As SUV sales have grown across the board, certain manufacturers have benefitted from this more than others.
One of these brands is Mazda, with its CX-5 and smaller CX-3 proving to be very popular for the firm and slotting excellently into the Japanese firm’s range.
And from January 2020, there will be a third addition to its SUV line-up – the CX-30. It’s not called the CX-4, because that is a model that’s exclusively sold in China, the CX-30 is a model designed to slot in the range between the CX-3 and CX-5.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What engines are available?
In the UK, the Mazda CX-30 will be exclusively sold with petrol engines – such is the lack of demand for diesel engines in smaller models such as this. That leaves two petrol engines – the same as those fitted in the new Mazda3 hatchback, which the CX-30 shares plenty in common with.
The entry-level petrol engine is a 120bhp naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is known as the ‘Skyactiv-G’. This comes with front-wheel-drive as standard, though buyers can choose to have it with either a manual or automatic transmission. It’s capable of hitting 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds and can reach a claimed top speed of 116mph. As for efficiency, Mazda claims it can achieve 45.6mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 116g/km.
The other engine is an all-new 2.0-litre petrol unit, which is known as the ‘Skyactiv X’. Producing 177bhp, this engine aims to combine the benefits of a petrol engine with the torque and efficiency of a diesel engine. Available with either a manual or automatic transmission, and with the benefit of having front- or all-wheel-drive, this engine is a fantastic addition to Mazda’s line-up.
The Japanese car manufacturer claims this model is able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds and would reach a top speed of 127mph. As for efficiency, it’s claimed to be able to average 47.9mpg, along with having low CO2 emissions of just 105g/km in its cleanest form.
What trim levels are offered?
Five trim levels are offered on the CX-30, with each being very well-equipped. Standard equipment highlights and prices are below.
SE-L – from £22,895
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a head-up display, air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control and an 8.8-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.
SE-L Lux – from £24,195
This trim adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front parking sensors, an electric tailgate, a reversing camera, heated front seats and keyless entry. It would be our pick of the range.
Sport Lux – from £25,295
This sport-focused model adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a piano black styling pack, adaptive LED headlights, an electric sunroof and additional chrome detailing to the interior and exterior.
GT Sport – from £27,095
GT Sport brings leather seats, an electric driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel and a Bose surround sound system.
GT Sport Tech – from £27,995
At the top of the range, GT Sport Tech largely just adds additional safety kit. This includes an around-view camera, a driver monitoring system, front and rear cross traffic alert (which warns of approaching traffic when reversing or pulling out of a parking space. The brakes will automatically be pressed if warnings are ignored to enhance safety.
What about personalisation?
Starting with colours, buyers have eight options, which include solid, metallic and pearlescent paint finishes, such as Deep Crystal Blue Mica (dark blue) and Mazda’s famed Soul Red Crystal. Colours range between £550 and £790, with white being the standard colour.
Cars with the leather interior fitted as standard can have the seats upgraded to Stone leather trim, too. Mazda doesn’t offer a great number of personalisation options after these, but you can choose roof bars (£182.88), illuminated scuff plates (£237.49) and LED puddle lights (£41.39).