If selling motor vehicles is a numbers game, Japanese giant Mazda might have just discovered a new secret to success. The Hiroshima-based builder of some of Japan’s most enjoyable and spirited models has long been admired for its ability to deliver high quality, engaging and practical vehicles, making it one of Australia’s favourite brands. But the company’s latest assault on the Aussie market has turned its focus to SUVs, adding a handful of new models that look right at home at the top of the family tree. The new ranks of “CX” branded models - ranging from the facelifted CX30 tested to a new corporate flagship CX90 - all arriving in the space of just over 12 months. This assault has brought new levels of luxury and sophistication to a formidable line-up. The CX30 first lobbed in the Aussie market in the earlys 2020s, asking more questions than it answered. Chief of these was about what the car was aimed at being - was it a wagon or an SUV, petrol or electric, plug-in or full hybrid? Mazda buyers were no less confused when they were presented with the car’s name - plonked directly between the CX3 and CX5.
So why the CX30 rather than a CX4 was confusing, or just a peek at the future. Now Mazda has unveiled an update of the CX30 alongside new “CX” variants making their way into Australian showrooms - and out again - with dazzling speed. The CX30 sits at the bottom of this array of options. A new Touring model grade (front-wheel-drive, G20 petrol engine) has been added to the range. Tested is the awkwardly-named CX30 S25 GT Sport AWD. That’s quite a gobful but broadly it signifies the maker’s sleeker, smarter and more desirable four-cylinder, five-seat wagon with all-wheel-drive and a tricky new thing Mazda calls vision technology. At just a tick under $50,000 the CX30 is the most expensive and well equipped variant of this model, although a new mid-range option has arrived with its siblings. Over the past two years, Mazda has released a handful of “all new” models - ranging from the CX30 to CX60, CX70, CX80 and CX90 - each of them bearing the company’s signature “Kodo” design. The test vehicle wasted no time winning affection with its lithe silhouette and elegant lines - a tribute to Mazda’s ability to design sporty vehicles that more than adequately perform as a family runabout or flash family ride - each with equal aplomb. Mechanically - and dynamically - this new CX30 has maintained the “Zoom Zoom” motto.
The four-cylinder engine is a willing one but operates with impressive quiet and noise suppression.
Ride and handling are also impressive. The Touring LE model grade receives exclusive use of the G20 petrol FWD drivetrain and the grade builds on the standard Touring specification with a terracotta Maztex and suede interior, with matching terracotta stitching extending to the armrest and centre console, door cards and dashboard. Black alloys and wheel arches help give the CX30 a longer, lower profile as do the black grille and mirror caps. The comprehensively equipped vision pack is included as standard, featuring a 360-degree view monitor, the vibrant 10.25-inch Mazda connect widescreen colour display, cruising and traffic support, driver monitoring and front cross traffic alert. Rounding out the CX-30 Touring LE specification is the addition of Mazda connected services – the second model in Mazda Australia’s line-up to receive the new features, following their debut on the Mazda MX-5. The services can be used via the MyMazda app which gives remote access to a vehicle locator, geofencing capability, a flashing lights feature, curfew notifications, remote locking, vehicle health and status reports and stolen vehicle tracking assistance. And fancy that - right on the number. HOW BIG? Less roomy than its CX5 sibling, the CX30 still delivers a comfortable and attractive cabin space. HOW THIRSTY: The CX30’s petrol engine is a frugal one, which keeps consumption just above the 6L/100km on our road test.
