Mazda CX-30 FWD G20 Evolve (2020-2026)

Simply a raised Mazda 3...and that's a good thing! – This is by far one of the most surprising cars I’ve driven in recent memory. Here I thought I was jumping into something cheap and somewhat cheerful. Instead, I jumped into a car that impressed me so much that I could only label it as ‘affordable luxury’. For an affordable small SUV, you’d expect this car to cheap out a little in quality. In true Mazda fashion, it does not. Sure, there are some cheaper materials thrown around this car. But even though you might not like those massive plastic wheel arches, they are all assembled with great accuracy.

A highlight for me was the blue leather trim that is stitched inside this car. It doesn't just feel stuck on but properly integrated into the car, increasing the perceived quality of this SUV.

The CX-30 G20e Evolve M Hybrid is priced from $40,872 drive-away. It’s not just the mild-hybrid motor you’re getting in return. You’re also getting keyless entry/exit and start/stop, a 360° parking camera, a 10-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, front cross traffic alert, cruising and traffic support, driver monitoring and front parking sensors.

This Mazda comes with a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty. You can either prepay $1151 for 3 years of services or $1641 for 5 years. Service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

What was wildly impressive was the cabin isolation here.

I’m not sure if it was an increase in sound deadening or the high window belt line, but you really feel like you’re in a sound bubble traveling in the CX-30.

This quiet ride doesn’t match the price, in a good way. The base audio system also works well to fill the cabin despite not being the all time best system you can get from Mazda.

The CX-30 provides a flat driving experience when you press down on that brake pedal. I adore Mazda’s ability to engineer cars that brake this smoothly, regardless of the price.

It’s an extremely comfortable car to operate in traffic, and has autonomous emergency braking on board too.

Annoyingly, Mazda persists in keeping their base engines free of any turbochargers. That means this 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder requires a little more convincing to squeeze more torque out of it.

Attached to this engine is a mild-hybrid system, which allows the CX-30 to achieve better fuel economy and make the most of deceleration.

Nonetheless, you’re getting 114kW (152hp) and 200Nm being sent to the front wheels exclusively. You’ll need to rev this motor up to get that peak power.

It’s not a quick car, but by dropping any additional induction, you have a fairly responsive motor.

Mazda’s traditional 6-speed torque converter automatic offers smooth shifting and I found it to be relatively flawless.

I never really needed to shift my own gears, but the option was there in the form of paddle shifters or by using the gear selector itself.

Mazda’s chassis dynamics in the CX-30 feel far more premium than this car has any business feeling like. You sit down in the car, so you already have a commanding driving position. A flat bottom throttle helps modulate power smoothly. You feel the car move through corners, rather than lean and wallow like you’d expect it to.

For daily driving, this is a plush feeling SUV thanks to dialled in suspension and large tyre walls.

Look, this really isn’t a proper hybrid. It’s a replacement system for the alternator that returns minor fuel savings. It’s no traditional hybrid, but rather a way to power electronics that are usually powered by petrol by using regenerative braking.

The claimed fuel consumption is 6.3L per 100km. I saw figures just above 7L per 100km during my tests. It’s cheap to fuel up, as it’ll accept 91 octane.

Immediately, you notice just how low you sit in this cabin. There isn’t a lot of light that comes into the cabin here, but I don’t think that’s the worst thing either.

You feel less like you’re riding around in a fishbowl for everyone to see in. Despite being offered with cloth seats only, I loved the blue leather touches throughout this cabin. The look and layout of the buttons in this cabin feels more premium than other similarly priced SUVs.

The steering wheel design is top notch, along with the integration of both infotainment and driver displays. You won’t get any fingerprints on that centre screen, as it’s not a touch screen - that might be annoying for some.

There’s only 317L of boot space here with all the seats folded up. You can get a bit more by folding the 60/40 split seats, but you’re not benefiting from this being an ‘SUV’ if storage is your priority.

You’re also getting a spare tyre and everything you need to change one underneath the boot floor.

I found the front seats to offer supreme comfort, partly due to how the cloth seats were cushioned and how smoothly this car drove.

The rear seats are fine for adults, and have easy access for parents needing to throw some car seats in the back.

If your budget is set for sub $40,000, you should check out the CX-30. I thought it seemed like a boring option on paper, and couldn’t really see the appeal, but that was before I drove it.

After spending some time with this car, I found it to be more than just another affordable SUV option. The attention to detail in every aspect of this car was something that stood out for me. I found it pleasant to engage with and drive. If you’re after that premium SUV feel on a budget, I think you have one of the best options here with the CX-30.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.

8 Months and I am without the car – My 8 months old Mazda CX30 has been broken. This morning it started shaking and gave different messages like: Engine Malfunction. Have the Vehicle Inspected. I tried Mazda Hornsby and was advised to call Roadside Assistance. They are unresponsive so I called GIO and they towed the car to Hornsby Mazda. They say they cannot touch it until next week and cannot provide a loan vehicle. This is absolutely unacceptable as we are unable to go to work or do anything without a car.

Warning Motorone And Mazda Soul Red Paint Issues Have Been Longstanding – ***Update still trying to receive a refund. My purchase has been a huge disappointment. :( I pre-ordered my new Soul Red Mazda CX30 with paint protection and collected my new car May 2021. In Oct '21 when the car was in the shade I noticed marks all over it. Mazda was notified and referred me to Motorone stating it was an after market product. Office Of Fair Trading states otherwise. Motorone wanted to cut and polish the 'water marks' from my new car. After doing some research I realise it's not just poor quality paint protection, but also Soul Red Mazda paint has longstanding paint issues - is very thin, chips, rusts, and marks easily. The brochure states LIFETIME WARRANTY. The fine print states - LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY and IS NOT TRANSFERABLE when you resell car. Mazda Australia closed my case and has refused to state their reasons despite several requests I have made in writing. A Mazda Dealership owner advised that Mazda purchased Motorone paint protection company. Is Mazda really repainting some of the cars or are they just getting a cut and polish? Today I received an email from Motorone stating the marks are minor. My issue is with Mazda Australia as my new car was ordered inhouse via the Mazda Representative.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5/comments/ghp5dq/has_mazda_fixed_the_soul_red_crystal_metallic/ https://3dbodyworks.com/2019/08/24/problems-mazda-soul-red-crystal-chipping-paint/ https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda/comments/8uou8y/soul_red_paint_chipping/ https://www.change.org/p/mazda-cx-5-mazda-soul-red-crystal-chipping-issue-recall-is-need https://www.cx30talk.com/threads/how-is-the-paint-on-2020-cx-30s.357