Mazda CX-30 Skyactiv-D 1.8 review, an impressive SUV coupé

At Mazda too, SUVs have long been at the top of the sales hit list. The only thing missing was an SUV coupé: the compact CX-30 closes the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5.

Mazda proves once again that you can design, a coupé-like SUV can hardly look better than the 4.40 meter long, sporty and elegant CX-30. – (photo by Mazda)

How it looks

Formidable. Mazda proves once again that you can design, a coupé-like SUV can hardly look better than the 4.40-meter-long, sporty and elegant CX-30, so we met with a lot of admiration for our test car. Incidentally, if logic had reigned, the CX-4 would have been an appropriate model name, but this name is already claimed by a Mazda model offered in China. The platform shares the CX-30 with the compact Mazda 3.


How it’s set up

Fine. The workmanship is top-notch, the materials are valuable, and leather is available on request, for those who dare, even in white.

When it comes to the visualization and operation of the logically structured infotainment, Mazda does not go the usual way via a touchscreen. The relatively narrow, far recessed 8.8-inch screen could only be reached by long fingers, it is controlled by a rotary push-button, which is called “Multi Commander” in brand jargon. There is no fully digital cockpit, classic round instruments are in the field of vision. We liked the fact that classic buttons and knobs are used to operate the air conditioning.

In addition to the audio system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lavish standard equipment (more on this later) also includes navigation and a “real” head-up display that projects its information into the windshield.

We were also not completely convinced by the traffic sign recognition, which is also standard, and which occasionally left undetected, for example, and persistently displayed speed 50.

The Skyactiv-D with a displacement of 1.8 liters is the only diesel in the CX-30 range. Admittedly, the relatively low output initially made us doubt: 85 kW/116 hp – and that should be enough?

How much space it has

In front, everything is good.On the other hand, only two passengers sit reasonably comfortably in the rear, as in the Mazda 3, the sloping roof line and the narrow side windows restrict the light supply. 430 to 1406 liters fit in the trunk, which is not overwhelming but good for the chic coupé character of the body. After folding down the back seat back one step remains, not a completely flat loading area.

What drives it

The Skyactiv-D with a displacement of 1.8 liters is the only diesel in the CX-30 range. It does not operate exhaust gas after-treatment using SCR catalytic converter, but with a simpler NOx storage catalytic converter system.


Admittedly, the relatively low output initially made us doubt: 85 kW / 116 hp – and that should be enough? Surprise: It’s enough, and easy. The compression-ignition engine is a good choice, does not have any weaknesses and, with its maximum of 270 Newton meters of torque, which is available across the broad speed range from 1600 to 2600 revs, is consistently lively.

Incidentally, we had two doubts, not only about the performance, but also about the diesel identity: The Skyactiv-D runs so quietly, quietly and with little vibration that we were initially initially unsure whether or not a gasoline engine was under the hood of ours Test car sits.

The manual six-speed gearbox is a fine part, crisp and the shift lever can be guided through the scenery in short ways. Those who prefer to shift can get a six-speed automatic for an additional charge of 2000 euros.

How it drives

Great. Unlike the Mazda 3, which we found too tight, the CX-30 satisfactorily manages the balancing act between comfortable and tight. With the help of the not too smooth steering, it can be steered precisely over curvy terrain. In short: We had fun with Mazda’s crossover. Four-wheel drive is only available for the CX-30 petrol engine, but not for the diesel.

What it consumes

The CX-30 Skyactiv-D cannot keep the standard promise of 4.4 liters/100 km in practice. We recorded an average of 5.5 liters.

What it offers

Based on the experience that most customers already dig deep into the cornucopia of extras, Mazda also does away with price cosmetics for the CX-30 and gives it a lot of what comes at a premium from the factory: adaptive cruise control, for example (in conjunction with the automatic system, there is also a traffic jam assistance function), parking aid, lane change assistant, traffic sign recognition, aluminum wheels, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, light and rain sensors, full LED headlights and the connectivity system already mentioned.

Anything else that is worth striving for is bundled in the “Selection” level at a surcharge (including an electric tailgate, automatic climate control, steering wheel and seat heating, reversing camera). Or in clearly arranged packages such as “i-Activsense” (for example, a 360-degree monitor, cross-traffic warning) or “Design”, which also includes the excellent, glare-free matrix LED headlights.

What we mean: The Mazda CX-30 not only looks great, it also drives great. Despite its nominally low output, the diesel proves to be a convincing drive source. There is also a very fair price-performance ratio. Anyone who places a more coupé-like SUV in the garage has to live with space restrictions.


The data of the Mazda CX-30 Skyactiv-D 1.8 FWD

Capacity 1759 ccm, cylinder 4, power 85 kW/116 hp at 4000/min, max. Torque 270 Nm at 1600 – 2600/min, peak 183 km/h, acceleration 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 sec, standard consumption in urban 5.1, extra-urban 4.1, combined 4.4 l/100 km D, Test consumption 5.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 135 g/km, pollutant class Euro 6d-Temp, energy efficiency class A, length 4.40 m, width 1.80 m without, 2.04 m with exterior mirrors, height 1.54 m, trunk 430 to 1406 l, Fuel tank 51 liters, empty weight 1419 kg, gross vehicle weight 1949 kg, payload 605 kg, trailer load 1300 kg. Manual 6-speed gearbox, front-wheel drive.

Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com



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