2020 Mazda CX-30 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 High Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly intense. Consumers want the off-road capability of an SUV, while also valuing the comfort of a sedan, and their requirements for features and safety have been rising as well. As the main model in this segment for the brand, the Mazda CX-30 2.0 High emphasizes "Kodo" design, rich safety features, and a balanced driving experience. Many people are curious whether it can meet the needs of local family users. This time, we got our hands on the actual car and conducted a comprehensive test from static details to dynamic performance to see if its performance lives up to its price.

The exterior of the Mazda CX-30 2.0 High continues the brand's "Kodo 2.0" design language, with a sleek overall line and a hint of muscularity. The front face features a shield-shaped grille, complemented by chrome trim and sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it a high degree of recognition. The side profile displays a character line extending from the front fender to the rear, and the 18-inch wheels have a sporty design. The rear design is simple, with LED tail lights echoing the front headlights, and a silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds to the SUV feel. Overall, the CX-30's exterior is stylish yet retains a sense of sophistication, fitting most consumers' aesthetic preferences.

Stepping inside, the CX-30's interior adopts a minimalist style, with a symmetrical design for the dashboard and predominantly soft-touch materials, providing a pleasant tactile experience. The steering wheel has a three-spoke multifunction design and comes with paddle shifters, while the HUD head-up display is standard and can display information such as speed and navigation, eliminating the need to look down at the instrument cluster. The 8.8-inch central touch screen is positioned relatively high, making operation less distracting, although it is recommended to use the adjacent physical knob for control while driving to avoid losing focus. The seats are manually adjustable, with decent front seat support for comfortable long-duration drives. The rear space is average, offering about two fists' worth of legroom and one fist of headroom for a passenger around 175 cm tall. While not particularly spacious, it is adequate. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and USB ports for the convenience of rear passengers. The trunk has a capacity of 430L, which is sufficient for daily use, such as placing a few suitcases. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, expanding the space to 1,432L to meet cargo needs.

In terms of performance, the CX-30 2.0 High is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 165PS and a peak torque of 213Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output is smooth when starting, and the throttle response is fairly linear, avoiding the abruptness often associated with turbocharged models. When switching to Sport mode, the transmission shift logic becomes more aggressive, keeping the revs in a higher range, which allows for more direct power output during acceleration and more confidence during overtaking. In everyday driving, the transmission delivers smooth gear shifts with barely noticeable jerkiness. The steering wheel offers moderate handling and precise feedback, making city driving flexible and parking effortless. The suspension system consists of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspensions, tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most minor road bumps. The vibrations when passing over speed bumps are also well-managed. When driving through corners, the body roll is well-controlled, and the suspension provides sufficient support, ensuring good stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a comprehensive road condition test, including urban traffic congestion, highways, and suburban roads. The average fuel consumption was about 7.8L per 100 kilometers, which is better than the official figure of 8.8L. In terms of braking, the brake pedal feels linear, and the braking distance is above average among models in the same class. As for noise insulation, wind noise and tire noise are well-controlled during high-speed driving, providing excellent cabin quietness. During daily driving, almost no noticeable noise can be heard. The seat comfort is also good, with soft padding but sufficient support, making long rides not tiring.

Overall, the Mazda CX-30 2.0 High has clear core advantages: first, it has an abundance of safety features, including 7 standard airbags, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and automatic braking, which put it ahead of its peers; second, it offers a balanced driving experience, with smooth power delivery, a comfortable yet agile chassis; third, the space is adequate, meeting the daily needs of family users. Compared to models in the same class, the price of the CX-30 is slightly higher, but the abundant features and excellent driving experience compensate for this. It is suitable for family users who prioritize safety, enjoy driving, and pursue quality. If you are looking for an SUV that performs well in all aspects, the CX-30 2.0 High is a good choice.