Mazda CX-30 review - Interior & comfort

The CX-30 is fitted with relatively firm suspension, which is noticeable around town where it occasionally sends bumps into the car. At speed it works better, smoothing the road more effectively and making the Mazda a competent motorway cruiser.

We were impressed by the interior of the Mazda3 and the CX-30 is no different, sitting above mainstream rivals like the Toyota CH-R in that regard. The level of quality its plush materials and neat design convey is impressive, while buttons and switches are easy to find and satisfying to use.

Mazda CX-30 dashboard

With a sleek, wing-like design, the CX-30's dashboard doesn't feel at all like the traditional, upright console found in traditional SUVs. There are no panels filled with buttons either; most of the car's settings are taken care of by navigating menus using a large control wheel on the central console. The result is attractive and unfussy, while a sporty and ergonomic steering wheel reminds you of the emphasis Mazda places on the driving experience.

Like BMW’s iDrive system, Mazda uses a rotary dial to control the central screen; the company thinks using this ‘Multimedia Commander’ is easier and safer than prodding at a touchscreen, and we’re inclined to agree. You’ll need to get used to the positioning of the buttons and how to navigate the menus, but it should feel intuitive before too long.

Equipment

The Mazda CX-30’s trim levels have changed since launch, and now comprise Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Takumi, just like the Mazda3. Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth trim, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, LED headlights, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Centre-Line gets kit like heated seats, rain-sensing auto wipers, an upgraded eight-speaker sound system, compared with the standard 6-speaker one, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging and keyless entry, so it feels much better equipped for the price.

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Homura adds a little extra flair to the exterior with larger 18-inch alloys, black detailing and tinted rear glass, while a powered tailgate makes loading and removing items a little easier with your hands full. At only a few hundred pounds more than Centre-Line it’s worth considering.

Exclusive-Line is better equipped, but foregoes some of the sporty black detailing of the Homura and gains a Premium Bose 12-speaker sound system, adaptive LED headlights, which could sway some buyers. On top of all that, Takumi models gain leather upholstery, a handy automatic tilt-down function for the side mirrors when in reverse to make parking a little easier, as well as a 360-degree parking camera and heated leather steering wheel.

Options

Mazda typically doesn't offer anything like the number of options you'll find in an Audi or BMW brochure, instead encouraging owners to pick the most suitable trim level. Metallic and special paint colours cost extra, though, along with approved accessories such as bike racks and roof boxes.

The CX-30 is one of the few small SUVs to offer all-wheel drive, exclusively on Takumi models. We wouldn’t recommend it for many buyers but, if you live in a rural area or are planning to tow regularly then this may be a reason to choose the Mazda over a Peugeot 2008 or a Volkswagen T-Roc.