Taking the Mazda CX-30 to the road

Looks are not the issue, but pricing and sibling rivalry could be the Mazda CX-30’s undoing.

-  Glenda Williams

There is no doubt about it that the Mazda CX-30 is an exceedingly good-looking car.

Positioned between its two SUV siblings, the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-5, the Mazda CX-30 competes in the compact SUV segment. It’s a hotly contested space, so the offering has to be bang on. It stands out in looks, features, fit and finish. But is that enough to bag the buyers? finweek spent a week with this crossover to find out.

The all-new Mazda CX-30 comes in three trim levels; Active, Dynamic and the top of the range Individual, which finweek tested.

Stylish silhouette

This compact SUV’s every dimension and design element are spot-on. Its sleek lines with sloping roof lend a coupé-esque profile and that, together with distinctive SUV black cladding and 18-inch alloy wheels, make for a striking silhouette. The facia sports a broad mesh grille and LED headlights that sweep upward, while an attractive rounded rump reveals slender protruding rear lights and lip spoiler with an integrated third brake light.

Elevated interior

The interior too cannot be faulted. The cockpit places the driver at centre and the minimalistic and modern cabin boasts an elevated fit and finish. It’s very well made and feels premium. The steering wheel and gear knob are wrapped in black leather, the ergonomic seats (with power adjustment and lumber support for the driver) are decked out in black perforated leather. The rest of the environment sports soft-touch surfaces and stitching with deep brown accents dotting the dashboard, centre console and door panels.