Mazda CX-30 2025: Model Overview

Subcompact crossover SUVs such as the Mazda CX-30 usually sell fewer units than their compact category stablemates. The phenomenon is more pronounced among small and premium models, but that is how Mazda has positioned the CX-30. Where 200,784 units of the CX-30 were sold in 2023, the larger CX-5 sold 354,850 units globally in the same year.

The CX-30 is a member of the Small Product Group platform, much like the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-50. It reached the Middle East as a replacement for the CX-3 in July 2020, targeting a slightly more niche set of buyers. Some of the competitors of the Mazda CX-30 2025 include the Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Variants & Price

Customers in Saudi Arabia get to choose from three distinct variants of the Mazda CX-30 2025. These are namely the Core FWD, High AWD (Black Seats), and High AWD (Terracotta Seats). Including the mandatory 15 percent VAT, they are priced at SAR 95,450, SAR 117,300, and SAR 121,900, respectively.

All new Mazda cars are retailed by Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., the official dealer for Mazda in KSA. They have showrooms located across major cities of this vast country in locations such as Jeddah, Madinah, Tabuk, Yanbu, Khobar, Dammam, and Riyadh.

Exterior

Mazdas are some of the nicest-looking mainstream cars at the moment, reflected clearly in the design of the CX-30. The exterior styling here can be best described as moderately restrained but effective, courtesy of Mazda’s Kodo design language. Much of the aesthetics is inspired by Japanese artwork – all while looking purposeful.

The organic but pure design beckons you to step closer for a better look, which is half the battle won. The sharp front fascia with its eye-like projector headlamps brings about a personable touch while looking relatively mean. This is nicely complemented by the studded 3D pattern on the grille and an underlying chrome bar.

The wide, crouched stance of the CX-30 looks mature but portrays sporty dynamism that works due to its compact size. To please the “SUV” body style admirers, Mazda has tacked on chunky plastic trim on the lower portions of the car. Fortunately, the CX-30 manages to pull off this visual drama pretty well.

All variants get 18-inch alloy wheels with no design changes in between them. This, in turn, makes the CX-30 look premium regardless of its original asking price. The only distinguishable difference here comes from the black finish of the wheels on the fully-loaded High variant. It also gets a black finish on the ORVMs, grille, and inside the headlamps.

Thin LEDs in the front bumper and ORVMs add to the upmarket appeal and are used for the turn indicators. While the CX-30 comes in six standard colors, the ones to pick are either the Machine Grey Metallic or the Soul Red Crystal Metallic. This is because they come under Mazda’s unique Takumi-Nuri painting technique involving specially-trained master craftsmen.

At 422 liters, the boot of the CX-30 is larger than in rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla Cross. The physical footprint of the CX-30 concludes with 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height.

Interior

If your family consists mostly of folks over 6 feet tall, fitting them in the Mazda CX-30 might pose a challenge. While it can handle five occupants, the CX-30’s mission statement never envisaged carrying five adults in absolute comfort. There is enough room to accommodate four adults without a faff, but rear legroom is at a premium.

The doors close with a satisfying thunk, while the interior comprises high-quality materials plus top-notch fit & finish. It might be an expensive small car, but one that feels like the money has gone to the right places. The cozy cabin stays moderately quiet even when driving over subpar roads, though the 18-inch wheels make the ride a touch firm.

Fortunately, the lack of body roll or any significant pitching means that most people will be fine in the CX-30. Unlike many modern cars, the Mazda does not require users to go through a steep learning curve to understand its infotainment system or switchgear. The former is controlled using a traditional knob while driving, becoming a touchscreen when stationary.

The steering wheel stalks and other controls in the CX-30’s cabin are well-damped, resulting in positive feedback. Many of the high-traffic touchpoints are soft and squidgy while finding a suitable driving position is easy due to the adjustable seat and steering column. However, the small rear windscreen results in noticeable blind spots.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of standard features. The Mazda CX-30 gets auto-leveling LED headlights, auto-folding ORVMs, push-button ignition, an electric sunroof, two-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, cruise control, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, native voice command, an 8.8-inch center screen, and a 7-speaker audio system.

Customers opting for higher variants are rewarded with a larger 10-inch center screen, an 11-speaker Bose premium audio rig, a 7-inch digital MID, an auto-dimming IRVM, and auto-dimming ORVMs with memory. Other goodies include rain-sensing wipers, a powered tailgate, Nappa leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat with memory, paddle shifters, and an onboard navigation system.

Engine & Performance

Catering to the one behind the wheel of the CX-30 is one of Mazda’s SkyActiv-enabled four-cylinder engines. The 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated motor has a compression ratio of 13:1, which results in an output of 155 hp and 200 Nm of torque. With a top speed of over 190 kmph, the CX-30 can move at a decent clip.

The transmission is a run-of-the-mill 6-speed automatic, but Mazda’s powertrain tuning means a fuel consumption of 16.1 kmpl (6.2 L/100 km). The base variant of the CX-30 is front-wheel drive, with the rest using an all-wheel drive system. This engine lacks punch at low revs, so a 0-100 kmph time of over 9 seconds does not come as a surprise.

There is a ‘Sport Mode’ to sharpen up throttle response and quicken the gear shifts, but forward progress only picks up pace post 4,000 RPM or so. The real gems here are the capable chassis and suspension – both together make the CX-30 handle like an oversized go-kart. This is made even better by the G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system.

The GVC Plus tech works in the background by controlling engine torque and the brakes. It uses these to make cornering the CX-30 feel natural yet as intended by the driver. Speaking of which, the brakes are good and the steering feels accurate and well-weighted.

Safety

The CX-30 cocoons its occupants with protective measures like 7 airbags, shock-mitigating front headrests, traction control, and dynamic stability control. This feeling is bolstered by a tire-pressure monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, emergency braking assist, plus front & rear collision alert.

 

The head-up display, radar-guided cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist help make long-distance drives less taxing. Meanwhile, the surround-view cameras and all-around parking sensors make parking the CX-30 an easy and safe affair.

 

Conclusion

Where most of its competitors have focused exclusively on fuel economy, Mazda has been cranking out fun-to-drive cars. The CX-30’s fuel economy is decent, but it is its driving dynamics and handling that truly stand out. If those characteristics are important to you in a small crossover SUV, look no further.

The Mazda CX-30 also does well when it comes to looking good and boasting quality construction. The only barrier here is the compact cabin and a high price tag – proceed accordingly. Nevertheless, go to your nearest Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd. dealership and take a test drive.