certain occasions and allows the Japanese SUV to carry an ECO label.

Everything good about the Skyactiv-D is multiplied in the petrol version, which offers greater refinement and noticeably more smoothness. It is a very progressive engine that pulls eagerly and may well draw a smile or two. It is never strident, with a discreet but very catchy soundtrack when you venture into the upper part of the rev counter. The 213 Nm of torque arrive at 4,000 rpm, which will get you even more involved with driving and deliver a fairly satisfying push in the mid-range. The 122 CV -delivered at 6,000 rpm- are more than sufficient to move the CX-30 with ease, a vehicle that never complains in any setting.

Regardless of the engine chosen, there are several shared elements that make the Japanese SUV stand out from the competition. The steering is more precise than one might imagine, although it is true that a certain lack of weight can be felt. The gearbox is simply delightful, a sensation made possible by short, precise throws. Meanwhile the suspension tuning is very well balanced because, although softer than in the Mazda 3, it deals quite well with body roll and allows for impeccable comfort both in town and on the motorway.

Last but not least, I must tell you about the automatic gearbox, a torque converter type with six speeds. It stands out above all for its smoothness and for managing shifts quickly and fluidly, so much so that you barely notice they are happening, but it is not as suited to a sportier driving style as the six-speed manual transmission is.

Conclusion

As I have mentioned, we live in a world where it is very difficult to find a vehicle that is different or stands out, but I believe Mazda has achieved this with the new CX-30. However, despite the clear doses of personality the Japanese SUV displays, it is a vehicle that remains suitable for all audiences, but which will particularly delight purists who need to acquire a member of this segment.

Thanks to a very clean and forward-looking design, we find an SUV that leaves behind a more rugged and rough-hewn appearance in favour of a more refined look. The cabin plays with minimalism and with materials that have little to envy from its main competitors, and the interior space the CX-30 offers is more than enough for a family of four that considers the CX-5 too bulky.

With a starting price of €27,575 before discounts, the Mazda CX-30 arrives as a model ready to inflict considerable damage on European brands. That figure corresponds to the Skyactiv-G with manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. All else being equal, the Skyactiv-X represents an increase that takes the price up to €29,975, while the Skyactiv-D sits in the middle with a starting price of €29,575.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverMazda CX-3061 versions · from 31,340 €