While initially thought to have been a European flavoured version of the Chinese market CX-4 or even an all-new CX-3, the CX-30’s dimensions of 4 395mm in overall length, wheelbase of 2 655m, height of 1 540mm and width of 1 795mm, makes it both longer and wider than the latter, and effectively results in it being positioned between it and the CX-5.
Finished in the signature Soul Crystal Metallic hue, the CX-30 takes the majority of its Kodo design language traits from the CX-5, but adds a number of its own unique exterior touches such as black cladding around the wheel arches, at the base of the doors and bumpers, inwards flowing rear fenders, a slightly altered grille and front bumper, model specific front and rear LED lights and two additional colours, Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey.
Inside, the CX-30 takes after the new 3 with the same minimalist designed dashboard incorporating an 8.8-inch MZD Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and USB, more premium materials, a telescopic steering column, standard eight-speaker sound system with a 12-speaker Bose unit optional and a choice of two colours; Dark Brown with black or Pure White leather and Dark Blue with fabric or faux leather finished in either grey or black.
Based on the SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture, the CX-30’s added length translates to a more spacious interior and improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, with Mazda claiming an everyday boot space of 430-litres and a tailgate opening of 1 020mm. As part of the Hiroshima automaker’s i-Activesense range of safety tech, the CX-30 comes with features such as Front Cross Traffic Alert, Cruising & Traffic Support and Driver Attention Monitor.
Constructed from 30% high-strength steel, the CX-30 will go on sale in Europe powered by the same engines as the 3, namely the electrically-assisted 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G M Hybrid petrol, the 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel and the spark controlled compression ignition 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X petrol also with electrical assistance. While no power or torque figures were revealed, expect it to be on-par with those of the 3.
Like its hatch sibling, the CX-30 will come standard with front-wheel drive and have the option of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system, with the G-Vectoring (GVC) system available on some models. Transmission choices will consist of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Going on sale later this year, the CX-30 has, at present, not been confirmed for local availability.
