2022 Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Review

For a company that’s been around as long as Mazda, diversifying their model range is a right that they’ve earned – and the Mazda CX-30 is one of their latest offerings that bridges the gap between the dimunitive Mazda CX-3, and the segment-changing Mazda CX-5. It’s interesting that it isn’t called the CX-4, although that is a model that exists and looks more like a lifted wagon.

Available in four different variants and two different engines, the Mazda CX-30 is an interesting proposition that is priced a little more aggressively than you would expect, although one that also happens to be a little more refined than other offerings on the field. Such is the modern Mazda way, and the CX-30 continues this trend.

What is interesting is that the CX-30 does have an all-electric sister known as the MX-30, which also happens to have freestyle opening doors similar to the long retired Mazda RX-8. There’s no word on whether Malaysians will get this model, but for the time being the CX-30 fulfils its role as a bridge extremely well.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Specifications

If the Mazda CX-3 is based on the Mazda 2, and the Mazda CX-5 is based on the Mazda 3, what then does the Mazda CX-30 sit on? Well, if we look at this crossover dimensionally you can see that the wheelbase it has of 2,655 mm sits almost perfectly between the wheelbase of the CX-3 (2,570 mm) and the CX-5 (2,700 mm).

The other dimensions are similarly middle ground, with a length of 4,395 mm, a width of 1,795 mm, and a height of 1,540 mm. This at least means that the space for occupants inside the cabin are more adequate than the meagre offerings of the Mazda CX-3, although it naturally won’t be as roomy for either rear seat occupants or luggage as the Mazda CX-5.

In terms of powertrains, the more common engine available is the petrol-powered 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G powerplant that makes 162 hp and 213 Nm – the same engine that powers everything from the Mazda CX-3, to the Mazda 6, to even the pre-facelift Mazda MX-5. An adequate powertrain for this class of car, power is sent to the front wheels or spread across all wheels through a six-speed conventional automatic transmission.

The other engine option belongs to the sole diesel variant, and it’s a 1.8-litre turbodiesel SKYACTIV-D that makes 114 hp and 270 Nm of torque. These are oddly low figures for horsepower, but the torque values are incredibly potent and can be extremely useful at getting the CX-30 up to speed without a fuss. Once again, the engine is paired with a six-speed convetional automatic transmission that sends power purely to the front wheels.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Exterior

LED headlights and tail lights are common to every variant of the Mazda CX-30, with signature illumination being available in every variant but the entry level model. Powered tailgate functionality is also provided as standard, as is rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers. The overall design is pretty much modern Mazda styling – though not quite as aggressive as the Mazda 3 that leads the charge when it comes to design language.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Interior

Being a more recent model, the interior of the Mazda CX-30 follows that of the current generation Mazda 3 – making it quite the handsome proposition, although the infotainment screen looks a little more tucked away than we’re used to with other Mazda models. Functionality is flat across the range with an eight-speaker setup, a seven-inch colour TFT LCD multi-info display, and the 8.8-inch infotainment screen sitting front and centre.

What is omitted from the base model are items like paddle shifters, automatic dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, auto dimming rear view mirrors, and electrically adjustable powered driver’s side seats. These are items that are standard in all other variants of the Mazda CX-30 and make it a high value proposition.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Safety Features

While there are many things about the Mazda CX-30 that are middle ground, one thing that sets it apart is that active safety is offered quite aggressively across the range. With every variant but the entry level model, the CX-30 gets the full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems, from adaptive front-lighting system, to high-beam control, blind-spot monitoring to rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert to lane departure warning system and lane keep assist, and even autonomous emergency braking for both the front and rear. There’s even radar-based cruise control, offering mild autonomous driving functionality.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Strengths and Weaknesses

It’s hard to say what the exact unique strengths of the Mazda CX-30 are besides the common modern Mazda traits – drop dead gorgeous looks both inside and out, and a ride and handling package that makes other Japanese automakers squeamish and European luxury car manufacturers nervous. Beyond this, it exists as a decent mid-sized crossover-type SUV.

The downsides are also common to all modern Mazda models. High prices dictated by a high cost of production and the high quality materials that the CX-30 is composed of – no, it’s really a common issue to Mazda models the world over, and something they are ultimately unapologetic for. After all, if they are targeting a higher segment and producing cars that could arguably compete there, why worry about whether their pricing is competitive compared to their closest perceived rivals.

Unfortunately this can be difficult to explain to your average Malaysian consumer, where a Japanese car remains a Japanese car and is aimed squarely at the mass market. As we always do with our reviews and content, we urge anyone considering a car to test drive it in person, and for as long as possible in order to understand just what makes it great and what you would be getting into, or missing out on depending on the decision you make.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Price

Pricing for the Mazda CX-30 is expectedly high, and the range starts at RM 144,759 for the 2.0G Core variant. The 2.0G High goes for RM 159,109, while the 2.0G High AWD goes for RM 170,459. The sole diesel variant, the 1.8D High, goes for RM 167,673.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Features

The Mazda CX-30 comes laden with items such as i-Stop idling technology (auto start-stop), G-Vectoring Control Plus (Mazda’s own automatic weight transfer system), advanced keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay with Android Auto, a heads-up display in full colour, a reverse camera with guide lines, and a sport mode drive selection switch. The only item that is omitted from the entry level variant is a powered sunroof with both sliding and tilting glass.

Mazda CX-30 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

Across the two engines available with the Mazda CX-30, fuel consumption is reasonable enough for an SUV that you won’t be left wanting for something more efficient or crying at the fuel pumps. The petrol powered models manage to reach a fuel consumption rating of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres, which translates to roughly 15.6 kilometres per litre. In the case of the diesel you naturally expect better fuel consumption by virtue of engine operation and gearing, and it comes through with 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres, or 20.4 kilometres per litre.