What's the difference?
Nobody ever wants to feel their Mum’s knees in the small of their back. And I’d never experienced that before, not until I drove the CX-3 Maxx Sport. I’ll explain later, but let’s just say there’s nothing Maxx about the CX-3, nor Sport, but it’s still a pretty good choice for an urban car.
Allow me to explain.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Mazda3 small car was the best-selling passenger vehicle in Australia, so it goes without saying an SUV version would sell like hotcakes.
Well, we got the CX-3 light SUV instead, with it based on the Mazda2 hatchback, and needless to say, it wasn’t quite the right fit (read: too tight) for some buyers.
However, patience is a virtue and the Mazda3 of small SUVs is finally here … actually, it’s been on sale for more than 12 months now.
And guess what? The curiously named CX-30 hit the ground running! So, it’s time to take a look at what is possibly its most appealing variant for the urban jungle, the G20 Touring FWD.
The Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport FWD is an excellent car for the city, thanks to its small size, ease of driving and safety tech. New additions for the 2021 update, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, will also help drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands off their phones.
The petrol engine is thirsty and in 2021 it’s disappointing that there isn’t a hybrid or EV version of the CX-3.
Other downsides include limited interior space and a small boot.
While not perfect, there’s no doubting the CX-30 is one hell of a debut small SUV, but the variant chosen is very important.
As we found out, the mostly well-specified G20 Touring FWD is agonisingly close to being the best, with it ultimately falling short due its underpowered engine.
That said, for those that rarely find themselves on freeways and country roads, the G20 Touring FWD can and will get the job done. For everyone else, though, the G25 Touring FWD calls strongly.
Either way, so long as practicality isn’t a priority, it’s hard not to be impressed by the CX-30.