2020 Mazda CX-30 Reviews

Mazda is embarking on a spot of social climbing.After years of affordable, well-engineered and highly popular alternatives to Toyota, Japan's smallest big carmaker has set its sights higher.The Mazda3-based CX-30 is a manifestation of this mindset. The '0' denotes a raised SUV, aimed at singles, couples and small families seeking a practical compact wagon, yet with one eye on adventure.

What's in a badge? Has Mazda done enough to put itself in contention with a higher-end of the market? We drive a high-spec CX-30 to find out.

The Mazda CX-30 is bigger than a CX-3 but not as big as a CX-5. Is it the right size for a family? Has Mazda slid into a sweet spot?

This a small SUV comparison with a difference. Why? Because one of these cars is not necessarily like the others. Two of the vehicles here are premium-branded SUVs, and one is a challenger.Mazda Australia is pushing upmarket with the new CX-30 model, which we’ve got here in top spec G25 Astina trim. And up against it? The all-new Audi Q3 35 TFSi - its first appearance in a CarsGuide comparison test - and our reigning pint-size premium SUV champion, the Volvo XC40, which we’ve got in entry-level Momentum spec.All three of these models have a starting list price tag in the $40,000 range, and they are all petrol powered, automatic, and two-wheel drive. Both the Audi and Volvo have a bunch of optional extras fitted that nudge their prices considerably, but the Mazda is almost box-fresh. However, we’re aiming to assess these models not so much on the glittery added bits, but the way they perform in other ways. We’ll assess each of these models against a range of criteria to help you decide which deserves to be on your shopping list. Let’s get to it. 

The Mazda CX-30 not only plugs a reasonable gap in Mazda's SUV range but does so with an intriguing car; it's the compact SUV that is more hatch than fake off-roader, and all the better for it.

The Mazda CX-30 is here to split the difference between the CX-3 and CX-5. It won't replace either of those models, but it could be the perfect compromise for a lot of customers, with an upmarket look and feel, strong equipment list and urban-friendly dimensions.

Mazda already makes the five-seat CX-3 and CX-5 SUVs, but the CX-30 could actually be the best fit yet.