Test drive of the Mazda CX-30 Skyactiv-X 180 CV, another way of seeing the SUV

The SUV range of Mazda has just been completed with the arrival a few months ago of the CX-30, a model that sits below the CX-5, but only in terms of size. This new Mazda CX-30 takes the core design lines of the renewed Mazda 3 and brings them to the SUV segment, sharing engines and debuting the revolutionary Skyactiv-X petrol engine of 180 CV.

Design: exterior elegance with exquisite interior finishes

The core lines of the Mazda 3 are extrapolated to the SUV segment creating this striking CX-30, an SUV with an imposing front end featuring slanted headlights, a huge grille and the lower LED lights that act as indicators and daytime running lights. From the side, the black-coloured mouldings remind us that we are looking at a model with a more rugged vocation, while the line of the windows remains high.

At the rear, the huge tailgate stands out (on our test unit with electric operation), as well as the double exhaust outlet and the black moulding on the lower part of the bumper, which adds the SUV touch.

Looking at its interior, the CX-30 once again takes the core lines of the Mazda 3, with simply sublime finishes and materials. The design is very simple, both of the instrumentation and of the dashboard in general, but everything is orderly and within easy reach. The leather finishes and soft-touch materials stand out, even on the doors and centre tunnel, creating an atmosphere where quality reigns (on a par with, or better than, some premium SUVs).

The star of the interior is the 8.8-inch screen, positioned high and which is no longer touch-sensitive. Even so, it is very easy to use thanks to the controls located on the centre tunnel. The instrumentation blends -in my view- the modern (digital central dial) and a nostalgic touch (with the analogue operation of the other dials) in a perfect way.

The driving position is slightly elevated, but very comfortable thanks to the adjustments of the seat and steering wheel. It is easy to find our position and we will always have everything to hand, with correct visibility except at the rear, due to its design. The rear seats are adequate, with air vents, although some kind of connectivity to charge our devices is missing.

The boot has a capacity of 455 litres, with a high loading lip and the electrically operated tailgate (equipment on our test unit).

Engine and performance: revolutionary Skyactiv-X petrol engine

Under the bonnet this Mazda CX-30 features the two-litre engine with an output of 180 CV available at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 224 Nm at 3,000 rpm, a novel unit in its operation.

The Skyactiv-X has a combustion method called “Spark Controlled Compression Ignition” (SPCCI), that is, spark-controlled compression ignition. This technology combines the traditional spark ignition of petrol engines with the compression ignition of a diesel engine; this, added to a very lean air-petrol mixture and a very high compression ratio, achieves greater efficiency and better performance.

Depending on the engine speed, the Skyactiv-X is capable of operating in SPCCI mode or in spark ignition mode. The thrust stands out above 3,000 rpm up to 6,000 rpm.

That said, it is not a sporty powertrain but it has more than enough performance to move this CX-30 with ease, always bearing in mind that it is a naturally aspirated unit. At all times it is a very smooth engine, with nothing noticeable at the wheel of what is happening inside the engine, and with a linear power delivery, especially at high revs.

Our test unit features the six-speed automatic gearbox, a gearbox that seeks comfort and has smooth, quick operation. That said, for those seeking a sportier touch, the manual gearbox is the better choice, surprising with its feel and precision.

Handling: smoothness that isolates us from everything

The defining trait of the CX-30 is its smoothness. From the very first moment we sit behind the wheel right through to the dense urban traffic, smoothness and excellent acoustic insulation are the dominant theme inside the CX-30.

The combination of engine and automatic gearbox, along with good interior insulation, makes any journey comfortable. That said, although it has a composed and stable behaviour, in dynamic terms it falls short of the compact, which is normal given its height and dimensions, though it maintains a reasonable balance between comfort and agility.

It is not a sports car, nor does it aim to be, both in its setup and its engine, but where it does stand out from other SUVs on the market is in the smoothness it offers. And for those seeking greater control, perhaps the manual gearbox is a good recommendation.

Consumption

Our test unit had covered few miles (under 5,000 km) and the consumption figures we obtained in our tests are indicative, since the figures can surely be reduced a little further. On the motorway, as long as we drive carefully, the automatic gearbox keeps engine revs low and achieves consumption figures of 6.3 litres per 100 km.

In mixed driving, city and open road, the consumption figure we obtained was 7.2 litres per 100 km, a reasonable figure considering it is a two-litre engine, 180 CV and an automatic gearbox.

Equipment: everything under control, everything monitored

The Mazda CX-30 range comprises the following trim levels: Origin, Evolution, Zenith. From the base trim onwards it comes as standard with a large number of safety systems that monitor everything happening around the CX-30; these are some of the main ones:

• Adaptive radar cruise control (MRCC)
• Advanced blind spot monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Advanced front smart city brake support (SCBS) with pedestrian recognition
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Automatic emergency call system eCall
• Driver fatigue detector
• Lane departure warning and prevention system

All those safety systems as standard are complemented -from the Origin trim- by satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, eight speakers, Head Up Display, automatic high beam, LED front and rear lights, among other elements. In short, very comprehensive equipment with nothing to miss.

Our unit in “Zenith” trim adds features such as the 12-speaker BOSE sound system, adaptive LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. The quality of the BOSE system stands out, with excellent sound and more than enough power for the acoustic experience to be worthy of a head of state’s vehicle. We also liked the operation of the adaptive LED headlight system, as it keeps the maximum possible illumination without dazzling other vehicles and road users, being especially good on unlit bends.

Price of the Mazda CX-30 and Personal Opinion

The starting price of the Mazda CX-30 in “Origin” trim with the 122 CV petrol engine is 27,575 euros, a price that may seem high but is justified by the complete level of equipment and interior finishes. Our unit in “Zenith” trim with the 180 CV Skyactiv X engine coupled to all-wheel drive cost 35,675 euros.

In summary this Mazda CX-30 arrives loaded with arguments for the SUV market, but it does not follow the trend set by other brands. Firstly because the commitment is clear: it is a quality product, with finishes and a totally premium driving character that cannot be compared with any mainstream model (even though many brands have raised their game). Its engine is novel, but it is also true that its 180 CV are not what we might expect, as its focus is on efficiency and smoothness (which it achieves outstandingly) rather than performance or sportiness.

If you are looking for an SUV with quality, complete safety equipment and a smooth petrol engine as if it were a six-cylinder, with more than reasonable consumption, this CX-30 is surely an alternative worth considering.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

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