My GT7 Log: The Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 became the talk of the town since its 2019 debut, the same year as the fourth-generation Mazda 3. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to sample the first Mazda crossover SUV of the Reiwa era.

So, what's it all about the Mazda CX-30?

As the second model of Mazda’s next generation lineup that started with the fourth-generation Mazda 3, the CX-30 is all about being the standing ovation of the crossover hatchback market. Although it looks similar to its Mazda3 equivalent, the cladding and increased ground clearance make the CX-30 easy to differentiate.

Under the hood, the CX-30 is offered with a choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L, SKYACTIV-D 1.8L, and the revolutionary SKYACTIV-X 2.0L engine with Spark Control Compression Ignition and M Hybrid. All petrol models are mated with either a 6-speed AT or 6-speed MT, but the diesel variant is mated only with the 6-speed AT.

The CX-30 featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the one with the SKYACTIV-X 2.0L engine with Spark Control Compression Ignition and M Hybrid. Sadly, it's offered with FF configuration, unlike the Mazda3 offered in-game with its i-ACTIV AWD. If only GT7 would add drivetrain swaps in future updates. That seems unlikely but in the meantime...

Let's drive the CX-30 around Brands Hatch to demonstrate its SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE and G-Vectoring Control the CX-30 possesses. It won't be an easy task, but calculations suggest that it can complete a full lap around this track within two minutes. Let's see if I can beat the buzzer with this Mazda crossover around the Hatch. Roll the tape.

I managed to lap Brands Hatch with the CX-30 in 1m59.421s. Not much, but it was a sure buzzer-beater like any anti-climactic basketball moments you saw on TV.

Although the CX-30 has a very misleading name that throws a curveball into the Mazda SUV range, it delivers the same promises as today's Mazda 3 does. It’s paramount to the crossover hatchbacks, and if you are asking for the competition, chances are that the CX-30 will be the last one to pop up from the rest.

Like all good Mazdas of today, the CX-30 is one of the new symbols of quiet luxury, and there's no need to show off when you know your worth. It offers almost anything that proves irresistible to all market demographics, from styling, comfort, dynamics, and reliability. Even high-end subdivisions are unsafe from this crossover's appearance.

With the CX-30, you'll know what it's like to "be a driver" when you drive one.

Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 may have a very misleading name that confuses the customers into thinking it's bigger than the CX-8 (but in reality, it's bigger than the CX-3, which is based on the Mazda 2), but despite that, this is the second of Mazda's new generation lineup which started with the new Mazda 3 several months ago and it's going to be the second most important Mazda at this moment of time because being a crossover, the CX-30 wants to have a major presence not just by its looks but by the tech and performance that sets the competition apart.

One look at the CX-30 and you’ll know that this is more than just a jacked-up Mazda 3 in various angles because this crossover is all about priority over presence and when you go behind the wheel, you’ll have a lot of questions to answer in regards to the driving experience it offers.

As the second model of Mazda’s next generation lineup that started with the new Mazda 3, the CX-30 is all about being the standing ovation of the crossover hatchback wars and when compared to the likes of the Subaru XV, the Toyota C-HR, and the Honda Vezel, the CX-30 will make them bow down not just by the looks, but also the rewarding performance that will make customers come back for more, well sort of.

The styling is somewhat a jacked up Mazda 3 hatch to be honest, just as the Subaru XV is to the Impreza Sport but this is the better looking one compared to the two and with the evolved Kodo design, it’s surprisingly sexy to look at, making it a real head-turner. On the inside, it looks like the new interior from the new Mazda 3, hinting the new Mazda interior future vehicles will be donning and although driver-focused, some will be bothered by the poor rear visibility like last time. Still, being a crossover, it’s good enough for five people and has ample rear space for your rummage sale loot and others.

Under the hood, the CX-30 is offered with a choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L, SKYACTIV-D 1.8L, and the revolutionary SKYACTIV-X 2.0L engine with Spark Control Compression Ignition and M Hybrid. All petrol models are mated with either a 6-speed AT or 6-speed MT but the diesel variant is mated only with the 6-speed AT.

Under WLTP standards, the combined fuel economy for the normal 2.0L petrol promises up to 16.2km/L while the diesel gets about 19.2km/L.

Apart from under the hood, the CX-30 behaves just like the new Mazda 3 of course even with the raised ground clearance. With its SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE, G-Vectoring Control, and the available i-ACTIV AWD, it feels relatively paramount for a crossover of this size and as the saying from the other side goes; once driven, forever smitten, meaning you will definitely come back for more after your first impression with this crossover.

After your little gig, you can go home with confidence courtesy of the CX-30’s wide array of safety tech but let’s leave it anyway.

Should you buy one? The CX-30 starts at 2,392,500 Japanese Yen (around $24,000), making it reasonably priced and almost right on the money. So, there we are, while the CX-30 has a very misleading name that throws a curve on the Mazda SUV range, it delivers the same promises as the new Mazda 3 did and it’s going to be a paramount to the crossover hatchbacks and if you are asking for the competition, chances are that the CX-30 will be the last one it will ever popped up from the rest. Get ready.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation