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Mazda CX-30 2024 review

SUV Petrol

Mazda CX-30 2024 — front three-quarter view

Photo: Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Mazda CX-30 slots neatly between the Mazda3 hatchback and the larger CX-5, and for many UK buyers it hits the sweet spot. It has the raised driving position and chunky styling crossover shoppers want, wrapped around a cabin that feels a class above its price. The 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol engine is smooth and honest, if not the most economical.

Mazda's interior game is the CX-30's trump card. Materials feel premium, the rotary-dial infotainment controller is refreshingly distraction-free, and the driving position is spot on. On the road it steers with a precision rare in this segment, making it the enthusiast's choice among family crossovers. Rear space and boot capacity trail the Nissan Qashqai, but build quality and refinement are a clear step up.

Against the Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, the CX-30 trades outright practicality for polish and driving pleasure. If you value how a car feels over how much it swallows, this is the crossover to shortlist. It is one of the most likeable family cars on sale in Britain.

UK price from: £27,000

Specifications

Engine	2.0L e-Skyactiv G mild-hybrid
Power	150PS
0-60 mph	9.2s
Top speed	124mph
Fuel economy	44.8mpg
CO2	143g/km
Boot space	430L
Length	4.40m
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive

Features

2.0L e-Skyactiv G mild-hybrid petrol engine
10.25-inch infotainment with rotary controller
Head-up windscreen projection display
Adaptive cruise with stop and go
360-degree parking camera
Bose 12-speaker audio system
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Power tailgate

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads	£39.99	Ceramic compound; check slider pins at pad changes
Air filter	£15.99	Panel filter for the 2.0 Skyactiv engine
Cabin filter	£13.99	Behind the glovebox; annual change keeps HVAC fresh
Spark plugs (set of 4)	£34.99	Iridium; Skyactiv interval around 75k miles
Rear brake discs (pair)	£69.99	Solid 264mm discs; common MOT advisory item
Drive belt	£29.99	Auxiliary belt; inspect for cracks at 60k miles

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Premium-feeling cabin at a mainstream price
Sharp, engaging handling for a crossover
Refined and quiet on the motorway
Strong standard safety equipment

Cons

Boot is smaller than Qashqai and Tucson rivals
Rear legroom is tight for tall adults
No full-hybrid option hurts MPG
Infotainment screen is not a touchscreen

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda CX-30 reliable?

Yes. Mazda consistently ranks near the top of UK reliability surveys, and the CX-30's naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine is simple and proven. There is no turbo or complex hybrid system to worry about, which keeps long-term costs down.

How economical is the CX-30?

Expect around 40-45mpg in mixed UK driving from the 2.0 e-Skyactiv G. Full hybrids like the Toyota C-HR do better in town, but the Mazda's mild-hybrid system keeps motorway economy competitive.

Is the CX-30 bigger than a Qashqai?

No. The CX-30 is slightly shorter than a Nissan Qashqai and its 430-litre boot is smaller too. What you gain is a plusher cabin, better materials and sharper handling; what you lose is outright family practicality.

Which CX-30 trim is best value in the UK?

The mid-range Exclusive-Line hits the sweet spot, adding the larger touchscreen, parking sensors and keyless entry over base trim. GT Sport adds leather and the Bose stereo for drivers who want the full premium feel.