2020 Mazda CX-30

I love my Mazda so much. But I really wish Mazda ZA would get out of whatever pit they're stuck in that they keep overlooking the Turbocharged vehicles...
 
Mazda CX-30 e-Skyactiv X engine upgrade

More torque for Skyactiv.

Mazda might not be AMG, but the Japanese company’s search for superior internal combustion engine solutions is no less impressive.

With a tremendous history of engine development, from its adaptation of the German Wankel rotary idea to Mazda’s latest e-Skyactiv X, the company has remained strongly committed to petrol.

The idea of a compression ignition petrol engine is radical. For most legacy followers of engine design, diesel is ignited under pressure, not petrol. With the efficiency benefits on offer with compression ignition, Mazda’s engineers made a concerted effort to solve the issue with its Skyactiv technology.

Thanks to new pistons and a more advanced ignition system, Mazda has been able to lower the e-Skyactiv X engine range’s compression ratio, from 16.3:1 to 15.0:1.

 
DRIVEN: Mazda CX-30 2,0 Active AT

There’s a number of aspects to like about the CX-30. Mazda’s newcomer offers a driving experience nearly but not quite as dynamic as its hatchback counterpart, plus taller ride height (which South African buyers increasingly want in a vehicle), a solidly constructed cabin and stunningly good looks. The desired results seem to be there. However, there is one minus. The biggest drawback for the CX-30 comes in the shape of its larger sibling. The CX-30 sampled here is priced uncomfortably close to the similarly specified CX-5 in automatic guise. R100, that’s all that separates the two. And for R100, you get a more spacious cabin, which is equally well built, additional ground clearance and a more comfortable driving experience.

FAST FACTS

Model: Mazda CX-30 2,0 Active AT
Price: R469 000
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 121 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 213 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 6,60 L/100 km
CO2: 160 g/km
Service plan: 3-year/unlimited km

 
Mazda CX-30 e-SkyActiv X 2021 UK review

Should I buy one?

If you’re looking for a smart alternative to one of the obvious premium-branded compact crossover players, consider it seriously. This isn’t the kind of jacked-up hatchback to cram family or cargo into, or to take on high business miles in; and it pretty clearly doesn’t represent the greatest value for money available in its particular niche either (this engine's available in lower trim levels from under £27,000).

But as a handsome, versatile and quiet-operating compact car for smart private buyers who are generally turned off by the bluff looked and blunt-feeling handling associated with so many crossover options, it should stand out loud and clear.


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The Mazda CX-30 Turbo Is Today’s Version of a Hot Hatchback - Doug DeMuro

I need to strongly disagree on Daddy Doug's take in this review. Especially with the hot hatchback market being "dead".

Once in a while he should peak his head out of Murica & have a glimpse at the ROW.

The hot hatchback market is faaar from dead.
 
I see why Mazda brought this to SA. This segment is booming and they need a car to slot in between the small cx3 and the larger cx5. I was wondering though why not save the money and get a mid spec Mazda 3 for the same price as an entry level cx30 then I realized that the 3 comes with a 1.5l engine on lesser models compared to the cx30 which has the 2.0l engine. I guess some people may simply just buy the cx30 over the 3 because of its bigger engine and slightly more practical package.
 
Mazda CX-30 2.0 Dynamic (2021) Review

Fast Facts

Model Tested: Mazda CX-30 2.0 Dynamic
Price: R499 900 (April 2021)
Engine: 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 121 kW and 213 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel efficiency: 6.6 L/100 km
Load space: 295 litres

How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost in South Africa?

The Mazda CX-30 pricing starts at R469 000, with this mid-spec 2.0 Dynamic derivative retailing for R499 000 (May 2021). The flagship Individual version costs R540 000. Every Mazda CX-30 comes with a 3-year/unlimited-kilometre service plan and factory warranty, 5-year corrosion warranty and 3 years' worth of roadside assistance.

Verdict

Given that the CX-30 2.0 Dynamic retails for R500 000, we expected much of this newcomer and aside from its so-so powertrain and the (admittedly not critical) impracticalities caused by its stylish tapered roofline, the Mazda is an impressive, eminently stylish offering. Not only is it suitably refined and engaging to drive, but the newcomer's premium-looking and -feeling cabin is classy. To sweeten the deal, Mazda has equipped its crossover with a generous helping of standard features; in contrast with some of its competitors, there isn't a myriad of optional-extra boxes that may need to be ticked...

The Mazda CX-30 is considered to bridge the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5, but in reality, it doesn't. Price-wise, the CX-30 2.0 Dynamic costs a paltry R100 less than the CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Automatic. Yes, it offers a similar powertrain and a more advanced cabin, but it has a smaller load bay and less rear cabin space than its (albeit ageing) award-winning family-car sibling.

So, compared with its newer sibling, the CX-5 seems a better value-for-money proposition, but then the CX-30's target market is quite select. Like the (also recently launched) Volkswagen T-Roc, Mazda's newcomer is tailored for a discerning clientele: fashion-conscious urbanites; upwardly mobile couples with small (or no) children. It all comes down to a matter of taste... and, of course, budget!


CX-30 1.jpgCX-30 2.jpgCX-30 3.jpgCX-30 4.jpgCX-30 5.jpgCX-30 6.jpgCX-30 7.jpgCX-30 8.jpg
 
Mazda CX-30 2.0 Dynamic (2021) Review

Fast Facts

Model Tested: Mazda CX-30 2.0 Dynamic
Price: R499 900 (April 2021)
Engine: 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 121 kW and 213 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel efficiency: 6.6 L/100 km
Load space: 295 litres

How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost in South Africa?

The Mazda CX-30 pricing starts at R469 000, with this mid-spec 2.0 Dynamic derivative retailing for R499 000 (May 2021). The flagship Individual version costs R540 000. Every Mazda CX-30 comes with a 3-year/unlimited-kilometre service plan and factory warranty, 5-year corrosion warranty and 3 years' worth of roadside assistance.

Verdict

Given that the CX-30 2.0 Dynamic retails for R500 000, we expected much of this newcomer and aside from its so-so powertrain and the (admittedly not critical) impracticalities caused by its stylish tapered roofline, the Mazda is an impressive, eminently stylish offering. Not only is it suitably refined and engaging to drive, but the newcomer's premium-looking and -feeling cabin is classy. To sweeten the deal, Mazda has equipped its crossover with a generous helping of standard features; in contrast with some of its competitors, there isn't a myriad of optional-extra boxes that may need to be ticked...

The Mazda CX-30 is considered to bridge the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5, but in reality, it doesn't. Price-wise, the CX-30 2.0 Dynamic costs a paltry R100 less than the CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Automatic. Yes, it offers a similar powertrain and a more advanced cabin, but it has a smaller load bay and less rear cabin space than its (albeit ageing) award-winning family-car sibling.

So, compared with its newer sibling, the CX-5 seems a better value-for-money proposition, but then the CX-30's target market is quite select. Like the (also recently launched) Volkswagen T-Roc, Mazda's newcomer is tailored for a discerning clientele: fashion-conscious urbanites; upwardly mobile couples with small (or no) children. It all comes down to a matter of taste... and, of course, budget!


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I know it isn't a practical purchase but damn does it look good for a crossover!
 
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