All-New Mazda CX-30 Slots Between CX-3 And CX-5

In the rare instance that you find Mazda’s CX-3 a touch too small, and at the same time, the CX-5 a little too big, the Japanese carmaker has come up with a solution that hears to the name CX-30.

Sales for the CX-30, unveiled in Geneva, will commence in the middle of this year in Europe, followed by the rest of the world at some point in time. As far as styling is concerned, the CX-30 has been thought up using Mazda’s Kodo design language, resulting in a dynamic exterior.

“We designed the CX-30 to be an essential partner in the customer’s daily life,” said Mazda president & CEO, Akira Marumoto. “It will be made at key global plants so we can deliver Mazda’s renowned driving pleasure and matured Kodo design to customers all over the world. Moving forward, our new products and technologies will ensure customers continue to see the value in owning a Mazda car. We aim to be recognised as a brand that forms the strongest of bonds with each customer.”

Inside, it features “relaxed and user-friendly packaging”, with enough room for four adults. Meanwhile, the increased height over a regular saloon or hatchback means improved visibility on the road, as well as easier access inside, as with most crossovers. As for the freestanding infotainment system, it can be controlled via a rotary dial on the center console.

Power comes from the automaker’s latest-generation Skyactive engines, including the Skyactiv-X. While no official word has been dropped, we expect the CX-30 to utilize the same hardware as the latest Mazda3, which should mean 1.5-, 2.0 and 2.5-liter petrol units, as well as a 1.8-liter diesel for Europe. An optional all-wheel drive system should also be available.

Compared to a Mazda3, the CX-30 has an extra 25 mm (0.98 inches) in ground clearance, plus an impressive 430 liters (15.1 cu.ft) of volume inside the trunk, compared to the 3’s 295 liters (10.4 cu.ft).

While there’s no word yet on pricing, Mazda will probably charge you a little less than they would for a CX-5, which means that in the U.S. for example, the CX-30 could set you back anywhere between $24,350 (entry-level CX-5) and $20,390 (entry-level CX-3).

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