Mazda has built a new small SUV to slot into another niche. Ryan Hirons headed to Girona to find out if it’s killer or filler

What is it?

(Mazda)

SUVs play a strong role in Mazda’s current line-up, with the CX-5 first introduced in 2012 now one of its best sellers, followed by the compact CX-3.

With this area of the market growing both in audience and niches, there are more gaps to fill — leading to this, the Mazda CX-30. Slotting between the CX-5 and CX-3, think of the CX-30 as akin to a Mazda 3 hatchback on stilts.

The Japanese car manufacturer is hoping this new crossover can appeal to buyers looking for a little more space than the CX-3 who previously may have turned to offerings from other brands. Can it reap reward in the sales charts though? We get behind the wheel to find out…

What’s new?

(Mazda)

Breaking convention from the firm’s current CX list of names, the CX-30 is an all-new model for Mazda — and its third UK SUV offering.

Mechanically similar to the 3 hatch introduced last year, it borrows a lot of new technology from that car — namely its Skyactiv-X engine technology and the firm’s latest and refined infotainment system.

Other new highlights include mild-hybrid technology and a first-for-Mazda navy blue interior option.

What’s under the bonnet?

(Mazda)

We’re trying out one of the two petrol engines available here in the UK — a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated unit producing 120bhp and 213Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, contributing to a 0-60mph time of 10.4 seconds and a 116mph top speed. It also incorporates a 24v mild-hybrid motor.

Mazda claims the CX-30 in this guise is capable of 45.6mpg while emitting 116g/km in CO2 emissions.

If refinement and ease of use are high on your shopping list, this might be a strong option. Power delivery is impressively smooth, while the engine can barely be heard even when wringing it out – perfect for those long-distance journeys. It’s fair to accuse it of feeling gutless though and really has to be worked to make the most of its output.

A brief turn in a Skyactiv-X car saw a more impressive level of torque available, though these pre-production units have yet to be finalised so we’ll hold full judgement off for now.

What’s it like to drive?

(Mazda)

Mazda has built a reputation for creating engaging cars, and that’s the case with the CX-30. It feels stable even under harder cornering and can quite comfortably deliver some fun on tighter roads.

Around town, it’s a dream. Its impressive agility makes darting around easy, while excellent all-round visibility takes extra stress out of driving.

We touched on its low engine noise previously, and this, combined with a supple ride and low cabin noise in general, allows the car to be very relaxing when coasting along at motorway speeds. Few crossovers can claim to offer strong long-distance capability, but this is one of them.

How does it look?

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