Reviews of the Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a stylish family SUV with a high-quality interior and a sleek sporty-like exterior. It sits between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the Mazda SUV range and is a popular family car leasing option. 

Rivals to the Mazda CX-30 include the Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq, Audi Q3 and BMW X2. 

Our Mazda CX-30 review covers:

• Elegant and sleek exterior design with a tapered, coupe-like rear
• Well crafted interior with high-quality materials throughout
• 430-litre boot, which expands to 1,406 litres with rear seats down
• Choice of two 2.0-litre petrol engines, both of which use mild hybrid technology 
• Five trim levels, including SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech

Based on the Mazda 3 Hatchback, the CX-30 boasts a sportier look than most SUVs with its tapered coupe-like rear, unique pulsating indicator lights, and crisp LED units. The plastic cladding on the lower part of the bodywork also gives the CX-30 a more utility crossover look, which adds to the SUV's unique shape and design.

Inside, the Mazda CX-30 is beautifully designed, offering a spacious cabin upfront. At the rear, however, legroom is pretty tight, and its small rear doors make it tricky to get in and out of, and fitting a bulky child seat might be a pain. Rivals such as the Skoda Karoq feel much airier and roomier inside. 

At the rear, the CX-30's 430-litre boot space expands to 1,406 litres with rear seats down. While this is adequate for its class, rivals such as the Seat Ateca can hold 510-litres of luggage volume. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, but you can't alter the rear backrest angle or slide the bench back or forth. 

The Mazda CX-30 has a well-crafted interior that looks and feels great. The quality is better than rivals such as the Seat Ateca and premium manufacturers like Audi and BMW.

There's a large 8.8-inch high-definition central display system in the centre of the CX-30's dashboard, however, it isn't a touchscreen. Instead, you control the infotainment system using a rotary controller down just behind the gear lever, similar to what Audi used to do with its MMI system.

The Mazda CX-30 comes in five trim levels, including SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech.

The entry-level SE-L model comes with rear parking sensors, LED headlights, sat-nav, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring. It also comes with a leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift, a head-up display and 16-inch alloy wheels.

SE-L Lux models include heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors. You also get a powered tailgate, a reversing camera and smart keyless entry. 

Sport Lux models offer adaptive LED headlights, privacy glass for your rear passengers and 18-inch alloy wheels, while GT Sport models add a black leather trim and an upgraded Bose sound system.

Top-of-the-range GT Sport Tech models come with a collection of safety and driver support systems and a 360 camera.

Under the bonnet, the CX-30 comes with a choice of two 2.0-litre petrol engines, both of which use mild-hybrid technology to capture energy typically lost during braking, helping to assist the engine and save fuel. 

The 2.0 E-SKYACTIV G MHEV petrol engine has an output of 122 bhp and is offered in the front-wheel-drive. It is, however, available with manual and automatic transmission and is most suited for everyday driving performance and fuel economy.

The 2.0 E-SKYACTIV X MHEV petrol engine has an output of 186 bhp and is offered in front-wheel and four-wheel drive. It comes with manual and automatic transmission, with four-wheel-drive models providing more versatility in wet weather than front-wheel-drive versions, but at an additional cost. 

Out on the road, the Mazda CX-30 is great to drive, thanks to its sharp steering. The car changes direction well, although the downside of such a quick response is the overall ride quality. The SUV is quite firm over sharp potholes, meaning your passengers will feel the odd, uncomfortable thump. That said, the CX-30 is excellent on the motorway, with the engine settling down nicely when cruising at speed.

Prices for the new Mazda CX-30 start from £24,360.00 OTR* or to lease from £231.81 per month.

Want to know more about leasing the Mazda CX-30? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the largest car leasing providers in the UK. All of our leasing deals include the manufacturer's warranty, road tax for the duration of the lease, breakdown cover, and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).

Plus, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a Mazda CX-30 might be cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.

*'On the road' price is correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.