Mazda debuted its all-new model in Geneva.
A few weeks ago, Mazda teased an “all-new SUV” that would be hitting the Geneva Motor Show. I speculated at the time that it could be a Mazda CX-3 or even a CX-4, which is currently built in China. Now, we have a clearer answer with this: the all-new Mazda CX-30.
As you can see, it’s not a direct replacement for the CX-3. Nor is it just an imported version of the CX-4. However, the CX-30 does fill a similar role in our market, filling the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5. The CX-30 has a strange name against the rest of the range, and the styling doesn’t exactly match Mazda’s other crossovers. It takes much of its styling from the 2019 Mazda3 — which is certainly no bad thing — with flowing curves, some sharp lines and CX-5-like light assemblies front and rear. It certainly looks like part of the Mazda family with its Kodo design, and the cladding denotes its crossover intent.
“We designed the CX-30 to be an essential partner in the customer’s daily life,” according to Mazda president and CEO Akira Marumoto. “It will be made at key global plants so we can deliver Mazda’s renowned driving pleasure and matured Kodo design to customers all over the world.” To that end, it sits in the growing “tweener” category of folks who want something bigger than a subcompact, but not quite as big as an “ordinary” compact crossover. Think of it in terms of a CX-3 XL, or a Mazda 3 with a bit more ground clearance.
Against the Mazda3, the CX-30 has an inch extra ground clearance (for 6.9 inches), while it’s 5 inches longer than a CX-3 and 10.6 inches shorter than a CX-5.
Powertrain
In European specification, the 2019 Mazda CX-30 has the automaker’s latest powertrain. The 2.0-liter SkyActiv-X engine will make its way under the hood, as it has in the 2019 Mazda3. As with the Mazda3, the CX-30 will also have Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system as an option, while front-wheel drive is standard. Mazda did not state exact power figures, but recent European specs for the Mazda3 suggest the engine could have somewhere in the region of 170 horsepower when it hits the U.S. Mazda will also use a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G engine in European models, so we expect them to do something similar here.
Both models will come with Mazda’s M Hybrid system, at least in European spec. It’s a mild hybrid system that the company contends will improve both acceleration performance and real-world fuel economy. At the moment, however, there aren’t exact fuel economy numbers for the CX-30.
Interior
Inside, the interior largely matches that out of the 2019 Mazda3. We see the latest version of the company’s MazdaConnect infotainment system, as well as a refreshed control stack and new steering wheel design. Mazda says the packaging of the interior “accommodates all passengers in relaxed comfort even on the longest drives,” while there’s also a bit more luggage space than in the Mazda3. Mazda’s last generation of crossovers were fun to drive, but noisier and stiffer than their competitors, so we’ll see if the CX-30 has been refined in the same vein as the latest-generation CX-5.
Availability
Mazda hasn’t announced pricing on the CX-30 yet, but we’d expect it to cost more than a CX-3. Right now, the company’s smallest crossover starts at $21,435. The CX-5, on the other hand, starts at $25,395. That means the all-new Mazda CX-30 could start right in the middle — around $23,400 for a front-wheel drive Sport model.
There’s no exact on-sale date in the either, but Mazda does list it as a 2020 model. The new CX-30 will go on sale in Europe this summer. As it’s fairly early in the year, we may see the Mazda CX-30 sometime later this summer or in the fall. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!
Correction: A previous version of this article listed the Mazda CX-30 as a 2019 model. Mazda USA lists the CX-30 as a 2020 model.
