Does Mazda CX-30's Understated Elegance Need Defibrillation

If you’re looking for an SUV that doesn’t shout but still speaks volumes, the Mazda CX-30 might be your match. It’s the quiet achiever in the small SUV segment—a bit like that guy at brunch who listens more than he talks but somehow knows exactly where to get the best sourdough.

A story by David and Alan (but mostly David)

A Name That’s as Confusing as Dating App Labels

Let’s start with the name. The “CX” tells us it’s an SUV, but from there, Mazda’s naming strategy veers off like a bad reality TV plot. The CX-3? That’s smaller. The CX-5? Bigger. The CX-30? It sits in the middle, despite sounding like it should be older or bolder. It’s actually based on the Mazda3 hatch, while the CX-3 comes from the Mazda2. It’s enough to make your head spin like a scene from the Exorcist.

Styling: No Flash, But Classy

There’s no Kardashian-level contouring here—just clean lines, soft curves and an old-world elegance that says “I’m confident without needing a ring light.” It’s also a dream to wash, thanks to its smooth surfaces and lack of fussy edges. The “Zircon Sand Metallic” paint on our test car sparked reactions ranging from admiration to baby-poo comparisons. Our vote? We’d swipe right on “Soul Red Crystal” instead—a deeper, more romantic hue.

It feels like we’ve seen it all before, many times.

Here’s the latest brochure and specifications:Mazda CX-30 Brochure

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ABOVE: Mazda CX-30 (cx30)

A Grown-Up Cabin (But Not in a Boring Way)

Inside, the aging CX-30 leans into quiet sophistication. Think more ‘cocktail lounge’ than ‘nightclub booth.’ There’s valour-look dash trim (you’ll either love it or flinch), black cloth or synthetic suede seats in lower trims, and proper leather if you climb higher up the variant ladder.

The fiddly infotainment screen starts at 8.8 inches in the base “Pure” model, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Go up to the Touring LE and you’ll get the 10.25-inch version and a 360-degree camera—finally, a bit of tech swagger with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto! But even at the top end, the vibe remains calm and mature—no hyperactive graphics or neon-lit gimmicks. Does it appeal to a younger crowd though? Yes, there is a touch screen, but the command centre between the front seats is a complete waste of time. There is a reason most brands have left this clunky mess very firmly in the rear-view mirror.

The “Star” favourites menu continues to frustrate. Mazda has used this aging system for radio saved favourites for far too long, and it has never been any good. The easiest systems to use are those where the hapless user simply scrolls through the full list, pressing the heart or star (as the case may be) as they go.

Likewise, Mazda’s horrible command centre makes using CarPlay slightly harder than simultaneously patting your head, rubbing your tummy, threading a needle, penning Marga Carta, and applying lippy. Mazda needs to throw this abomination out and start again.

This week we’re in a Zeekr X, and although its menu needs a thorough brain-train, it puts Mazda’s ancient UX to shame.

Driving Feel: It’s Not a Performer, But It’s Not Trying to Be

Most variants use an anaemic 2.0L engine (114kW/200Nm) that’s fine for city cruising and weekend drives, it becomes a raucous mess if you push it too hard. Like someone at karaoke who’s had one too many espresso martinis, the 114kw 4-pot needs a lot of coaxing. The 2.5L engine (available on higher-spec G25 Touring, GT SP and Astina) adds more oomph (139kW/252Nm) but doesn’t turn it into a hot hatch. All come with a 6-speed auto and front-wheel drive. Again, the 6-speed is shy a few cogs on current expectation and robs CX-30 of an improved driving experience, not that it is bad, only that it could be better.

Fuel use hovers around 6.3L/100km, which is decent—but no hybrid or EV option just yet. If Mazda ever matches this calm confidence with electric smoothness, it’ll be a fabulous pairing.

Comfort, Practicality and… Value?

The CX-30 feels made for real life. It’s easy to get into, the cabin feels snug but not cramped, and visibility is good. The base model is priced at $35,990 drive-away, rising to $45,866 for the fully loaded Astina. That puts it on the higher side of its segment—especially considering the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS and Haval Jolion all undercut it on price and sometimes outdo it on features. Is Mazda’s determination to move up-market writing cheques that can’t be cashed?

Mazda’s reply? Quality, refinement, and a reputation for longevity. It’s the (expensive) long-term partner rather than the weekend fling.

Verdict: Don’t Underestimate the Quiet One

The Mazda CX-30 might not sparkle like a disco ball, but it doesn’t need to. It’s well-dressed, composed, and knows who it is. For those who want to step up from basic but don’t need to dominate the group chat, this SUV offers comfort, quality, and an old-school (verging on old-fashioned) kind of charm.

It’s not the trendiest, the cheapest, or the fastest—but it is the kind of car you’ll still feel good about after the first date. And in today’s market, that’s worth something.