The Mazda CX-30 is a compact SUV with plenty of style. Its interiors are a cut above the typical design of a compact SUV and it’s great to drive, making it the sort of small SUV you’ll really want to spend time in. On top of that, it’s an economical car to drive, making it not only an appealing choice among a market of average SUVs, but a sensible option if you’re looking to lease.
Great to drive.
Good quality, stylish cabin.
Economical engines.
The Mazda CX-30 offers a useful step up in practicality from midsized family hatchbacks, such as the Mazda3 on which it’s based. There’s a reasonable amount of space for rear-seat passengers, although the sporty silhouette with its sloping roofline does mean that you get less headroom in the back than you’d find in some competitors.
Likewise, the boot is a decent size at 430 litres (for comparison, the new Volkswagen Golf hatchback offers 381 litres). However, the CX-30 lags behind some of its SUV rivals – the Skoda Karoq and the SEAT Ateca, for instance, both offer substantially more luggage capacity.
All that clever technology in the CX-30’s engines pays dividends here – at least up to a certain point. We averaged 40mpg with the Skyactiv-X engine in 2-wheel drive manual form, which is a good result for a 2.0-litre petrol SUV in the real world (it’s officially rated at up to 50.4mpg, depending on spec). The same engine delivers a relatively trim CO2 figure of 128g/km, which will be useful for company car drivers.
For many, these mild-hybrid petrol engines will be a good option, blending better-than-average fuel economy with comparatively affordable lease rates. However, those doing higher mileages might still lament the lack of a diesel or plug-in hybrid option.
The CX-30 offers good value when you consider the level of equipment that comes as standard. In terms of material quality and design, it’s a step up from most of the comparably priced mainstream models, while still usefully undercutting the luxury brands – the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and the Volvo XC40 take things even further upmarket, but you will pay more.
Compared to the CX-30, the Skoda Karoq feels a little sombre inside, but it’s well made, decent to drive and impressively practical. It has a wide range of petrol and diesel engines that offer punchy performance, and impressive fuel economy too. Of the similarly priced options, the SEAT Ateca perhaps comes closest to matching the CX-30’s sporty driving experience, but it doesn’t offer quite the same levels of comfort or style.
Other SUVs to consider include the sharply styled Peugeot 3008 and the well-equipped Kia Sportage. Alternatively, if you like the style and sophistication of the CX-30 but you’re unsure if you need the space, the Mazda3 hatchback offers a very similar feel in a more compact package.
Mazda has a good reputation for reliability. There’s not much specific information on the CX-30 – but the brand scored a top-10 place in the 2020 Reliability Survey from What Car?.
The CX-30’s boot is competitive with most of the other cars in its class at 430 litres. It’s also a convenient shape, with a clever variable-height system which allows you to raise the boot floor to create a fully flat loading area or lower it to increase the outright space available.
There are 5 trim specs available. Most models come in 2-wheel drive, in either manual or automatic form – 4-wheel drive is an option on the top-spec cars.
Yes, all versions come with rear parking sensors. Most models also have front parking sensors and a rear camera.
The Mazda CX-30 is a practical car by normal standards. There’s a bigger boot and more space for rear-seat passengers than you’d find in a typical family hatchback, for instance.
The CX-30’s distinctive styling and pleasing dynamics help it to stand out in a crowd of increasingly generic alternatives. Throw in a good quality cabin with generous levels of standard equipment, and you can see why the Mazda CX-30 is a popular leasing choice.
For the best deal on your Mazda CX-30 lease, Vanarama can help. We have the best car leasing deals with our Price Promise guarantee and this includes free delivery and free 30-day returns. Join the thousands of customers who have rated us Excellent on Trustpilot and contact us today to find your Mazda CX-30 lease deal.
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