2022 Mazda CX-30 1.8D High 2WD Review

In the B-Segment SUV market in Malaysia, consumers' demands for smoother power delivery, fuel economy, and rich configurations are becoming increasingly clear. Many family users want both low fuel consumption for daily commuting and comfort for long-distance travel. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 1.8D High 2WD is a model targeting these niche demands. Equipped with a diesel turbocharged engine, it comes standard with features like a HUD head-up display, 10-way power memory seats, and other class-leading configurations. Its core selling points focus on "efficient power + balanced features." The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its power performance is suitable for local road conditions and whether its high-end configurations truly enhance daily usage experience.

When parked by the roadside, the CX-30 1.8D High's exterior easily grabs attention. It continues Mazda's signature KODO design language, with fluid lines and a hint of muscularity, without appearing bulky. The front features a shield-shaped grille paired with chrome accents, seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights on both sides, which visually widen the car. The side profile showcases a waistline that stretches from the fender to the rear, complemented by 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, adding a sporty vibe. The rear LED tail lamps feature a smoked-out design, echoing the headlights, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper enhances the SUV's rugged appearance. The lighting system is one of the highlights; the LED headlights come with automatic activation functionality, and the unique design of the daytime running light strips provides high recognizability. The illumination range is ample at night, making it capable of handling unlit rural roads with ease.

Upon entering the vehicle, the interior quality exceeds the average level for the B-Segment. The dashboard is wrapped in soft materials, accented with silver trims, avoiding any cheap plastic feel. The center console is slightly angled toward the driver, and the 8.8-inch touchscreen is positioned higher for ease of "glance" operation while driving (although it only supports control via a rotary knob while the car is in motion to avoid distractions). The configuration offers many highlights: the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory function eliminates the need for repeated adjustments when changing drivers; the HUD head-up display clearly shows speed and navigation information, reducing the need to look down at the instrument cluster; the instrument cluster combines digital and analogue elements, retaining the mechanical feel with a physical tachometer on the left, while the digital display on the right shows fuel consumption, driving assist status, and other information. The front dual-zone automatic air conditioning ensures precise adjustments, while the rear air vents with USB ports meet rear passengers' charging needs. A moderately sized panoramic sunroof (single sunroof) enhances the spacious feel of the cabin when opened, especially suitable for outings on sunny days.

The space performance is fully suitable for family use. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4,395mm in length, 1,795mm in width, and 1,540mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,655mm, making it above average within its segment. Front-row seating is very spacious, leaving a fistful of headroom when a passenger of 175cm adjusts the seat comfortably; rear legroom is about two fists, with one fist of headroom. The rear floor has a low center hump, ensuring that even the middle passenger won't feel cramped when three people are seated. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers 430L of space, which is enough to fit two 28-inch suitcases and a carry-on. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, expanding the capacity to approximately 1,406L (unmarked but the actual experience is close). This allows for the storage of large items such as strollers and folding bicycles. The door pockets can hold two 500ml bottles of water, and the central armrest box is deep enough to accommodate a wallet, phone, and other small items.

Starting the engine, the vibrations of the 1.8T diesel engine are smaller than expected, and there is almost no noticeable noise inside the car at idle. The power parameters consist of a maximum of 116PS horsepower and 270N·m of peak torque (not specified in the configuration table but typical for diesel versions), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily commutes, the engine can produce maximum torque at 1600rpm, allowing for a light start. The throttle response is linear, avoiding the common "jerky" movement seen in diesel cars. Acceleration is smooth, with transmission shifts seamless, and you can feel sustained thrust when stepping hard on the accelerator. Overtaking from 60km/h to 100km/h is effortless, making it suitable for local highway overtaking scenarios. Two driving modes are available: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is enhanced, and RPM is maintained above 2000rpm for faster power response, but Normal mode is fuel-efficient enough for daily use.

In terms of handling, the car continues Mazda's tuning advantage. The steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zones, allowing the driver to clearly perceive the wheel angle during cornering, providing enough confidence. The suspension uses a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent structure (not specified in the configuration table but standard on the CX-30). The adjustment leans towards comfort but without being overly soft, filtering out most bumps when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers do not feel discomfort. The body remains stable during high-speed driving, with no noticeable floating sensation during 120km/h cruising. The fuel efficiency lives up to the advantages of diesel cars, with real-world fuel consumption in urban commuting (half traffic congestion and half smooth flow) being about 5.2L/100km, dropping to around 4.5L during highway cruising. This is 2-3L less than comparable gasoline SUVs. The fuel tank has a capacity of 51L, providing a full tank range of over 900km, making it suitable for long trips to the East Coast or Johor Bahru.

The practicality of the driver assistance features is excellent. The standard lane change assist system lights up the side mirrors to warn of approaching vehicles during highway lane changes. The lane departure warning system can make slight adjustments to the steering wheel to prevent drifting due to fatigue. The active braking system, during testing, promptly activated to avoid low-speed rear-end collisions when approaching stationary vehicles. The comfort details are also well-designed. The Sound Plus audio system with 8 speakers delivers clear sound quality, with sufficient bass for playing pop music. The seat cushions have a moderate softness, with adequate lumbar support, ensuring no back pain even after driving for two consecutive hours. Noise control is outstanding, as wind and road noise are barely noticeable at a speed of 120km/h, and most of the diesel engine noise is well isolated outside the car.

In summary, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 1.8D High 2WD excels in key aspects: its low diesel fuel consumption suits the local high fuel price environment, and its smooth power output makes it ideal for daily commutes. Features like the HUD, electric memory seats, and 7 airbags are more comprehensive compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V 1.5V or Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G, offering superior value for money. The space and comfort also meet the needs of family users. However, it does have minor shortcomings, such as manually adjustable rear seats, which is slightly inferior to some competitors offering electric seats, but this does not significantly affect usability.

This car is best suited for "family users who value a balanced experience"—those who prioritize fuel efficiency for daily commutes, need comfortable space for family weekend trips, and do not want to compromise on the quality of features. If you seek the economic advantages of a diesel car alongside near-luxury configurations, the CX-30 1.8D High 2WD is a top choice among B-Segment SUVs. It has no major drawbacks, and each performance aspect accurately meets the core needs of family users, making it a practical choice that's "easy to use and comfortable to ride."