Review: The Mazda CX-30 is a smaller (Yes), better value Mazda 3 but is it for you?

The oddly named Mazda CX-30 slots between the B-segment CX-3 and the C-segment CX-5. Why is called the CX-30 instead of a more logical CX-4 then? That's because the CX-4 already exists as a totally unrelated China-only model (based on the previous generation CX-5).

This 2020 Mazda CX-30 that you see here is Mazda's latest global product. It's a C-segment SUV, similar to the CX-5 but this one sits closer to the smaller Toyota C-HR than the larger CX-5.

Just as its little brother the CX-3 is based on the Mazda 2, this Mazda CX-30 is based on the Mazda 3, and therefore is part of Mazda's 7th generation products – which means that the Mazda CX-30 features the latest ergonomically sculpted seats that keep your spine in an S-shape for reduced fatigue, new generation MZD Connect infotainment, and an interior that makes you rethink what defines a premium car.

In terms of engine performance and body dimensions, the Mazda CX-30 is very close to a Subaru XV, but the difference between the two is day and night – not because one is better than the other, but because they are developed along very different product concepts, aimed at very different customers. In case you haven't notice the difference in price, you shouldn't be cross shopping between the two.

The Mazda CX-30 is a premium product and its price (it's imported from Japan) is a reflection of it. If you are shopping on a budget and thinks the Mazda CX-30 is too expensive, move along. The Subaru XV, and even the B-segment Honda HR-V - both locally assembled with more attainable prices, offers more practicality for less money.

The fashionable Mazda CX-30 on the other hand, is for those looking at a premium car but don't want to deal with any of the reliability/after-sales nonsense that often come with high-end German cars.

Exterior

From the outside, the Mazda CX-30 looks bigger than it actually is. It's all an illusion, thanks to the taller ride height, SUV silhouette, wide looking front-end and rear-end.

The measurement tape will show you that the Mazda CX-30 is actually 65 mm shorter than the Mazda 3 hatchback, with a 70 mm shorter wheelbase. Width however remains the same.

The adjustment is part of an effort to maintain the car's visual proportions. This being a Mazda, style overrides everything. Mazda simply won't accept transforming the 3 into a SUV simply by stretching the upper body upwards.

The end result is a compact SUV that looks more premium that even a BMW X1, which once you remove the badges, doesn't immediately strike you as premium product.

The Mazda CX-30's exterior is marked by expensive looking details. Take the tailgate for example. In other cars, it's a flat surface that designers will usually fill it up with big bold letters, or a chrome strip. Mazda designers won't accept anything like that.

Instead, the tailgate features a convex curving panel, which is very expensive to produce. Not only that, the curving effect extends into the rear fenders. Approach the car from the sides, you will notice details like how the sunlight's reflection will move in a ripple-like effect as you walk towards the car. Most manufacturers will immediately shoot down proposals to stamp metal into such finely detailed angles it's just too expensive!

When you do have a chance to view the CX-30 in person, turn on the hazard lights and take note of the LED signal lights. When everyone else is making a big deal about dynamic LED turn signals that illuminate in sequence, Mazda decided to do something totally unique.

The CX-30's LED turn signals fade in and out, almost like a heartbeat effect. Not just that, the same lighting effect is also replicated on the dashboard inside! It makes the dynamic turn signals used by Audis look for yesterday.

The finishing on its head lamps and tail lamps are otherworldly. The details of the light pattern, especially at the sides of the projector housing, are worthy of an exhibit in a museum of fine arts.

Where the Mazda 3 has a black grille, the CX-30 has a chrome finished item that's closer to that of the new Mazda 6 (2018 facelift).

Interior

Being a taller riding SUV, the CX-30 has a higher ground clearance, 40 mm higher than the Mazda 3, at 175 mm. This makes it easier to get in and out of, and we suspect that will be the main reason why the CX-30 will outsell the Mazda 3.

However being an SUV, its driving position is less on point as the lower riding Mazda 3, which allows you to sit low with your legs stretched out evenly to either sides and the steering wheel pointed at your chest's dead centre – the perfect, almost Mazda MX-5 like driving position that Mazda sedans and hatchbacks are known for.

Behind, the rear seats are as expected, a lot tighter than its peers. It's certainly no Honda HR-V rivalling cabin space, and the rear seats are also a bit too upright, lacking the Honda HR-V's adjustable seatback.

The difference in legroom against the Mazda 3 is not as much as the body dimensions numbers suggest, partly because the taller Mazda CX-30's front seats have a quite a bit of room underneath it for rear passengers to tuck their feet under.

As a consolation, there are rear air-conditioning vents though, which isn't offered in most SUVs in this class.

The Mazda CX-30's 430-litre boot is also bigger than the Mazda 3's 358-litre, despite its smaller body size, thanks to a taller roofline and a slightly more upright back seat.

Otherwise, the Mazda CX-30's cabin is identical to the Mazda 3. You get the same very high quality materials and fastidious attention to detail.

Notice that the font type used on the meter cluster is the same as the infotainment, and there not even the tiniest difference in colour temperature of the white colour used throughout the cabin – from the meter cluster to the cabin light, it's all in the same shade of white.

The leather used in the arm rest is soft and thick. The centre console's sides are wrapped in soft leather, so you thigh don't rest against hard plastics.  

The aluminum trims used throughout the cabin are of the highest quality, as are the leather lining the dashboard.

If you still think this car is too expensive, then you really need to learn to see beyond the badge. Go ahead and take a seat inside the latest G20 BMW Series, and take note of the centre console area, placement of the iDrive rotary knob, interior lighting, and overall cabin feel.

Like the Mazda 3, the Mazda CX-30's 8.8-inch infotainment screen is no longer touch sensitive. You can only operate it via the MZD Connect rotary knob. Mazda's reasoning is that it wants to place the screen as far ahead as possible to keep it closest to the driver's line of sight, so the driver's eyes take less time to refocus, allowing for quicker and safer glances while driving.

The only downside to this is that Waze/Google Maps' user interface are optimized for touch screens, so controlling these apps via the rotary knob is a bit of a hassle.

Driving Experience

We started our brief half day-long test drive first with the 1.8-litre turbo diesel variant. Our recommendation is that you avoid the diesel and buy the high specs petrol variant instead.

With just 116 PS, the diesel engine is weak. While it handles well enough and rides comfortably enough, the petrol-powered variants do it much better.

The reason? The turbo diesel variant is 61 kg heavier but makes 48 PS less power, not to mention the diesel engine's typically poorer refinement.

Jumping into the naturally aspirated petrol variant showed what the lighter engine and additional power makes.

Turn-ins are so much sharper thanks to the lighter front-end. The ride is also more pliant, and the cabin is quieter even at highway speeds.

Previous generation Mazdas were known for their handling but not much for their cabin quietness and highway composure. The latest 7th generation Mazdas are changing all that.

You still get the characteristic "Jinba-Ittai" one-ness between car and driver sensation. SUVs are not known for their engaging drive but the Mazda CX-30 still manages to be a car that you feel like you are part of it rather than merely sitting in one.

The shorter wheelbase also yielded a remarkably darty character. You can change your lines mid-corner, and hitting mildly uneven surfaces mid-corner doesn't throw the car off your intended line.

The suspension (torsion beam, but not the kind you are thinking) does an excellent job at controlling lateral and vertical motion.

You feel everything about the car from the steering wheel. It's a much more communicative rack, offering much more driving satisfaction than many other higher powered premium German models.

The 164 PS engine is just nice for spirited driving. It's not going to set any lap record and yes, one should never say no to more power but oddly enough, because the car is so well balanced and the driving experience already brings so much smile to our faces, we are very happy with what it offers.

However, we should also point out that the driving experience is only 8/10 of what's offered by the Mazda 3. All else being equal, the lighter, lower riding hatchback will of course offer a purer driving experience.  

This being a short preview drive arranged by Bermaz, we were unable to do our usual 0-100 km/h and 0-100-0 km/h tests but we will do it at a later time.

Ride Comfort

Based on our brief driving impressions, the ride is a little firm, like all taller riding SUVs. It's not as good as the Toyota C-HR, which is still the benchmark for ride and handling, but letdown by the weak engine.

That's not to say that the ride is not uncomfortable, because it is still very supple but it's not the segment's benchmark.

Over undulating roads, the dampers exhibit excellent body control, with swift reactions to vertical motions, controlling body movement just one quick but firm motion.  

At highway speeds, the Mazda CX-30 is pretty quiet. Wind noise are only apparent at speeds well above the speed limit. Engine and road noise are sufficiently insulated away.

As this is a brief test drive, we couldn't do our usual cabin noise measurement but follow us on our Facebook for more updates.

Conclusion

For many potential buyers, the real question is not about whether to buy the Mazda CX-30 over a Subaru XV, or Honda HR-V or something similar. It's about whether choosing between the Mazda CX-30 for its slightly bigger boot and taller seating position, or a Mazda 3 for its purer driving experience.

If price and practicality are a concern, you shouldn't be looking at lifestyle cars like this. For such buyers, Mazda already offers the CX-5 (the CX-5 Turbo is amazing!), which is locally-assembled and thus escapes punitive import and excise taxes imposed on the Japan-made Mazda CX-30. Outside of Mazda, both the Subaru XV and Honda HR-V are equally good products are the average family.

The Mazda CX-30 is for those who think they deserve to reward themselves with something a little bit more special. It is a gem for those whose eyes and fingers are trained to identify the finer details of automotive craftsmanship. There is no alternative to it on this side of a quarter of a million Ringgit, apart from its sister-car the Mazda 3.

If you love cars, you want a reliable Japanese product with premium finishing, and don't carry passengers on a daily basis, we say buy the Mazda CX-30 because you won't find a better alternative out there, not for less than quarter of a million Ringgit.