Is the P 1.490M Mazda CX-30 the Most Stylish Small SUV Around? (w/ 17 Photos, Specs)

Mazda is now dead serious in making inroads in the subcompact SUV genre with the arrival of the first-ever CX-30. Meant as an in-between to the CX-3 and the CX-5, the CX-30 is the second seventh-generation model after the all-new 2020 Mazda3. Built to cater to a wide range of buyers, the CX-30 is meant to be a life partner, particularly for those who’re approaching significant life transitions.

Adopting the Evolved KODO design, the CX-30 is bold and sleek, combining the flowing lines of a coupe with the bold proportions of an SUV. The narrowed arch shape of the liftgate, in particular, is interesting because it makes the body look shorter and wider, while still offering cargo space befitting an SUV. The base variant rides on 16-inch wheels (215/65R16 tires), but the mid- and high-trim model both are on 18-inch wheels with 215/55R18 tires. LED lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and power folding mirrors are standard, but only the mid- and high-trim models benefit from adaptive front lighting. Only the high-trim gets a power tailgate.

Dimensionally, the CX-30 is longer (4,395 mm versus 4,275 mm) and wider (1,795 mm versus 1,765 mm) than the current CX-3. It keeps the same overall height (1,540 mm), but ground clearance is higher at 175 mm (versus 160 mm). Interestingly, the wheelbase, 2,655 mm approaches levels close to the CX-5’s 2,700 mm.

Mechanically, the CX-30 shares its underpinnings with the all-new Mazda3. With that, it comes as no surprise that it uses the same powertrain: a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G making 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. A 6-speed automatic with sport mode is standard across the line-up, but only the high-trim model gets the added security of all-wheel drive.

Inside, the CX-30 takes the same minimalist approach seen in the Mazda3. Here, designers focused on giving the driver a cockpit-like feel, while also giving a clean, airy space for the passengers. Compared to the CX-3, the CX-30 features a wider distance between the front seats while also accommodating a wide center console and center armrest. The rear seats are also more spacious with better head- and legroom. In terms of luggage space, it can accommodate 430 liters of cargo.

A two-tone cabin (blue and black for the base, brown and black for the mid and top trims) greets the occupants on all variants. All, but the low trim model has leather seating too. Power adjust, at least for the driver, is only available in the high-trim model.

In terms of comfort and convenience features, all variants get a 7-inch LCD screen nestled in the gauges as well as the latest generation Mazda Connect infotainment with its 8.8-inch widescreen display and 8-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system. Moving up to the mid-trim model gets you cruise control, dual zone climate control with rear vents and an auto dimming rear view mirror, while opting for the high-trim adds adaptive cruise control, windshield-projected heads-up display, and the 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety-wise, all models get 7 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and rear parking camera as standard equipment. The high-trim model adds front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera too. Furthermore, the high-trim is the only one available with i-Activsense. This suite combines smart brake support, front-cross traffic alert, and driver-attention alert along with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert to make the safest car ever tested by the Euro NCAP.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 comes in four variants: the low-trim 2WD Pro which is priced at P 1,490,000, the mid-trim 2WD Sport at P 1,790,000, and finally the pair of high-trim AWD Sport at P 1,990,000 and AWD Signature at P 2,005,000. The only difference between these two is the AWD Signature’s white leather seats.