It’s laborious to face out if you happen to’re promoting a small SUV in Australia, however Mazda has managed with the CX-30 since its debut in 2020.

There have been already loads of variants to select from, however this yr Mazda has trimmed the fats whereas additionally introducing a brand new member to the household – the GT SP.

Out there in front- and all-wheel drive, the GT SP replaces the outgoing Touring SP and is a sufferer of worth rises which have hit the entire CX-30 vary.

With a drive-away price ticket nicely previous $40,000, is the brand new Mazda CX-30 GT SP a shrewd purchase amongst such stiff competitors?

How a lot does the Mazda CX-30 value?

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 vary begins at $33,140 earlier than on-road prices and tops out at $47,540 plus on-roads for the G25 Astina with all-wheel drive.

5 mannequin grades can be found, and they’re cut up throughout two engine choices.

2024 Mazda CX-30 pricing:

CX-30 G20

• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure: $33,140
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve: $34,840
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring: $38,840
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G20 Astina: $44,040

CX-30 G25

• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring: $40,340
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP: $42,340
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP AWD: $44,340
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina: $45,540
• 2024 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina AWD: $47,540

Costs are earlier than on-road prices

The take a look at automobile featured here’s a G25 GT SP in front-wheel drive guise, optioned with Zircon Sand Metallic exterior paint ($595), the Imaginative and prescient Expertise pack ($1300), and flooring mats ($225).

That brings the full record worth to $44,460 earlier than on-road prices, or $49,221 drive-away for Victorian patrons.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

What’s the Mazda CX-30 like on the within?

Mazda is probably not thought-about a premium model within the automotive world, however the inside of the CX-30 seems to have been rigorously constructed to problem that long-held view.

Instantly your consideration is drawn to the putting burgundy leather-based seats, which look nice and add a splash of color to an in any other case darkish cabin.

From that first visible impression, the expertise stays optimistic when you slide into the motive force’s seat. Other than wanting the half, the chairs are plush, nicely bolstered for day by day driving, and have loads of electrical adjustment for drivers of all sizes and styles.

It’s beginning to get chilly right here in Melbourne as winter approaches, however any discomfort doesn’t final lengthy on this variant due to its three-stage heated entrance seats as normal.

The configurability of the seat heaters is definitely preferable to the on/off swap fitted to different vehicles on this ballpark, and is in keeping with far costlier SUVs.

Trying round the remainder of the cabin, Mazda’s consideration to element turns into much more obvious.

You’ll discover principally skinny layers of soft-touch supplies coating surfaces above the waistline, together with the dashboard. We’re not speaking top-grade Nappa leather-based right here, however all of the widespread contact factors are pleasing to the contact.

There’s no step down in high quality from the entrance seats to the rear, both, which is a standard cost-cutting ploy.

The skinny leather-trimmed steering wheel feels pure within the arms, as does the gear lever.

My important gripe is that the transmission tunnel receives the gloss black plastic therapy. Positive, it seems nice when new, however the stuff is a magnet for scratches.

The within of the Mazda CX-30 GT SP isn’t nearly model, there’s loads of substance too.

Not one of the inside items have any play in them; the whole lot is strong and seemingly constructed to a excessive normal. All of the buttons and switches have a satisfying tactility, particularly in 2024 when producers are more and more turning to screens and haptic controls.

Six years in the marketplace can date a automotive, however on this case it provides the CX-30 some benefits over the competitors.

Contemplating that is basically a jacked up Mazda 3, cupboard space can be commendable.

Door bins up entrance match a 1L water bottle along with different ins and outs, the gadgets cleverly separated into tiers.

Cups and bottles are nonetheless greatest saved within the devoted centre cupholders, that are stationed on the entrance of the transmission tunnel and possess the diameter to suit a 1L bottle.

Nonetheless, the slots are too near the sprint controls, so a big bottle blocks entry to essential features such because the seat heater button and local weather controls.

You shouldn’t have to decide on between storing a drink and getting access to recurrently used options.

Additional again, a cavernous, carpet-lined storage space is situated below the centre armrest. If solely it was simple to entry.

Opening the armrest entails a convoluted sliding and folding course of which is fiddly and troublesome to finish whereas driving. The lid itself additionally feels flimsy – I used to be apprehensive about breaking it throughout each use.

As soon as in attain, the armrest space is a really usable area. A plastic divider can be utilized to separate gadgets, and there are two USB-C and one 12V connection factors inbuilt.

Glovebox room is on par with different vehicles of this dimension, and there’s a sun shades holder situated above the motive force.

With roots relationship again to 2019, the CX-30 is a style of old-school cool in lots of respects, however that doesn’t imply we’re coping with CD gamers and single DIN stereos.

Forward of the motive force is a 7.0-inch digital cluster flanked by analogue dials that let you know the whole lot it is advisable to know with out reinventing the wheel.

It’s a easy format that some will understand as primary, however I feel it’s completely uncluttered and informative.

For these apprehensive about copping dashing tickets within the mail, the posted restrict is indicated by a helpful crimson mark on the speedometer, in addition to velocity signal graphics situated each on the digital cluster and heads-up show. The easy HUD additionally shows velocity.

To the left sits a 10.25-inch infotainment system which is just geared up to GT SP and Astina variants of the CX-30 as normal, decrease variants function a smaller show, although you’ll be able to go for the bigger one as a part of the Imaginative and prescient Expertise bundle.

For its readability and aggressive dimension, the display screen is positioned approach too removed from the motive force. This can be a huge deal, as a result of it prevents you from utilising the contact functionality of the system, forcing use of a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel.

Whereas principally simple to make use of, the dial has its limits. Accessing apps is made infuriating when you must scroll during a protracted record (e.g. Spotify playlists) to achieve them. It’s additionally painstaking to enter locations within the satellite tv for pc navigation, which requires infinite twisting and toggling. At the least the maps are detailed.

When you’ve mastered use of the rotary dial, the infotainment system is comparatively simple to navigate and incorporates all of the options you want.

Every thing is configurable, from the digital shows to security tech and leisure settings.

Adjusting the local weather controls can be a doddle. Bodily buttons and dials make it simple to alter settings on the go, with out having to barter a maze of menus.

The GT SP has wi-fi smartphone mirroring functionality which isn’t obtainable in base fashions. In my expertise, Apple CarPlay works easily and reliably.

The identical can’t be mentioned for the wi-fi cellphone charger. It was temperamental, and my cellphone needed to be in precisely the appropriate place for it to cost. When the rubber-topped pad was working, charging was fast and my cellphone by no means threatened to launch itself at anybody within the cabin.

Again within the second row of seats, there aren’t almost as many toys or creature comforts.

Area is at a premium; I’m six-two with lengthy legs and couldn’t get comfy behind the motive force.

My knees additionally contact the again of the passenger seat, however I might nearly get comfy on that aspect, and there’s loads of toe room. The again seats neither slide nor recline.

Headroom additionally leaves a lot to be desired. My head always grazed the darkish headlining, including to a way of claustrophobia that’s solely remedied by the colourful seats and entrance sunroof.

Mazda does supply the bigger CX-5 if you happen to’re carting a household round, however it’s price contemplating rivals such because the Kia Seltos supply extra usable area within the again.

The aforementioned sunroof is a top quality addition to the GT SP, injecting gentle and contemporary air into the cabin.

Whereas tech is in sturdy provide up entrance, you gained’t discover any USB ports within the again. A few air vents is all you get.

There’s satisfactory cupboard space, together with map pockets within the seat backs, an armrest with mounted cup holders, and door bins large enough for a 1L drink bottle or your favorite guide.

You’ll must put these nooks to good use, because the boot is on the smaller aspect at 317L.

The small stature of the CX-30 makes it simple to load and unload gadgets, however lifting the handbook tailgate reveals a cargo space that’s plain minus a small gentle, and compromised by a low roofline.

If you wish to unlock some extra space, the rear seats allegedly fold 60/40. Nonetheless, with the entrance seats set too far again the again seats can’t fold, as a substitute it is advisable to transfer the seats ahead earlier than dropping the second row. It’s not the tip of the world, however it’s an additional step in a course of that must be easy.

There are high tether factors for the three rear seats, and ISOFIX factors on the 2 outboard rear seats.

What’s below the bonnet?

The Mazda CX-30 GT SP is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 139kW of energy and 252Nm of torque.

Energy is shipped to the entrance wheels solely on this configuration, though an all-wheel drive model is on the market.

Our gas financial system determine was measured over 350km of principally peak-hour visitors commuting, with some brief stints on the open street.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

How does the Mazda CX-30 drive?

The nostalgia evoked by inside options within the CX-30 can be felt within the driving expertise, which is involving regardless of underlying flaws.

Trendy drivers are used to turbochargers with immediate shove, however the naturally aspirated four-cylinder within the GT SP requires some endurance at low revs.

Max torque (252Nm) isn’t obtainable till 4000rpm, so you actually must wring out the motor to make significant progress. Overtakes on the freeway generally is a chore for that purpose.

Extra throttle means extra noise, and the thrill produced by this 2.5-litre can shortly grow to be onerous if the motive force prefers a quiet, insulated journey.

Having mentioned that, the engine is just noticeable if you’re in a rush and tyre roar is usually absent.

When pottering round at low revs the CX-30 is quiet sufficient and when required the engine pulls in a linear vogue, whereas the automated transmission was buttery clean in stop-start visitors, in contrast to some dual-clutch techniques provided on this section.

I fairly loved the driving expertise of this small SUV.

What CX-30 lacks in efficiency it makes up for with approachability. For those who’re hopping out of an outdated automotive it’ll really feel very regular, and the GT SP continues to be fast sufficient in common driving. The two.5-litre engine doesn’t work almost as laborious as the two.0-litre in lesser fashions.

The CX-30 additionally manages to mix fascinating driving traits of each huge and small vehicles. It rides comfortably over potholes and bumps like a bigger SUV, however feels as nimble because the Mazda 3 it’s primarily based on.

It lands on the sporty aspect of the spectrum, however sufficient effort has gone into making this comfy that you simply’re not punished for selecting a automotive that handles nicely on the day by day commute.

Mazda has additionally managed to include some weight and really feel into the steering, which is confidence inspiring on twisty roads.

Efforts to maintain the CX-30 glossy and compact do have a detrimental impact on visibility although. Fortunately with the Imaginative and prescient Expertise pack, you’ve gotten the help of surround-view cameras, entrance parking sensors, and entrance cross-traffic alerts.

That makes the CX-30 simple to park and manoeuvre in tight areas reminiscent of a purchasing centre carpark, a spot vehicles like this frequent.

Different driver aids reminiscent of adaptive cruise management and lane-keep help are well-calibrated and by no means border on intrusive, which made the GT SP a pleasure to navigate by way of peak-hour Melbourne visitors.

Having mentioned that, the blind-spot monitor grew to become a supply of annoyance now and again, with its common beeps and notifications.

What do you get?

The GT SP sits in direction of the highest of the lineup, under solely the Astina. Check out what every variant gives under.

G20 Pure highlights:

• 16-inch gray alloy wheels
• Area-saver spare wheel
• Automated LED headlights
• Automated high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automated power-folding aspect mirrors
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch infotainment system
• Head-up show
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Push-button begin
• Leather-based-wrapped shifter
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Cloth upholstery

Evolve provides:

• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• Paddle shifters
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Overhead sunglass storage
• Rear fold-down centre armrest

Touring provides:

• Entrance parking sensors
• Auto-dimming driver’s aspect mirror
• Reverse tilt-down driver’s aspect mirror
• Aspect mirror reminiscence
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (NEW)
• Wi-fi cellphone charger (NEW)
• Keyless entry
• Illuminated entrance vainness mirrors
• Black leather-based upholstery
• 10-way energy driver’s seat
• Two-position driver’s seat reminiscence

GT SP provides:

• 18-inch black alloy wheels
• Energy tilt and slide glass sunroof
• Gloss black grille
• Gloss black aspect mirrors
• 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated entrance seats
• Burgundy leather-based upholstery

Is the Mazda CX-30 protected?

The Mazda CX-30 acquired a five-star ANCAP security score again in 2019.

It scored 99 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 88 per cent for little one occupant safety, 80 per cent for weak street consumer safety, and 76 per cent for security help.

All 2024 Mazda CX-30 variants come normal with the next security tools:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bicycle owner detection
• Rear AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep help
• Lane departure warning
• Driver consideration alert
• Visitors signal recognition
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digital camera
• Tyre strain monitoring

The G20 and G25 Touring add:

The G20 and G25 Astina additionally obtain:

• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Visitors Help
• Driver monitoring system
• Encompass-view monitor

The optionally available Imaginative and prescient Expertise bundle ($2000, G20 Pure; $2000, G20 Evolve; $1800, G20 and G25 Touring; $1300, G20 and G25 GT SP) provides:

• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Visitors Help
• Driver monitoring system
• Encompass-view monitor
• Entrance parking sensors (G20 Pure and G20 Evolve solely)
• 10.25-inch infotainment system (G20 Pure, G20 Evolve, G20 Touring, G25 Touring)

How a lot does the Mazda CX-30 value to run?

The CX-30 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee in keeping with the broader Mazda vary.

Mazda lately elevated its servicing intervals of petrol-powered fashions to 12 months or 15,000km (up from 10,000km), and gives seven years or 105,000km of capped-price servicing.

Mazda CX-30 GT SP estimated service pricing:

• CX-30 GT SP FWD: $352, $552, $427, $552, $352, $626, $352

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-30

The small SUV section is totally saturated with choices, and but this variant of the CX-30 manages to carve itself out a distinct segment.

We problem you to discover a competitor that drives this nicely, with the inside polish and enticing packaging.

The GT SP is a worthwhile improve over the Touring mannequin; $2000 is a cut price for options together with an upgraded infotainment system, sunroof, burgundy heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, to call just a few.

In our eyes, it’s additionally nice worth when in comparison with the flagship Astina which instructions a $3000 premium for an upgraded sound system, adaptive headlights and an influence tailgate.

Does that make the GT SP the choose of the vary? Of the G25 fashions definitely, and if you happen to’re spending any time on the freeway it’s the G25 we’d suggest over the under-gunned G20.

Among the CX-30’s flaws can’t be mounted with crimson seats and black wheels, nevertheless. It’s small by class requirements within the rear, and it’s a disgrace the sporty suspension and steering aren’t backed by a turbocharged engine in Australia.

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