2020 Mazda CX-30

By Alex Forrest

Mazda’s CX-30 small SUV arrived in Australia in early 2020, and not a moment too soon.

This is the not-too-heavy, not-too-light little SUV which in terms of size and price, wedges itself between the baby CX-3 and the larger CX-5.

The obvious name for this vehicle would have been CX-4, but because that name’s already taken by another Mazda SUV that’s sold in China, they went with CX-30.

The name might be slightly confusing, but there’s no question about the appeal of the CX-30.

The CX-30 is essentially a taller Mazda3, and as such it offers significantly more room than the tiny CX-3 (which is based on the Mazda2).

But nor does the CX-30 doesn’t have the height and bulk of the CX-5, which is a proper medium-sized SUV. So, on size alone, the CX-30 stands to be popular among those looking for a ‘just right’ option in a compact SUV.

The build and finish of the CX-30’s interior is among best in class, and as with other recent Mazda models, ergonomics have played a major role in the design of the CX-30’s interior.

In particular, the view out of the front and sides of the CX-30 has been optimised by raising the seat height and making the A-pillars (the vertical metal posts at either side of the windscreen) easier to see around.

The CX-30 comes with either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre petrol engine, which make 114kW and 139kW respectively.

Fuel consumption of these two engines is very similar. In the regulation combined cycle, the 2.0-litre uses 6.5L/100km and the 2.5-litre needs 6.6L/100km, where front wheel drive models are compared.

Also helping save on fuel costs is the fact both engines run on 91 octane unleaded petrol, a difference that can save you around $200 per year compared to premium fuels.

However, while the cost of each service for the CX-30 is relatively inexpensive ($320-$366), the service intervals of 10,000km are relatively short and could easily result in owners visiting the service centre more than once a year.

Nonetheless, the 5-star ANCAP rated CX-30 is a small, stylish semi-premium SUV that buyers in this segment should definitely have on their lists.

2020 Mazda CX-30 Specifications: