2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD review (video)

The Mazda CX-30 has powered through 2024, with 3858 units shifted through April compared with 3770 during the same four-month period last year.

Impressively, this places it a close sixth in the ‘SUV small below $45k’ segment in VFACTS, behind models such as the MG ZS (7998), Hyundai Kona (5302), and Subaru Crosstrek (3931). Its interesting-but-flawed stablemate, the butterfly-doored MX-30 sold a mere 80 units. It may become a more desirable proposition when it returns with rotary power.

Now in its fourth year, the CX-30 faces stiff competition from renewed entrants, but still holds appeal in the form of driving dynamics, Kodo design and a premium-feeling interior – sharing much with the Mazda3 on which it is based.

With more value-focused rivals outselling the CX-30, we borrowed the G25 Touring SP AWD spec to evaluate where the Mazda’s core attributes put it in good stead to grow market share in 2024.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Specifications

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Output: 139kW@6000rpm / 252Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 215/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1475kg
Power-to-weight: 10.61:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.8L/100km
Our consumption: 9.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 48L/91 RON

Power efficiency: 20.44kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.63 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.64 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.81 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.01 seconds at 138.8km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.618g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.02 in 3.07 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.106g*
Decibel at idle: 44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 80*
Starting price: $42,510

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: How much does it cost?

Priced from $44,685 before on-road costs, the CX-30 G25 Touring SP AWD sits in the middle of the range, with the entry point being the $37,269 G20 Pure, and flagship being the $50,091 G25 Astina.

Although this is a higher entry point than flagship Haval Jolion Ultra, and MG ZST Essence equivalents, it is also a more premium product to begin with. The depth of engineering, design and material quality is a palpable level above the aforementioned rivals, which goes a long way to justifying the higher asking price.

For that, you get red leather seats with driver’s power adjustment, front parking sensors, push-button start with smart entry as well as a 7.0-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a comprehensive array of ADAS systems, and more. If you want a power tailgate, sunroof, premium audio and heated steering wheel, then you will have to spend more money.

Service intervals are set at one year or 15,000km – whichever comes first – with costs ranging between $341 and $609, which is on the affordable side of things. Additionally, Mazda’s five-year/unlimited km warranty comes with roadside assistance, provided you service the car at a Mazda dealership.

Is the 2024 Mazda CX-30 an economical car? It is officially rated at 6.8L/100km (ADR81/02), with a 48-litre tank, and it can accept 91 octane fuel. At the time of writing, Sydney’s median fuel price is around $2.10/litre, meaning a refuelling price of $100.80 – despite the smaller fuel tank. This explains why there has been a big customer shift to hybrids lately. Unfortunately, Mazda does not offer the Skyactiv-X drivetrain from the Mazda3 on the CX-30 in Australia, nor the 2.5-litre turbocharged mill available in other markets.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Interior & packaging

With dimensions of 4395mm long, 1795mm wide and 1540mm tall, the CX-30 closely mirrors the Mazda3 with which it shares its platform. The wheelbase is 2665mm long, meaning decent rear room but far from class-leading in the leg department. 175 mm of ground clearance means ingress and egress will be an easier affair for the mobility impaired compared with the lower-to-the-ground Mazda3.

Open the door and you immediately feel the merit of spending the extra money on a Mazda compared with a budget alternative – even though prices of new cars have shot up since COVID. Soft touch materials sweep the dash, with a driver-centric layout. Every touch point exudes quality, from the power window controls to the climate and audio knobs with a knurled finish.

Other highlights include a crisp HUD, meaning you’re not having to take your eyes off the road, and an eminently adjustable driving position. The seats offer decent support, but lack lumbar adjustment.

How safe is the Mazda CX-30? The CX-30 scores a full five-star rating from ANCAP, tested in 2019. From a passive safety standpoint, it offers dual front, side, curtain and a driver’s knee airbag but no airbag between the front two occupants.

The active safety assist features of the car are well integrated, with AEB, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and speed sign recognition as standard. Rear cross-traffic alert with braking is well implemented without being overzealous. You can read the full ANCAP report (which expires in December 2025) here.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Powertrain & handling

The heart of the CX-30 G25 is a 2.5-litre direct injection naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 139kW at 6000rpm and 252Nm at 4000rpm. This powertrain setup requires the engine to work harder, with higher revs, compared with the common turbocharged setup.

Our tests indicated a fuel consumption average of 9.9L/100km (in predominantly urban conditions). This is starting to fall behind the pace for its class expectations. Our test car also utilises Mazda’s i-Stop system – which is one of the better stop-start systems we’ve experienced. It never upsets progress from a standing start.

In terms of refinement, it is an eager and responsive unit, tied to a very intuitive six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system. It loves to rev and doesn’t make a raucous sound when pressed. Considering its 1543 kerb weight, it is working harder than its turbocharged rivals to get off the line, resulting in a 0-100km/h time of 9.64 seconds. You can also tow up to 1200kg (braked), if that is one of your requirements.

The Skyactiv chassis continues to be quite a standout in its class, with clean, light but connected steering with a nice feel, as well as good body control around corners thanks to the G-Vectoring system that uses the ESP system to set the car up for neutral balance.

Unfortunately it is not the most inspiring or engaging Mazda chassis there is, feeling competent rather than truly engaging. At the limit behaviour is well-contained, with high levels of grip, but precious little tactile reward to push the car into that territory.

Its quietness around town and on the freeway is impressive, although the engine is a bit noisy, while the ride quality is very good. High torsional rigidity meant bumps are dutifully absorbed, despite the taut suspension.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Sophisticated interior design: The CX-30’s cabin is a definite highlight, with red leather seats and a well-presented dash that elevate the driving experience.
• Solid and accomplished chassis: Despite some criticisms, the vehicle’s Skyactiv chassis and direct steering provide a driving experience that’s accomplished and enjoyable, if not the final word on engagement and fun.
• Premium touch points: Quality is evident in every visible detail, from one-touch window controls to the tactile feel of materials, underscoring Mazda’s more premium price positioning.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Key considerations before you buy

• Underwhelming fuel efficiency: The CX-30’s performance comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, particularly in urban driving conditions during our test. It needs a turbocharger or more gears. Or both?
• Missing features: The absence of an automatic boot and sunroof in a vehicle of this price bracket may disappoint some potential buyers.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Verdict

Interior and exterior presentation, quality of materials, execution of safety systems and driving experience are all top notch. Plus Mazdas are known for their reliability, and servicing costs are minimal with 15,000km intervals and a good after-sales package.

It just didn’t possess the sparkle and fun factor we enjoy in other Mazda vehicles, no doubt hindered by its aged powertrain. Furthermore, we’d hope for some form of hybridisation in the future to help lower urban fuel consumption. If those aren’t crucial impediments, then the CX-30 is a small SUV you can be proud to own.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Touring SP AWD: Video