All things aside, I would like to categorically state how much I love the Mazda CX-30. The CX-30 came to be as the middle child between the CX-3 and the CX-5 and it’s difficult to see why it would go unnoticed, and spending some time behind the wheel of this Carbon Edition while in Cape Town proved was enough to sway me over considering that it can be considered as a grown-up version of the Mazda 3(which we also reviewed here).
Now with that being said, let’s get to the nitty gritties. The 2.0L Carbon Edition sit’s just below the top of the range in terms of CX-30 specs, with the 2.0L Individual being the special one within that range. This, however, does not mean that one is missing out on anything from a brand’s perspective and the Carbon Edition carries on Mazda simplistic yet authentic feel in and around the car.
The CX-30 is offered in a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but with 3 trim levels outside of the base model that starts at R490 300* – the Dynamic that comes in at R521 800*, the Carbon Edition that comes in at R532 200 and the Individual that comes in at R564 600.
The CX-30 comes standard with a range of features to build onto the specification, ranging from LED Headlamps with auto on/off and levelling, front LED fog lights, power folding outer mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, keyless entry, an alarm system that will definitely let the neighbours know when something is wrong and not forgetting the “presidential tint”(privacy glass, rear and back) as standards off the lot. The subtle difference between the standard and the Carbon Edition includes seat trimmings that includes black cloth with red stitching (‘don’t break your neck’ finishes), red stitching in the in the instrument panel upper, console lid, door armrest, door middle trim and knee pads, black mirrors and the black metallic finish on the 18” alloy wheels; all of which makes this one the one to go for.
From the outside, it’s a looker and the Carbon Edition just ties it together. But what about the inside? Well, Mazda has kept its signature “clean” cabin from the Mazda 3 to the CX-30, and I would say that it works for them. The cluster does offer an 8” display screen that connect easily to Apple CarPlay™ through a USB cable upfront, I did feel it a tad tedious that I had to control the screen options through a dial situated on the center console. The center wheel allows navigation through the infotainment system and it might throw a few people off, but you can live with it.
Outside from the standard level of safety features that come standard, the car is “clean” – in that it does not feel flustered and it’s simplistic cabin actually plays in its favor. I would say though, that this car would be more inclined to the individual who is looking for the Mazda 3 but needs a slightly higher ride height – would’ve been perfect to throw in my mountain bike in the back and head out to Stellenbosch for the single track. It did become handy when I threw in my bike bag & luggage in the back(with the seats fully laid flat) as it made my commute ahead of the Argus all that much worth it from a practicality point.
The drive was the deal maker for me, considering that I managed a few long drives out. I averaged 9.2L/100km, which I could actually manage when driving further out from the city center. Inner-city driving saw me averaging between 9.4-9.6L/100km, mostly because my Joburg driving did me no justice while driving in the city.
The price range is a tad confusing, considering that one can go to the most expensive CX-30(the 2.0L Individual with a 6-speed Automatic) is more expensive than the cheapest CX-5 – so one could get more car for a bit less. However, the CX-30 is rather more worth it.
Prices confirmed at time of publishing.
*MSRP Including VAT
