Mazda CX-30 review

Mazda is not known for following the crowd, but it is in one respect these days, and the Mazda CX-30 is a prime example.

You see, many car makers (we’re looking at you, Audi) have adopted the Russian doll approach to vehicle styling, where their cars look much the same, just different sizes. So it is with Mazda’s SUV line-up. You could open up a CX-5 and find the Mazda CX-30 nestling inside. Crack the CX-30 apart, and out would tumble a CX-3.

Just as well, then that they all look fantastic. This is handy, because the CX-30 needs to fend off stylish SUV competition such as the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Seat Ateca.

The Mazda CX-30 comes with the choice of two petrol engines, both 2.0-litres in size. The first is a 122hp four-cylinder, while the one we’ve driven is a 180hp four-cylinder with clever technology that means in theory, it has the smoothness of a petrol, but the low down pull of a diesel engine and lower CO2 emissions.

In practice, it isn’t quite like that, and while it’s certainly a decent motor it isn’t quite the motoring nirvana promised.

For a start, it sounds a bit rough and ready both at idle and when you’re accelerating hard through the gears. Unfortunately, the Skyactiv-X motor doesn’t quite have the torque of the turbocharged engines in rivals, so you’ll need to rev it quite hard fairly often. Just as well, then, that the standard six-speed manual gearbox is a gem, with a light, snappy shift.

The engine also settles down quite nicely when you’re just cruising along the motorway.

The CX-30 looks like the love child of a CX-3 and CX-5 – it looks great. It drives well, too, but the ride's a bit choppy.

Away from motorways, the steering is sharp, and the car changes direction well, although the downside of such quick responses is a ride quality that is a little on the ‘sporty’ side for such a family SUV.

That said, the CX-30 stacks up well on paper with a CO2 output of 133g/km and average economy of 47.9mpg.

Five trims are on offer: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. All come well equipped, but the pick is SE Lux because it’s still sensibly priced, but adds some choice equipment that’s worth stumping up for over the entry-level SE-L.

The cabin is decently spacious up front, but rear leg room is pretty tight, and getting into and out of the back seat requires more contortion that we’d like.

There are 430 litre of boot space, but to put that in context, a Seat Ateca has 510 litres.

If you want a great deal on a Mazda CX-30, why not check out our Mazda deals pages?