2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G High 2WD Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market, consumer demands have become increasingly clear—they want a vehicle that caters to daily family practicality without compromising on features and driving quality. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G High 2WD, as one of the popular models in this segment, has attracted considerable attention with its balanced performance and rich standard features. The core purpose of this test drive is to see whether it can truly meet consumers' expectations for a "high-cost-performance and balanced vehicle" in real-world usage scenarios.

At first glance, the CX-30 showcases Mazda's family design language—sleek yet slightly muscular lines that avoid the overly "soft" look of some competing models in the same class. The front shield-shaped grille, combined with chrome accents, gives it high recognition; the sharp LED headlights on both sides, connected to the grille, create a wider visual appearance. The body side features a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 18-inch wheels that make the car's proportions more harmonious. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights featuring Mazda's signature circular lighting elements, which are highly recognizable when lit; the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of rugged SUV character.

Sitting inside, the CX-30’s interior materials and craftsmanship rank among the best in its class. Most of the dashboard area is wrapped with soft materials, providing a delicate feel; the stitching workmanship is also quite refined, enhancing the luxury of the interior. The center console layout is driver-oriented, with an 8.8-inch floating display tilted towards the driver's side, making it very user-friendly. However, this screen does not support touch functionality and needs to be operated via the knob and buttons behind the gear lever. Although the operation efficiency is not low once you get used to it, first-time users may need some time to adapt. In terms of features, the standard equipment includes a 10-way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function, a head-up display (HUD), and dual-zone automatic climate control, all of which are convenient for daily use. The addition of rear air-conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet also attends to the needs of rear passengers.

In terms of space, the CX-30's dimensions are 4395mm × 1795mm × 1540mm, with a wheelbase of 2655mm, placing it at a medium level within the B-Segment SUV category. The front seats offer good support and wrapping, and a passenger with a height of 175cm would find adequate headroom and legroom. As for the rear space, passengers of the same height sitting in the back will have about two fist-widths of legroom and one fist of headroom, which is sufficient for daily family use; the slightly raised middle floor has minimal impact on short-term seating for the center passenger. Regarding storage capacity, the trunk offers 430L of space, making it suitable for holding a few suitcases or a stroller for everyday use. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, offering expanded cargo space when needed.

Starting the car, the CX-30 is powered by a 2.0L naturally-aspirated engine delivering a maximum output of 164PS and a torque of 213N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. From the specifications, the power figures are mainstream among naturally aspirated vehicles in this class. During actual driving, the power response is quite linear at the starting phase, with no abrupt feeling. At low to medium speeds, the transmission shifts smoothly, and gear shifts are almost imperceptible. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, keeping the RPMs high and providing enough power reserves for overtaking scenarios in daily use. However, when accelerating again at high speeds, the power delivery feels slightly flat; this is something to be understood objectively, given the naturally aspirated engine.

In terms of handling, the CX-30's steering wheel is precise with minimal play, giving a "go where you point" feeling while driving. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort without losing a sense of resilience. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension does a great job of filtering out most vibrations, ensuring passengers don't feel uncomfortable. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the suspension provides enough support to give the driver confidence. As for braking, the brake pedal offers a linear feel, and the braking force output is consistent, making it easy to control during daily driving.

In noise control, the CX-30's performance is commendable. At low speeds, almost no engine noise can be heard in the cabin; at high speeds, wind and tire noise increase slightly but remain within an acceptable range, not affecting normal conversations inside the car. As for fuel consumption, the test drive was mostly on urban roads with occasional highway stretches, and the indicated fuel consumption was about 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.4L/100km. However, considering the congested urban traffic, this fuel efficiency is still quite reasonable.

Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G High 2WD has clear core strengths: a wealth of standard configurations (especially safety and comfort features), balanced driving dynamics, and decent space performance. Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross in the same segment, the CX-30 stands out in terms of configurations — features like 7 airbags, HUD head-up display, and power-adjustable seats are standard, whereas in rival models, these are often optional or available only in higher trims.

This vehicle is very suitable for family users seeking balanced performance, as well as young people pursuing driving dynamics and configuration experience. It does not have particularly notable shortcomings and can meet needs well, whether for daily commuting or weekend family trips. If you are looking for a well-equipped, good driving experience and adequately spacious B-segment SUV, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 2.0G High 2WD is worth considering.