2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G Core 2WD Review

As competition in Malaysia's B-segment SUV market becomes increasingly intense, consumers are no longer just looking for spaciousness in a vehicle; instead, they prioritize a balance of design, features, and driving experience. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G Core 2WD, which has just arrived at our editorial office, is a top contender in this segment that emphasizes "refined balance" — featuring Mazda’s Kodo design language, seven airbags across all variants for comprehensive safety, and Mazda’s signature driving dynamics. In this test drive, we’ll see if it truly balances practicality and driving pleasure.

At first glance, the CX-30 gives the impression of being sleeker and more fluid compared to other SUVs in its class. The front features a shield-shaped grille accented with chrome trim, which connects with the halogen and LED combination headlights on either side, giving it high recognizability. The side profile is free from overly complicated lines, with a single waistline running from the front to the rear, paired with 16-inch wheels, creating a clean and sharp look. The rear design is relatively rounded, and the horizontally arranged LED tail lights offer good visibility when lit. The inclusion of rear fog lights also improves nighttime driving safety. In terms of detailing, the car’s body panels have uniform gaps, and the paintwork is of above-average quality for vehicles in this price range, meeting Mazda's usual high standards of craftsmanship.

Stepping inside, the interior of the CX-30 leans towards a minimalist and practical style. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver trim accents. While it doesn’t feature extensive leather coverings, the touch and feel are still refined. An 8.8-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard with a clear layout and decent responsiveness. Combined with the Sound Plus system and eight speakers, the audio quality is sufficient for everyday music listening. The instrument cluster is a mix of digital and analogue, with a central digital screen displaying information such as speed and fuel consumption. The HUD (Head-Up Display) reduces the need for glancing down at the instrument cluster while driving, enhancing safety.

In terms of space, the CX-30 has a wheelbase of 2655mm. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a 175cm passenger still has about a fist's worth of headroom in the front row. Rear legroom measures about two fists, while headroom can feel slightly snug, though it’s still adequate for seating three adults. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and power outlets. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand the trunk space, which offers a standard capacity of 430L — enough to fit two 28-inch suitcases along with some small items, meeting daily family use requirements without issue.

The CX-30 2.0G Core features a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 164PS and peak torque at 4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The power delivery during takeoff feels linear, with a moderately tuned accelerator pedal and no noticeable dead zones, making it easy to handle in city traffic. During aggressive acceleration, the gearbox shifts smoothly; while it doesn’t offer the explosive power of turbocharged models, the mid-to-high range acceleration is sufficient for overtaking. When switching to sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, the engine speed remains at a higher range, and power delivery feels more direct.

The handling is a highlight of the CX-30. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and you can clearly feel the front direction when cornering. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson independent suspension, which is tuned to be firm but resilient. It quickly filters out most vibrations when passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, ensuring no significant jolts are transmitted into the cabin. Body roll is well-controlled when cornering, and the stability is excellent.

As for fuel consumption, we drove about 50 km each on congested city roads and highways, and the displayed combined fuel consumption was around 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official 6.4L. Considering the actual road conditions during driving, this fuel consumption is within the normal range for its class. Regarding braking, the brake pedal feedback is linear, and the braking force is evenly distributed. During emergency braking, the vehicle's posture remains stable without significant nose-diving.

In terms of driving comfort, the CX-30 has good noise control, with wind and road noise at tolerable levels during highway driving. The seats are manually adjustable, with padding that is moderately soft and supportive, ensuring comfort even during long drives.

In summary, the core strength of the 2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G Core 2WD lies in its balance — the Kodo design brings high aesthetics, the safety configuration includes seven airbags as standard across the range, it offers excellent handling performance, and has adequate space and features. Compared to similar models like the HR-V or Corolla Cross, its handling is more enjoyable, and its safety features are more comprehensive. Although the fuel consumption is slightly higher than some competitors, the overall value for money is outstanding.

This car is highly suitable for consumers who prioritize safety, enjoy driving, and need to accommodate family usage. Whether for daily commuting or weekend family trips, it can meet your needs. If you're looking for a B-Segment SUV that’s not overly "mainstream" and excels in design, safety, and handling, the CX-30 2.0G Core 2WD is worth considering.