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Mazda CX-30 is almost perfect
Mazda Southern Africa has been giving us some really good cars over the past few years. The fruits of their labour have most definitely paid off when it comes to their SUV offerings. The Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 are an ever common sight on the roads and for good reason. These cars are just really good, reliable and look fantastic.
The demand on the market has seen a steady decline in the traditional hatchback and sedan but an increase in compact SUV offerings. Now, like most manufacturers, Mazda has had to adapt to this new trend and has thus introduced the CX-30. A sort of middle ground between the CX-3 and CX-5. Think of it as an Audi Q3 Sportback…
We really do like the design of the car, particularly like the black cladding that runs around the lower edges of the body. It adds a sort of rugged character to what is otherwise a compact vehicle. The rear is nicely rounded and the taillights are especially eye-catching when the sun goes down. The Mazda is void of unnecessary vents, wings, bulges and strong character lines. The design approach is subtle, classy and in some cases even elegant.
Inside the CX30 you will find a noteworthy interior. Mazda seems to nail their interiors and it can be felt. The facia is uncluttered, a large infotainment screen adorns the top of the dashboard. It offers an easy-to-use system but also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dials might look analogue but they do feature some digital elements which provide a modern yet classic look and feel. I particularly liked the dark brown leather contrasting elements on the facia and doors.
The dashboard area in front of the driver is particularly appealing as it feels driver-focused. The steering wheel is a near-perfect size and the space inside the car is also rather impressive. The luggage area is bigger than that offered by the CX-3. The rear legroom is also decent.
Powering the CX-30 is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that develops middling peak outputs of 121kW and 213Nm. Every Mazda CX-30 features a 6-speed automatic transmission, which directs power to the front wheels. Around town the motor is great and the gear shifts are smooth. Despite there being a Sport mode option the CX-30 does tend to struggle when performance is needed, for example when having to overtake.
The gearbox however responds well and will quickly drop a few gears when needed but the 213 naturally aspirated Newton-metres seems to let the vehicle down a bit. That said, the ride is comfortable and through the corners, somewhat sporty and engaging, even the steering is light and quick. It’s as if the entire vehicle is ready for an engine with a bit more performance.
Now it might sound as if we are making the CX-30 out to be hopelessly underpowered, that’s not the case. It will easily sit at the national speed limit and go well over it. We just wish that it had a bit more in it to compliment the other bits that are so very impressive.
Also worth a look: the Mazda Gives the CX-3 a Tech and Style Boost for 2026 and the Mazda Cx 60.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mazda CX-30 cost in South Africa?
The Mazda CX-30 starts from around R449,900 for the base 2.0 Dynamic model, while the top-spec 2.0 Astina will set you back approximately R569,900, making it a proper premium compact SUV that sits nicely between budget and luxury territory.
Q: Is the Mazda CX-30 worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely, the CX-30 offers exceptional build quality, stunning interior design, and Mazda's reliable 2.0-litre engine, plus it holds its value brilliantly compared to German rivals that cost significantly more for similar features.
Q: How does the Mazda CX-30 compare to the CX-3 and CX-5?
The CX-30 slots perfectly between its siblings, offering more space and sophistication than the CX-3 but remaining more affordable and city-friendly than the larger CX-5, making it the sweet spot for most South African families.
Q: What engine does the Mazda CX-30 have and is it reliable?
The CX-30 uses Mazda's proven 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine producing 121kW, which is known for excellent reliability and fuel efficiency, typically achieving around 7.5L/100km in real-world driving conditions.
Q: Does the Mazda CX-30 have good safety features?
Yes, the CX-30 comes loaded with Mazda's i-Activsense safety tech including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, earning it a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should absolutely buy the Mazda CX-30 if you're looking for the best compact SUV under R570,000 in South Africa. At R449,900 for the entry-level Dynamic, it offers premium build quality, stunning interior design, and rock-solid reliability that puts many German competitors to shame. The CX-30 strikes that perfect balance between practicality and style, with enough space for a small family but compact enough for city parking. Sure, it's not the most powerful engine on the market, but the 2.0-litre unit is proven, efficient, and will run forever with basic maintenance. If you can stretch to the R569,900 Astina model, you'll get luxury car features at a fraction of the German price. The CX-30 is genuinely one of those rare cars that's almost perfect for South African conditions, combining Japanese reliability with European sophistication.
