5 Reasons Why You Should Consider The Mazda CX-30 2.0G High+ CKD

The Mazda CX-30 is now only available in CKD version!

The surge of B-segment SUVs entering our market lately is almost plague-like, with almost all car brands – including newcomers – each offering their best take of this competitive segment. This, fortunately, grants customers with a slew of left-field alternatives as well, aside from the usual Japanese and local suspects of course.

Locally-assembled (CKD) 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.0G High+

Arguably one of the stellar left-field choices available is the Mazda CX-30, which has been reintroduced in our local market as a new locally-assembled (CKD) offering earlier this year. Against its fellow Japanese rivals, the CX-30 stood out as the ‘oldest’ of the bunch. But thanks to its aforementioned localisation, we’d reckon this SUV still has enough chops to keep newer rivals at bay.

Having recently sampled the Mazda CX-30 in its mid-top 2.0G High+ guise, here are five reasons why this model should be your next B-SUV…

1. It Looks Pretty Good!

Personal opinions aside, it is safe to say that the CX-30 is perhaps the sportiest-looking model in its segment, albeit being one of the ‘oldest’.

Mazda's signature 'KODO' design is very apparent in the CX-30

Apparent here is Mazda’s signature ‘KODO’ design language, which can be seen from the CX-30’s elongated front hood that is sleekly mated to its sporty greenhouse. The roofline ends rather abruptly at the tailgate, almost giving the CX-30 a coupe crossover silhouette.

Opting for this upper-mid High+ spec grants several top-notch equipment. Highlights include LED headlights with signature illumination, LED taillights with ‘heartbeat’ turn signals, gloss black-finished front grille with chrome surrounds, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels shod in respectable Toyo Proxes R50 tyres.

In certain lighting conditions, his Polymetal Gray hue seems to be quite blue-ish

Further fuelling this sentiment is the CX-30’s stunning exterior colourways. Aside from the Polymetal Gray hue featured, six other other colourways, including Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal, are available.

As we’ve iterated countless times here, appearance is a subjective matter. Then again, it is hard to deny the Mazda CX-30’s stylish appearance, as proven by its Red Dot Design Award trophy earned in 2020.

2. There’s Decent Kit, Even In This Upper-Mid Guise

Pretty looks aside, the CX-30 also can hold the candle against newer segment rivals when it comes to on-board kit, even in this ‘High+’ upper-mid guise.

Instead of using touchscreens, the CX-30's infotainment system is controllable via rotary-style controller (bottom-left) that sits at its central console

Standard across the board are a slew of tech, including an 8.8-inch infotainment display offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, albeit wired, plus a wireless charging pad, 8-speaker audio system, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents.

Drivers, on the other hand, get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple buttons and control, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, a head-up display (HUD), plus a 10-way power adjustable seat with memory function.

Compared to the range-topping High+ Premium spec, this upper-mid variant only lacks the 360-degree camera view and panoramic sunroof, but these omissions aren’t deal-breakers.

Thanks to its all-leather get-go, the CX-30's cabin is significantly posher than its segment rivals

Certainly, the CX-30 stands above its rivals in terms of cabin luxury. As standard, the CX-30 comes with two-tone leather upholstery lining the cabin. As for the build quality, we’re glad to report that Mazda’s CKD models are on-par with CBU offerings past and present, so there’s nothing to fret from its localisation.

To summarise, in spite of not being the range-topping variant, the Mazda CX-30 High+ is still a well-equipped car, boasting enough amenities that keeps it competitive against newer rivals.

3. It’s A Sensational Drive!

While offering better daily practicality, tall-riding SUV crossovers aren’t known for excellent driving dynamics. Fortunately, there are exceptions, and the CX-30 is one of which.

This largely stems from Mazda’s ‘Jinba-Ittai’ philosophy, which emphasises the harmony between car and driver. For this, Mazda has equipped the CX-30 with its proprietary G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system, which ties to both the engine and steering system.

This system controls the engine’s power delivery to ensure that it is in-line with the steering output of the car. This, in turn, results in better stability, especially in fast corners, and ultimately, better overall driving dynamics.

The trusty Skyactiv-G engine is mated to Mazda's proprietary six-speed automatic gearbox

For the CKD version, however, the CX-30 is only offered with one powertrain – the ol’ reliable 2.0-litre 4-cyl nat-asp Skyactiv-G mill. Sadly, the oil-burning 1.8-litre diesel mill was dropped from the lineup. 

Though not the peppiest in segment, its 162 HP and 213 NM outputs sufficiently drives this subcompact SUV well. Adding to which is the slick Skyactiv Drive 6-speed automatic box it’s paired with – an arguably better hardware over CVTs that most of its rivals are primed with.

Simply put, the CX-30 arguably offers segment-leading driving dynamics and performance, rivalled only by the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport. Also, whilst its 2.0-litre Skyactiv G mill is both reliable and trusted, we certainly think some still long for the torquier 1.8-litre diesel, but that’s an argument for another day...

4. Top-Notch Safety

Fortunately, Mazda didn’t skimp on safety when localising the CX-30. This is evident in this mid-specced High+ variant, which is offered with nearly full-swing active safety features.

Most of its ADAS features can be engaged via its steering-mounted buttons (left)

Courtesy of Mazda’s i-Activsense ADAS suite, the CX-30 High+ is laced with Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), Driving Attention Alert (DAA), and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) – Mazda’s fancier way of naming its adaptive cruise control (ACC) suite.

Against the High+ Premium range-topper, this High+ variant only lacks Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), added driver monitoring function for the DAA, Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA), as well as Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS). Truth be told, most won’t find the need nor want for these, thus making the High+ variant’s ADAS list somewhat ‘complete’.

On top of that, you’ll get standard safety equipment like seven airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, traction and stability control (TCS and DSC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA).

Altogether, these grant the Mazda CX-30 with a perfect five-star Euro NCAP crash test score, with a near-perfect adult occupant score of 99%. This also ought to explain why it was once dubbed as ‘The World’s Safest Car’ at one point too...

5. CKD Pricing Makes It A Little More Tempting!

By far the most glaring thing about the locally-built Mazda CX-30 is how much Bermaz Motor managed to slash in price over the previous fully-imported (CBU) version. 

Presently, the Mazda CX-30 2.0G High+ CKD is tagged at RM149,409 sans insurance. Against key segment rivals in range-topping guises, the CX-30 does seem a tad overpriced. But mind you, localisation did see prices slashed by up to RM20,000 over the CBU model, which was priced at RM169,044.

Though many would be easily swayed towards slightly cheaper and ‘safer’ rivals that barely break the RM140,000 mark, we reckon the near-complete package and prettier styling the CX-30 holds  is worth it. Plus, the inclusion of Bermaz Motor’s 5-year or 100,000 KM vehicle warranty and free scheduled maintenance plan (labour, parts, and lubricants fees included), makes it unbeatable. It’s also worth noting that the CX-30 is the only offering in the segment with said free maintenance deal.

To conclude, the Mazda CX-30 2.0G High+ arguably stands as a perfect left-field option in this competitive segment, with its styling and driving dynamics easily outshining the usual suspects too. Should you be in the market for the B-SUV, the CX-30 should be on top of your candidates list, so as long as you don’t mind its price…

So, what do you think?

Sporty appearance, excellent drive dynamics, and a well-endowed cabin, the Mazda CX-30 truly ticks all the boxes towards that ‘perfect’ SUV package many seek. Has it done enough to sway you away from the usual Japanese and Korean suspects then? As always, give your thoughts in the comments below…

SPECIFICATIONS

MAZDA CX-30 2.0G HIGH+ (CKD)