2020 Mazda CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 High AWD Review

In Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, consumers are increasingly valuing the balance between design quality, safety features, and daily practicality — and the 2020 Mazda CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 High AWD was created precisely to meet these demands. It not only continues Mazda's signature Kodo design language but also comes fully equipped with Level 2 driver assistance, full LED lighting, and more. With a price point of approximately RM170,000, it has piqued the interest of many family users and young buyers. This time, we took it on the highway and mountain roads to see if this car's static features and dynamic performance match its positioning and deliver an experience that exceeds expectations.

From a distance, the CX-30's body proportions are very well-balanced. The streamlined Kodo design creates a flowing waistline that runs from the front to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels that retain the ruggedness of an SUV while adding a touch of sedan-like agility. The front fascia's shield-shaped grille is wrapped with chrome trim and seamlessly connects with the LED headlights on both sides, which visually broadens the front. The lower front bumper adopts a clean design, with recessed areas around the fog lamps that enhance the sporty look. The rear design is also highly distinctive, with smoked LED taillights that feature signature circular light strips when illuminated. The subtle rear spoiler on the trunk lid and the dual exhaust outlets on either side ensure the rear doesn’t look bland. As for the lighting system, the full LED headlights come with automatic activation functionality and are bright enough for nighttime mountain roads. The daytime running lights are also stylish enough to enhance daytime visibility.

Upon stepping inside the car, the first impression comes from the materials and layout of the interior. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, providing a nice tactile feel. The door panels are also wrapped in leather, and the stitching details reflect Mazda’s craftsmanship. An 8.8-inch floating infotainment screen is featured in the center; while it doesn’t support touch operation, it's controlled via a knob positioned behind the gear lever, which is easy to operate. Physical buttons are retained below the screen for convenient control of the air conditioning and volume, even without looking. The car offers numerous notable features: the Heads-Up Display (HUD) shows speed and navigation information, meaning there’s no need to look down at the instrument panel. The multifunction steering wheel comes with paddle shifters and offers a solid grip. Although the front seats are manually adjustable, they provide good support, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats come with air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet to meet passengers' charging needs. In terms of space, its 2,655mm wheelbase performs moderately. A front-row passenger standing 175 cm tall still has about a fist length of headroom after adjusting the seat comfortably. Similarly, a 175 cm tall passenger in the rear will have two fist lengths of legroom and one fist length of headroom. While it's not particularly spacious, it's enough for everyday family use. The trunk offers 430L of storage capacity, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it sufficient for baby strollers or suitcases.

In terms of power, this vehicle is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum of 165PS and a peak torque of 213Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. For daily driving, the throttle response is very linear; it doesn't feel jerky when starting, nor does it feel underpowered. Accelerating to 60km/h is smooth, making it suitable for urban commutes. In sport mode, the transmission's shift logic becomes more aggressive, with faster downshifting. When overtaking and pressing the accelerator, the power responds promptly, and accelerating from 80km/h to 120km/h on highways is effortless. The suspension system consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. The tuning leans towards comfort while maintaining a degree of handling capability. When driving over speed bumps, the suspension absorbs most of the impacts without significant residual vibrations. On mountain roads, the steering is precise with minimal play, while the body roll during cornering is well-controlled, giving the driver confidence. During the test drive, we measured fuel consumption at around 7.2L/100km in city conditions, which could drop to 5.8L/100km on highways, closely matching the official figure of 6.5L/100km, showing satisfactory fuel efficiency.

In terms of driving comfort, the performance of the CX-30 is commendable. The sound insulation is excellent; within a speed of 80km/h, wind noise and tire noise are well controlled, and only when exceeding 120km/h on the highway does the wind noise become slightly noticeable. The seat padding is relatively soft, with adequate lumbar support, ensuring no back pain even during long drives. The HUD head-up display provides clear information, reducing the driver's need to divert attention; the 220V power outlet in the front row is practical and suitable for charging laptops or camping equipment. Additionally, safety features are a strong point of this car — 7 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, lane change assist, and more are all equipped, providing ample safety assurance for daily driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 High AWD lies in its balance: it has a sense of quality in design, rich configurations, performance in power and fuel consumption suitable for family use, and safety features that inspire confidence. Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, its interior quality and handling are more prominent, and its price is more competitive. This car is suitable for families who value design, safety, and daily practicality, or for young people who enjoy driving and pursue a quality lifestyle. Whether for city commuting, weekend family trips, or occasional mountain road driving, it can handle it all. In summary, the CX-30 is a C-Segment SUV with no obvious shortcomings — if you're looking for a well-balanced and quality family car, it’s worth adding to your list of considerations.