Alcantara and leather at Chery prices – the new Mazda CX-30

Mazda has been gradually losing popularity in Russia lately. The statement is also true for the secondary segment. The brand was not among the top ten best-selling brands last year.


At the moment, the situation is still "foggy", but the demand for the CX-5 is returning to the used market. And how are things going with the new younger "brother" in the person of the CX-30? Let's figure out whether it is worth paying attention to the current version of this car in the G20 configuration.

Exterior

The CX-30 model in the Mazda lineup has become a kind of "layer" between the even more compact CX-3 and the older CX-5. The Japanese brand positions the car in the SUV class, but visually it looks more like a "cross-version" of station wagons.


The exterior is designed in the signature Mazda style, which the brand's designers "switched to" back in 2014. Thus, the "visual" has already existed for more than 10 years. At the same time, it seems that it still has not become outdated. However, this indicator can be attributed to subjective ones.

The crossover dimensions are as follows:

✅ length - 4,4 m
✅ width - 1,8 m
✅ height - 1,5 m
✅ wheelbase - 2,7 m

The younger model of the series received more modest body elements. These include wheel arch trims and the lower part of the door. They are made of unpainted plastic and visually cheapen the car, but add utility.

The model is supplied with 18-inch black wheels as standard. Roof rails are not included in the basic package.

Interior

The CX-30 interior is minimalist. The interior trim is combined with a predominance of leather and Alcantara. The former is present on the upper part of the instrument panel, steering wheel and central console. The latter, in turn, is used for upholstery of seats and decorative elements.

The accents are terracotta-colored decor with contrasting stitching. It is noteworthy that such a combination is rare in this price segment. For reference, the cost of the model on the global market starts at $27 (2,7 million rubles).


Otherwise, we have a unified layout, as in other current Mazda models. In the center of the dashboard is a small by modern standards 8,8-inch multimedia display. It is controlled by a touch screen, physical keys, and a functional "washer" on the center console.

Engine and technical part

Under the hood of the G20 version is a two-liter gasoline engine. The power of the unit is 153 hp with a peak torque of 200 Nm.

For a mass of one and a half tons, this reserve should be enough in the city and suburban mode at permissible speeds. On the other hand, you should definitely not expect "cheerful" dynamics from this car.


The engine works in tandem with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is quite a modest figure by modern standards. At the same time, in terms of economy, the tandem demonstrates good results. The "passport" fuel consumption is 6,4 liters per 100 km on the highway.

The next in the line is the modification with the index G25. It has a 2,5-liter engine, producing 33 "horses" and 52 "newton meters" more. Accordingly, the cost of this version is higher.

Conclusion

To sum it up, I would like to compare this model with other modifications of the line and the closest competitors in the segment. If the position of the CX-30 in the Mazda product range is “understandable”, then among other Japanese manufacturers, the opponents can be considered Mitsubishi ASX and Honda HRV.


The first one changed generation in 2023 and, compared to the subject of our review, has a more modest engine. However, someone will call it “economical” rather than weak.

Another "compatriot" is the Honda HR-V. On average, its price tag is at the same level or even cheaper than the CX-30. As a note, it is worth recalling that the crossover has seriously changed its exterior design. These changes were not to the taste of every fan of the brand. And the Mazda's interior looks more "premium" than many competitors in the segment.

Thus, the CX-30 can be called a model that is still "afloat", but requires serious updates. As an alternative, some car enthusiasts may find the G25 modification a more interesting solution. It has a more powerful engine and opens access to advanced options.