Mazda CX-30 review - MPG, running costs & CO2

Mazda has a reputation for clever engineering and the Mazda CX-30 is no different, featuring the world's first petrol engine with compression ignition - a technology first developed for diesel engines and branded SkyActiv-X. For 2021 this was improved upon again, with design updates, the addition of a mild-hybrid system and a new e-SkyActiv-X name. The idea is to give the range-topping CX-30 the driver appeal of a petrol but with fuel-efficiency that competes with its most frugal rivals.

Such advanced tech comes at a premium though, so an entry-level petrol e-SkyActiv-G engine is also available lower in the range – surprisingly, though, this is a larger, yet less powerful unit than the e-SkyActiv-X, and is designed to offer more low-down oomph, though it comes at the expense of some fuel economy. After initially offering the CX-30 with a SkyActiv-D diesel engine, Mazda withdrew it from sale in late 2019, making the CX-30 petrol only.

Mazda CX-30 MPG & CO2

If you're looking for a petrol compact SUV, the Mazda CX-30 is among the most affordable to run on the market. Even the less powerful but thirstier e-SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre petrol can manage a respectable 47.1mpg when smaller wheels, front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox are fitted. However, middling CO2 emissions of 135g/km are unlikely to make it popular with company-car drivers. Cars with more electrification, such as the Renault Captur hybrid and Hyundai Kona Electric, will cost you less in company-car tax if this applies to you.

Mazda's e-SkyActiv-X engine is 2.0 litres in capacity but uses clever engineering to produce more power with less fuel and cleaner tailpipe emissions, resulting in CO2 emissions from 129g/km for the front-wheel drive model with a manual gearbox and up to 49.6mpg. However, it's worth noting the figures can drop to a less impressive 42.8mpg and 149g/km for the four-wheel-drive e-SkyActiv-X model with an automatic gearbox.

Insurance groups

Insurance groups are reasonable in the Mazda CX-30, and the cheapest to insure is actually the Centre-Line trim with the automatic gearbox in group 15. The more powerful e-SkyActiv-X engine starts from group 20 and increases to group 21 in Takumi trim.

Warranty

Mazda models come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. This matches models from Ford and Volkswagen, but is underwhelming next to the five- and 10-year warranties offered by Hyundai and Toyota.

Servicing

Typical service intervals for Mazda models sit 12,500 miles apart, or annually, depending on which comes first. Servicing plans can cover routine maintenance with one upfront payment, or spread out monthly.