Test Car Specifications
Model: 2025 Mazda CX-30 e-Skyactiv G 140PS Homura
Price: CX-30 from £26,435 (£29,235 as tested)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power: 140hp
Torque: 238Nm
Emissions: 136g/km
Economy: 47.1mpg
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Top speed: 121mph
Boot space: 430-1,406 litres
Styling
There isn't really any difference in design between the 2.0-litre, e-Skyactiv X versions and the new 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G. But that's no great issue, because who really wants people to know they've got the most basic CX-30? And given the car's enduring handsomeness, there's no problem with the overall look, either. The Mazda isn't quite beautiful, but its flowing lines give it a classy look that won't really age at all. Even 10-year-old Mazda3s and Mazda6s still look fresh today, and we expect much the same of the CX-30.
Interior
As with the outside of the CX-30, there's nothing about the inside that differentiates the basic 2.5-litre versions of the Mazda from the more upmarket 2.0-litre models. But there's nothing wrong with that, because the CX-30's cabin has always been one of its best features. With smart materials that are nicely stitched together, it's a high-quality and robust interior.
Perhaps the style isn't especially remarkable, but the CX-30's dashboard is neat and tidy and the seats are comfortable, while the tech is easy to use, if not especially eye-catching. The digital instrument display is a case in point, with its clear, white-on-black analogue design, but that just makes it easy to read, and though configuration options may not be numerous, it's very functional.
The central screen, meanwhile, has a handy rotary control on the centre console that allows you to navigate more easily on the move, while the menus are generally quite logical. It doesn't work quite so brilliantly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which are more suited to pure touchscreens, but that's a minor obstacle to overcome. By and large, it's a sensible, useful system.
Practicality
In terms of practicality, the CX-30 is a bit of a mixed bag. Space in the front is more than ample, and though you sit quite low compared with other SUVs, it's comfortable and roomy. In the back, however, space is a little more limited, and tall adults will be a bit cramped back there. Particularly if they're sitting behind other tall people. But at 430 litres, the boot space available is perfectly competitive, with only a few litres fewer than you'll find in the back of a VW T-Roc.
Performance
Although the 2.5-litre engine on test here is the largest motor in the CX-30 range, it's also the least powerful. Unlike the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-X engine, with its clever diesel-like combustion system, the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G is the base option, offering 140hp and sending it to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
If you think that all sounds a bit naff for such a big engine, that's because Mazda doesn't really go in for the turbochargers that allow other brands to get big power outputs from small engines. That means it may not have the power figures, but the power delivery is more linear, the fuel economy is more representative of real-world driving, and there's no turbo to go wrong in 200,000 miles' time.
However, it does mean the CX-30 isn't that quick on paper, with a 0-62mph time of just under 10 seconds and a top speed of 121mph. That's nondescript, at best, but it means the e-Skyactiv G is quite economical. Although the figures don't necessarily look that brilliant on paper, they are achievable on the road, which is where it matters, and that isn't always the case with comparable turbocharged engines. Officially, the car will do around 47mpg, and about 50 will be manageable if it's driven sensibly on a long run.
Ride & Handling
The arrival of the 2.5-litre engine has changed nothing about the CX-30's handling, which is still among the very best in the class. The steering isn't exactly awash with feel, but it's quite precise and the relatively low ride height and seating position means there's surprisingly little body roll for something that's ostensibly an SUV. In fact, it feels much more like a slightly elevated hatchback than a 'proper' crossover, which will appeal to some and not to others.
Less divisive is the ride, which is a bit firm at times, particularly around town, but not so firm that it's problematic. On the motorway, it's absolutely fine, and you only really notice the odd bump around town, and then only over the worst imperfections. So while it may not be the most supple thing in its class, it's still perfectly tolerable, and that's a small price to pay for such impressive handling.
Value
Unlike the e-Skyactiv X engine, the 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G is available across the whole range, and it tends to come in around £2,400 cheaper than the e-Skyactiv X. That means the cheapest e-Skyactiv G models cost £26,435, which makes them roughly £3,000 cheaper than the most basic and soon-to-be-replaced VW T-Roc.
It's a competitive price tag, and there's plenty of kit included as standard. Even the most basic CX-30, the Prime-Line, comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and manual air conditioning, while LED headlights and the 10.25-inch touchscreen are all standard too. But the £28,035 Centre-Line arguably offers better value, getting automatic climate control, front parking sensors and wireless charging, as well as keyless entry and automatic windscreen wipers.
If you prefer a bit more luxury, though, you can always go for the Exclusive-Line with its sensible £29,735 price, 18-inch alloys and Bose sound system and heated front seats, or the £32,135 Takumi that gets a 360-degree manoeuvring camera, heated steering wheel and black leather upholstery.
Verdict
The CX-30 remains one of our favourite compact SUVs, and we have no complaints whatsoever about the 2.5-litre petrol engine. But customers are a picky bunch, and we suspect a 2.5-litre engine with just 140hp might struggle to draw buyers in, even if it's a wholly competent solution. But those who dismiss the CX-30 out of hand are definitely missing a trick. It's a brilliant small SUV, and one that'll make its owners very happy.
