The Mazda CX-30 bridges the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5 medium SUV. It seems to be based on the Mazda 3 hatchback, with which it shares many of the attributes and technology. The G25 Astina is typical of the in-betweener sized vehicles that are increasingly becoming popular among buyers. 

Models like the CX-30 are relatively easy to park within the suburbs though they are big enough to hold their own on rural lanes and freeways. Mazda opted for the new naming system as a sign of new design directions, platforms, and new generations. The model range consists of Active, Touring, Pure, and Astina with front and all-wheel drive options.

Exterior

From the perspective of size, the CX-30 Astina slots between the CX-5 and the CX-3. However, its basis on the Mazda 3 makes it more of a wagon than a crossover. The styling imbues elegance and class, as can be seen from its sleek headlight array and shimmering side profile. Sophisticated design attributes hide a spacious cabin. The black sections along the lower body allow for the impression of a slimmer shape. 

The body-working has had edges and corners rounded out. The 18-inch chrome wheels provide sufficient garnishing on the top models, which fill the wheel arches quite nicely. The door handles also have a smart entry system built in. The side profile appears to be slim with a low roof, while the cabin has sufficient headroom even for taller occupants.

Interior

The cabin area of the CX-30 cements the ambience of sophistication. Soft-touch surfaces are complete with stitching effects on the dash and doors. The steering wheel is also updated, and the switchgear is intuitive. Between the front seats is a centre console with cup holders and a command centre for both vehicle and audio functions. The controls are split between the command wheel, which doubles as the joystick and several switches. 

The seat of the driver also has powered adjustment settings. Soft leather covers the S-shaped pews, while the body contouring makes passengers comfortable even after several hours of travelling. The boot does not disappoint with 422 litres of capacity.

Technology

The features are well integrated into the cabin of the CX-30 by way of an 8.8-inch display, which is not touch-sensitive though there are rotary controllers in the same manner with BMWs. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, and Navigation are some of the standard technology features, complete with the sublime audio provided by Bose stereo. 

Mazda has been steadily improving its interior packaging skills. Legroom and headroom in the back have significantly improved with the G25 Astina, allowing for a six-foot adult to be comfortable. The rear seating USB charge ports are a welcome addition as well. The sound system is operated via a landscaping floating tablet on top of the dash. 

There are navigation and vehicle settings, along with information and other settings from the driver instrument panel. The driver benefits as well from a head-up display, which the driver can customise to display the info that he or she wants displayed on the windscreen.

Performance

The G25 prefix in the CX-30 iteration denotes the engine capacity. G stands for gasoline in this iteration, while 25 indicates a 2.5-litre engine (4-cyl, churning 139 kW). All-wheel drive is the default for the Astina model. These models also have cylinder deactivation settings to increase fuel economy levels. The Astina G25 returns a fuel economy of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, which is quite decent considering the engine capacity. 

Both engines (2.0L and 2.5L) allow for a stop-start system, which cuts the use of fuel city driving. That shuts the engine down whenever the driver comes to a stop and starts automatically, the foot comes off the brake pedal to drive. The transmission is offered as a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. All models arrive with hill start and i-stop.

Driving

The CX-30 G25 may appear like a city bug, but it is quite sporty. The steering is sharp and well-calibrated. The handling owes its adept nature to the MacPherson strut front end and the torsion bar rear end. Sport mode gives the throttle a little more zest so that the city sprints can be a lot of fun. Mazda took care of the road noise, and the suspension does more than handling for the drive. Highway driving is quite enjoyable, and the cabin is quiet.

Safety

The G25 Astina is equipped with seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and rear cross-traffic alerts as part of the safety packages. Mazda recorded a 99 per cent rating for adult occupant protection, which is the highest yet, along with an 88 per cent child occupant protection. 

Costs and maintenance

There is a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with annual servicing costs capped at $319-$359 for a 12-month or 10,000-km interval. The retail price of the CX-30 G25 Alpina goes up to $43,490 + on-road costs. These cost-effective elements make the G25 CX-30 one of the better prospects in the current SUV market, especially considering the SUVs with shorter warranty periods.

Final thoughts

Mazda may appear to be concentrating on the SUV market; however, the CX-30 feels like the right fit for the Australian market. The reason is it is optimally sized for city use and effortless parking. It is also great to drive on back roads. The CX-30 comes off as an all-rounded option as it fills the gap between the CX-3 and the CX-5 within a crowded market. The handing and the ride quality are quite good, and the performance exceeds expectations. The fuel economy and emissions are well within regulations. The economical pricing and cost of maintenance are also desirable and part of the reason the Astina will be one of the most attractive offerings from the brand. 

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