The new Mazda CX-30 enters the booming SUV sector in January.
Sitting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the newcomer is priced from £22,895 for the 26 models in five trim levels, with rear or 4WD and 122ps or 180ps 2.0 litre Skyactiv petrol engines, 6sp manual or automatic transmission.
Both units feature the latest compression ignition petrol engine in two power outputs and have 24v mild-hybrid powertrain to stretch economy.
It builds on the launch earlier this year of the Mazda3 and with the 122ps 2.0 engine the CX-30 takes 10.6sec to hit 62mph and has a maximum speed of 116mph while the 180ps 2.0 is good for 127mph and 8.5sec 0-62mph.
Mazda has taken the decision to sell only the petrol versions of the CX-30 in Britain but diesels will be offered in other markets and we will see an electric version on UK roads by Spring 2021. The Skyactiv petrol engines as fitted to the Mazda3 have earned a reputation for responsiveness, power delivery and economy with low emissions and those of the new CX-30 are as clean as 105gkm.
All models are well equipped with standard head-up display, radar cruise control and LED headlights.
As you move up the range you get upgraded sound systems including CD player and climate controls, additional driving and safety aids as well as bigger wheels and tyres. For families it has a nominal 430 litres bootspace rising to maximum 1406 litres, standard cloth upholstery with leather on top models from £33,495.
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Mazda UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said, “The CX-30, which slots into their range precisely between the SUV CX3 and CX5, comes at the right time for the brand with UK sales up 4% as it heads towards 40,000 units by the end of March. “We are particularly strong in the private sector and we will finish the financial year about 6% up on 27,000 units,” he said. “The really difficult area for everyone at the moment is the ‘retail pull’ or getting people into showrooms and buying but we are doing well and the CX-30 is ideal for them. “This will become our best selling car in the UK and Europe and a significant part of Mazda sales. Analysis shows the crossover or SUV sector has passed the tipping point and is now the biggest selling model type with 39% and rising across Europe and next year we think it will account for 47% of our sales.” |
Likely engine, gearbox and trim demand
70%-75% 180ps Sky-X, 30%-35% 122ps G 69% Manual / 31% Auto SE-L = 18% SE-L Lux = 24% Sport Lux = 34% GT Sport = 18% GT Sport Tech = 6% |
First impressions
Initial impressions of the CX-30 with the 122ps engine was its refinement and smoothness, but you had to stir it along through the gears on steeper roads or gentle gradients of our very extensive route through Devon.
The anticipated best selling 180ps version was sharper responding with a slightly firmer ride as well and we appreciated its agility but bemoaned a slow reacting auto-headlights system on busy country roads.
The fact we did not have to work it so hard was reflected in our average of 44.4mpg compared to 35.2mpg in the less powerful stablemate.
Both were roomy had excellent seats, decent sized boot, and very good instruments display particularly head-up onto screen. Controls were easy and slick with a multi adjustable steering column, strong brakes and safe handling.
| FIRST FACTS | Mazda CX-30 Sport Lux 180ps |
| Price: £29,295 | Mechanical: 180ps 4cyl SkyactivX petrol, 6sp RWD |
| Max Speed: 127 mph | 0-62mph: 8.5 sec |
| Combined MPG: 44.4 | Insurance Group: TBC |
| C02 emissions: 105 g/km | Bik rating: 25%, £150FY, £145SR |
| Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles | Sizes: L4.40m, W1.80m, H1.54m |
| Bootspace: 430 – 1406 litres | Kerb weight: 1491kg |
| For: Smooth and refined powertrain, agile, excellent seats and comfortable ride, reasonably roomy
Against: Some restricted rear vision and slow auto-headlights, background road noise and busy engine note when pressed, average warranty. © Images by CarJourno |
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