The Mazda CX-30 Went Bigger on Engine Size While Everyone Else Went Smaller
The review keeps circling back to one deliberate contrarian choice: while most rivals downsized to smaller turbocharged engines, this car's maker doubled down on a larger, naturally aspirated approach instead.
A Genuinely Contrarian Engineering Strategy
Nearly every rival in this class has shrunk engine size and added turbocharging to meet efficiency targets. Reviewers keep noting this manufacturer went the opposite direction entirely, and the results are more compelling than that contrarian choice might suggest.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Compact crossover hatchback |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 24V mild-hybrid |
| Platform | Shared with the Mazda 3 hatchback |
| Length | 4.4 metres |
| Infotainment control | Rotary "commander" dial rather than touchscreen while driving |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar detailed Mazda's deliberate "engine right-sizing" strategy, replacing a smaller turbocharged unit with a larger 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine featuring active cylinder shutdown that lets it run as an effective 1.3-litre twin during gentle cruising. They praised switchgear quality as genuinely hefty and expensive-feeling, comparing the tactile satisfaction of the indicator stalks to noughties-era Volkswagens, and rated the rotary-dial-controlled infotainment system as initially unfamiliar but ultimately safer than reaching for a touchscreen while driving. Rear seat space was rated fine for children but behind class leaders like the Honda Civic or Skoda Octavia for taller adults.
Strengths
- Genuinely high-quality switchgear and cabin materials
- Distraction-free rotary dial infotainment control while driving
- Efficient despite the larger, naturally aspirated engine approach
- Comfortable, well-judged front seats and driving position
Weak points
- Rear seat space trails class leaders for taller adults
- Rotary dial control takes some adjustment for touchscreen-accustomed drivers
- Less overtly "SUV-like" driving position than some rivals
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely well-built, engaging-to-drive compact crossover and don't need maximum rear-seat space. The distraction-free rotary infotainment control is worth experiencing directly if touchscreen-heavy rivals have ever frustrated you.