Mazda likes to play around with this: it may not be a traditional restyle, it may not be a car facelift, but there are a lot of changes. Here’s another example: we recall the crossover Mazda CX-30 and compare it with the new Mazda CX-30 IPM, which is how Mazda designates intermediate updates. You can see changes in appearance, interior, and equipment. Do you want to know more? Then we formulate five main questions and look for answers.
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In general, the difference between the new car can be seen in almost any part of the body! But not because of design changes, but because of color changes – this new muted Ceramic gray color looks very original. It’s not as rich as Polymetal Gray, but at the same time, it’s not just another neutral «gray-silver metallic».
Also, pay attention to the all-black décor: side mirrors and wheel rims, dark edging around the grille. It’s a miracle that the window sill lines remain chrome. But in general: this combination of light gray and black accents brings a sense of freshness to the Mazda CX-30, which we have known for several years.
It looks like a generally familiar compact crossover: almost 4.4 meters long and a wheelbase of 2.66 meters; although the low body (1.54 meters) resembles a hatchback rather than a crossover in its profile. The design and proportions have not changed, but there are still changes. First, the car Mazda CX-30 IPM features a new light gray color Ceramic. Secondly, the test car is presented in the version SPORT BLACK: this is a new equipment that is now also available on other models Mazda and provides for a black and glossy decor.
The main change is also noticeable at first glance. Of course, it’s the attractive contrasting seat trim: terracotta eco-leather combined with dark Alcantara. It looks great, but feels even better: Alcantara is soft and pleasant to the touch, while durable synthetic leather covers the areas of the seat that are most often soiled. In addition, the color further emphasizes the protrusions of the side support. In general, you sit very «deep» in the seats and quite low. Again: sometimes the Mazda CX-30 gives the impression that it is not a crossover, but a passenger hatchback.
Especially if you sit in the back. Small doors, minimal headroom and knee room – a typical C-class hatchback, and not the most spacious either. I even know what kind of car it is: it looks very similar to Mazda3 (if you still remember this model). The additional windows in the rear roof pillars are deceptive, because in fact, the trunk overhang of the Mazda CX-30 is not much larger than that of the «three». And the trunk itself is relatively small: the volume is 422-430 liters, depending on the presence/absence of BOSE audio.
But let’s get back to the good stuff. For example, to the front panel made of solid soft plastic, which additionally received black Alcantara inserts and orange stitching. By the way, similar stitching can also be found on the doors. And on the front panel itself, you can find a charcoal-dark decorative strip (instead of a chrome line) and a new enlarged 10.25-inch display of the MZD Connect system with a branded round controller.
The main change in the cabin Mazda CX-30 was the appearance of such a contrasting trim option: terracotta eco-leather, Alcantara on the seats and front panel, bright stitching. But this is not the only change: the diagonal of the central display has increased (it was 8.8 inches — now it is 10.25 inches), quick access windows have been added to Android Auto and Apple CarPlayand wireless connection of these systems is supported. However, the low stance and the space reserve on the verge of the minimum sufficient remained unchanged. The situation with the trunk is similar: the volume is small, but it is enough; what I would like to add is hooks for packages. Among the pleasant things that are already present: a pair of side niches and an electric lid.
The overall design of the car remained unchanged. It has an unibody construction, an atmospheric 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, a classic 6-speed «automatic», front or all-wheel drive, independent MacPherson front suspension, and semi-dependent rear suspension based on a transverse beam. The only technical changes regarding the engine are the absence of the «stop-start» system and the return to Euro 5 emission standards.
It sounds like a minimal change, but in the case of Mazda cars, the return to Euro 5 usually means a more responsive engine when the accelerator is pressed. But the Mazda CX-30 crossover proves that there are exceptions to every rule. For example, the traction control used to be dual, and it remains so. From the start and up to about 2,500-3,000 rpm, the car accelerates without the emotion and drive that you would expect from a 2-liter Mazda model with such a predatory nose. Although this may not be superfluous for the daily route «home-school-work-shop», when you spend a lot of time in long-distance traffic and do not need to sharp accelerator reactions and dynamic acceleration.
But they can be. The range of 3-6 thousand revolutions, constant SPORT mode «automatic», loud and dry growl through real dual exhaust pipes – the Mazda CX-30 crossover knows how to drive dynamically! Only you need to force it to do so, not be afraid to press the accelerator, not be lazy to turn on the SPORT mode so that the gearbox keeps the gears lower – then the engine speed will be higher.
And in such cases, there is at least some explanation for the stiff suspension, especially the rear one. The shaking on bumps that used to test your spine now turns into minimal rolls and pitches in the corners. Plus, there are no pauses for turning the steering wheel, even without sporty sharpness: the steering wheel makes about 2.5 turns from stop to stop.
The classic atmospheric 2-liter engine in combination with an equally classic 6-speed «automatic» and all-wheel drive can «leave in ten seconds, which is even faster than the passport promised (10.3 seconds). In fact, ten seconds is not a phenomenal result, to put it mildly, but Mazda CX-30 fulfills the standard with a grunt and a growl! Fuel consumption is expected: around the city it is consistently about 9–10 liters (plus or minus 1 liter depending on the load of roads), on the standard «highway a hundred» it turns out 5.5-6 liters per 100 km. This is fully consistent with the declared technical characteristics, which promise 9.7 liters in the city and 5.7 liters on the highway.
When it comes to upgrading equipment, we are not talking about «hardware» such as an engine, transmission, or suspension, but rather about equipping it with safety systems. More precisely, we are talking about expanding the range of safety systems. For example, the i-ACTIVSENSE complex (emergency braking system, lane control, «blind spot monitoring», road sign recognition) is already included in the list of even the STYLE+ starting package, and the next EXECUTIVE+ package additionally offers a rear cross-traffic monitoring system and automatic braking. But let’s take a closer look at the equipment.
The car gives the start Mazda CX-30 STYLE+ with an impressive list of equipment: LED headlights, split «climate», heated seats, heated steering wheel, ADD projection display, 7-inch color instrument cluster display, adaptive «cruise» ACC, rearview camera, seven airbags, the aforementioned i-ACTIVSENSE system, 18-inch alloy wheels, MZD Connect and 10.25-inch central display, standard navigation, and more. Cost Mazda CX-30 STYLE+ 2.0 150 6AT 2WD – from UAH 1.1 million or $28.5 thousand.
The next step is the version of Mazda CX-30 EXECUTIVE+ with additional equipment: leather interior trim, electric driver’s seat adjustment with seat position memory, Android Auto and Apple Car Play wireless connection, wireless charging. Cost Mazda CX-30 EXECUTIVE+ 2.0 150 6AT 2WD – from UAH 1.18 million or $31 thousand; cost Mazda CX-30 EXECUTIVE+ 2.0 150 6AT 4WD – from UAH 1.25 million or $32.5 thousand.
One level above is the version Mazda CX-30 BLACK STYLE (example of a test car), which features the following: black wheels and mirror housings, adaptive lighting system, combined interior trim (eco-leather and suede), 360-degree cameras, BOSE audio, etc. Cost Mazda CX-30 BLACK STYLE 2.0 150 6AT 4WD – from UAH 1.29 million or $33.5 thousand.
The maximum option is Mazda CX-30 PREMIUM where the following are added: leather interior, silver wheels, BOSE audio, etc. In fact, this is the BLACK STYLE trim level, but in a more restrained design and with a classic leather interior. Cost Mazda CX-30 PREMIUM 2.0 150 6AT 4WD – from UAH 1.36 million or $35 thousand.
Openly «empty» car Mazda CXThere is no such thing as -30: we immediately have a dashboard with a 7-inch monitor, «climate» and heated seats, a rear camera, and a large central display. The main bonus of the upgrade is the emergence of a set of safety and driver assistance systems, even for the starting configuration of the car; and in the maximum configuration, you can count on all-round visibility and adaptive lighting.
If you used to like the Mazda CX-30 crossover, rest assured that it hasn’t lost anything. The design is recognizable, the interior is nicely made (although not very spacious), the voluminous atmospheric engine and the classic «automatic» remain (as well as the proprietary suspension stiffness), and the range still includes an all-wheel drive option (which some competitors envy).
At the same time, the basic versions have benefited from the introduction of a range of security systems – and this is also something that rivals may envy, as it is a significant advantage in the eyes of a modern buyer. In addition, the maximum versions have benefited from the introduction of the BLACK STYLE package: interesting in terms of content and striking in terms of design features. So, if someone was thinking about buying a Mazda CX-30, but lacked a few «trumps» to make a decision, now they have been added.