Mazda CX-30

Hey, good looking: CX-30 is a clear winner in the charm stakes

Andrew Walker

There’s no doubting that Mazda’s designers are on a roll, with the all-electric MX-30 joining the super-attractive Mazda CX-30 mid-range crossover, which we drove recently.

We were testing the likely best selling 2.0 litre 180ps GT Sport petrol version, which benefits from Mazda’s Skyactiv-X petrol engine. The 2.0-litre unit uses spark-controlled compression ignition and a mild-hybrid set-up to reduce emissions, resulting in a pleasingly low 105g/km CO2. Skyactiv-X also has the benefit of appealing to both corporate customers and retail folk alike.

All CX-30 models come decently equipment. Entry level SE-L is fitted with 16” alloys, LED headlights, a head-up display, rear parking sensors and an 8.8” infotainment system with SatNav and smartphone integration. The SE-L Lux adds a reversing camera, front parking sensors and keyless entry, while the mid-range Sport Lux adds 18” alloys and manual sunroof.

Our GT Sport was further enhanced by leather seat trim, a powered driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, door mirror tilt down function when reversing and the 12-speaker Bose surround sound.

If you stare long and hard at the CX-30 it looks well, just like the CX-3, just slightly larger. Its narrow front LED headlights give it a sporty look and at the back, the slim tail lights do the same. They’re shallow and wide, sitting across the rear wings and hatchback.

Inside, the minimalist dashboard has been designed to enable the driver to reach all of the switches and buttons easily. It is pretty much identical to the Mazda3, with a dash top mounted infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial located between the two front seats.

For load lugging, the boot offers 421 litres of storage, increasing to 1,398 litres with the back seats folded down. Access is decent and the boot will comfortably fit three large suitcases in.

A trip to the North East afforded me the opportunity to spend a good three hours behind the wheel and there’s no doubt the CX-30 is a comfortable, quiet motorway cruiser. Adaptive Cruise Control makes driving more relaxing.

The SkyActiv-X technology is great for fuel economy; we averaged 42mpg in our week on board, (the claimed is 47.9mpg,) but the lack of low rev oomph is really noticeable. For example, if motorway traffic slows and then speeds up, the Mazda, which requires 3,000rpm to reach its maximum torque of 224Nm, is slow to react. You have to disengage cruise control, change down from sixth gear to fourth, just to get the car back up to cruising speed. Annoying to say the least.

Mazda claims a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds but with four adults and luggage on board, getting to 62mph takes a bit longer.

On a more positive note, the six-speed manual gearbox is slick and around town the CX-30 is small enough to feel nimble. There’s little or no body roll by SUV standards and it’s an enjoyable car to be in. Our test cars 18” alloys were, we felt, a little large for the car’s size, and it tends to fidget over poorly maintained surfaces. We reckon the smaller 16” wheels would be better.

Overall it is a beautifully crafted, attractive car that’s let down a little by rear passenger space and a lack of pulling power when you need to accelerate.

However, there’s good news for business customers who choose a petrol CX-30; there are plenty of attractive contract hire rates out there, and the 122PS version means fleet drivers will be looking at a BIK rate of as little as £101 per month + VAT.

CC&V VERDICT

If you value looks over practicality and, let’s be honest, the CX-30 is not that small, then the new Mazda will be right up your street. It’s stunning to look at, very well built, features all of the latest tech and safety and it’s available to fleet customers at a decent cost.

CC&V RATING:

N N N N