Revved up Review - Brief Mazda CX-30 Test Drive
Cruise and Chill: A New Spin on Mazda's 2024 CX-30: The tiny SUV takes control after an update, offering a comfortable and calm ride, as demonstrated during a spin in the E-Skyactiv G 150.
Mazda has presented a minor technical rebuild for its 2019 compact SUV CX-30 in model year 2024, allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphone contents to the vehicle's infotainment system via Android Auto or Apple Carplay. Additionally, a monitoring camera keeps an eye on the driver and reminds them to stay focused.
First Look
The CX-30 continues to impress with its sporty front and coupé-style rear. Despite its 4.40-meter length, it appears petite. The alluring chocolate exterior is adorned with a chromed-framed grille and thin headlights, which can optionally be upgraded with LED Matrix Technology and adaptively illuminate the surroundings brightly. Inside, there's ample space, with a 430-liter trunk that can be expanded to over 1400 liters.
The major innovation is the improved infotainment system. Our Android smartphone was able to establish a stable Bluetooth connection with the in-car system, granting us access to our smartphone as a media source or the display of Google Maps navigation on the now touch-sensitive and enlarged to 10.2-inch display.
We appreciated the subtle driver monitoring system, as the CX-30 alerts the driver gently if their gaze wanders but doesn't annoy excessively. The speed limit warnings were also unobtrusive. A simple touch is enough to deactivate it.
On the Move
Our test vehicle with the middling strong E-Skyactiv G 150 (110 kW/150 PS), paired with a Six-Speed Automatic, was a suitable choice. It could reach 100 km/h in ten seconds and boast a top speed of 194 km/h.
Even at top speed, the CX-30 maintains a firm grip on the road. The steering is smooth and reactive, the rigid chassis is designed for an active driving style. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly but more heavily compared to modern eight-speed automatics.
In terms of fuel consumption, the mild-hybridized and intermittent two-cylinder shut-off gasoline engine, despite primarily leisurely driven autobahn stretches, consumed 7.1 liters on average.
The Price Tag
The base price starts around 28,000 Euro. An additional 3000 Euro is required for the G150 with Automatic. The CX-30 we tested was also equipped with Metallic-Paint (650 Euro), Comfort-Black-, Design-, as well as the Drive-Assistance-, and Sound-Packages. This raised the price to roughly 39,000 Euro, featuring Bose-Sound, Matrix-Headlights, the now current Infotainment-System, Leather-Upholstery, E-Tailgate, and Head-up-Display.
The opposition
Rivals for the CX-30 include numerous competitors, such as the Nissan Qashqai (starting at 29,400 Euro), VW T-Roc (starting at 27,000 Euro), Kia XCeed (starting at 27,700 Euro), or Honda HR-V (starting at 34,400 Euro). Affordable alternatives include the Citroen C4 (starting at 17,400 Euro) and the similarly priced Dacia Duster.
The CX-30 remains - and this is typical for Mazda - an appealing compact SUV, combining everyday practicality with a dash of character, catering to drivers who are willing to invest a bit more for a refined driving experience and top-notch equipment.
