A perfect balance of technology and simplicity
Mazda’s new CX-30
The 2024 Mazda CX-30's elegant lines and sporty, aggressive design make heads turn.
Over the years, Mazda has built a reputation as a brand that delivers beautifully designed, reliable, “no-frills” vehicles with excellent build quality.The 2024 CX-30 continues this tradition.
Yet, Mazda vehicle sales in Southern Africa are not particularly impressive.
Our test vehicle this week was Mazda’s compact SUV, the CX-30, which made its global debut in December and locally in January.
We believe the new CX-30 sets a class-leading standard in appearance and design, no matter the angle from which the car is viewed.
The long, bulging hood, prominent grille, and beautiful LED lighting design are eye-catching. The aerodynamic side profile's graceful lines add elegance to the CX-30. Despite the wide black plastic wheel arch protection strips and 215/55/R18 wheels, the CX-30 still appears elegantly sporty, with dimensions including a length of 4 395 metres, a width of 1 795 metres, a height of 1 540 metres, and a ground clearance of 175 mm. Our test model was the top-of-the-line Carbon Edition, finished in a striking deep red.
Inside
Mazda is known for using high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship in the layout, design, and finishing of their vehicle cabins, and the new CX-30 once again sets a commendable standard in this segment. The modern-equipped cabin offers outstanding ergonomics in a luxurious ambience specifically designed to provide an enjoyable ride, with ample head, shoulder, and legroom for five occupants.
Behind the second-row seats, the luggage space accommodates 295 litres without folding the rear seats. The high-definition, full-colour information screen positioned centrally on the dashboard provides intuitive access to driving information, navigation, audio and communication systems. The leather-wrapped sport steering wheel also houses switches for these functions as well as cruise and speed control.
Passenger safety is a priority at Mazda, and the CX-30 comes standard with a comprehensive list of the latest technology in active and passive safety and driver assistance systems to keep occupants as safe as possible in the event of an unavoidable collision.
Performance
The 2024 Mazda CX-30, despite lacking turbocharging, delivers dynamic performance and comfortable power delivery thanks to Mazda's Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated 4-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine, producing peak power of 121 kW (@6000 rpm) and 213 Nm (@4000 rpm).
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission that can also be shifted manually with paddles behind the steering wheel. Official fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 l/100 km in a mixed cycle of city driving and open road, providing the CX-30 with a potential range of 773 kilometres from its 51-litre petrol tank.
With a total unladen weight of 1 340 kg, the power-to-weight ratio is favourable for coastal driving, and the CX-30 has no trouble overtaking on highways or ascending mountain passes and can even tow a trailer and cargo up to a maximum of 600 kg. The CX-30 has a turning circle of 11.4 metres.
Handling
The CX-30 impresses on both asphalt and gravel with good grip, excellent road manners, and delightful ride comfort. Balance through corners and during hard braking is exceptionally good. The cabin is surprisingly quiet, with good insulation against road, wheel and wind noise.
In this segment, competition is fierce, with contenders offering excellent, comfortable handling and ride comfort. The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is definitely one of the better options if ride comfort and a delightful cabin rank high on your priority list.
In a nutshell
Mazda's 2024 CX-30 is a very good option in this highly popular and competitive segment. With its beautiful, stylish design, high levels of standard equipment, good quality finishing and craftsmanship, and reliable engine with a favourable warranty and service plan, buyers get very good value for money. Add to that the delightful ride comfort, dynamic performance, and above-average handling and road behaviour, and we can rightly say that the 2024 Mazda CX-30 sets a new standard in its segment.