Mazda CX-30 review - Practicality & boot space

The Mazda CX-30 offers a raised seating position without making you feel like you’re perched on top of the seats. This cocooning environment and an excellent driving position help the Mazda still feel sporty, and there's lots of adjustment available.

Mazda CX-30 interior space & storage

Room in the front is plentiful but boxier rivals like the Volvo XC40 are more spacious in the back. A tall passenger may struggle to sit behind a tall driver comfortably because legroom is at a premium. Middle seat passengers get a raw deal thanks to a high transmission tunnel that runs down the middle of the car.

There are some useful storage cubbies, including a large compartment between the front seats. The door bins are also a decent size and depth but we wish the cupholders weren't placed ahead of the gearlever, as it's a bit awkward to reach a drink while driving.

Boot space

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Competition in the small SUV class is fierce, and Mazda has decided to prioritise a sleek design and driver appeal over outright practicality. There's no issue getting stuff in the CX-30's boot - it has a wide and tall opening - but its 430-litre capacity is quite a bit less than the 521 litres of the Skoda Karoq, a car that’s unashamedly focused on practicality. It also shrinks to 422 litres in versions fitted with a Bose subwoofer in the boot.

It's also important to note that the cargo volume includes a compartment under the removable boot floor. When left in place, this creates a smooth loading lip with an area to hide valuables or items like a first aid kit underneath.

The boot of the CX-30 is far bigger than that of the car it effectively replaced, the Mazda CX-3. That car offered 350 litres of boot space, and much less with the Bose kit.

Towing

All mild-hybrid versions of the Mazda CX-30 can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,300kg, which is fine for a small caravan or a very light car on a trailer.