FEBRUARY 21 -27 | 2020
Ŷ CROSSOVER: Mazda CX-30 has a bold front and a semi-coupe rear.
Mazda CX-30 first drive MAZDA CX-30 is an SUV that sits neatly between Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in size and price. In times when fewer and fewer socalled SUVs are only driven by two wheels the CX-30 is offered with a choice between two and all-wheel drive. Interestingly its chief designer, Ryo Yanagisawa, who travelled to Australia for the media launch of the vehicle, calls it “a crossover SUV”. Mazda Australia chief, Vinesh Bhindi, says “All-new Mazda CX-30 is the perfect middle ground between small and medium SUV, giving customers a really sensible alternative that is equally stylish and innovative. “Mazda has used ergonomic driver research to deliver Mazda CX-30’s human-cen-
By EWAN KENNEDY tric cabin design, with premium materials and advanced technology adding to its comfort and safety package.” New Mazda CX-30 is sold in Pure, Evolve, Touring and Astina grades in Australia, with prices ranging from $29,990 to $43,490. Eight exterior colours are offered; Polymetal Grey Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Sonic Silver Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Jet Black Mica. May we predict that the Soul Red Crystal Metallic will be the number-one choice? High spec interiors are offered in the Tour-
ing and Astina models; a Rich Brown colour scheme, paired with either Black leather or Pure White leather trim. Pure and Evolve have a Navy Blue and Black cloth combination. It has Mazda’s usual five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and five-year Mazda Premium Roadside Assistance. ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONS Power is provided by the latest iteration of two familiar engines – Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre petrol, with 114 kW and 200 Nm, or 2.5-litre petrol (139 kW/252 Nm). The smaller engine drives the front wheels, the larger the front or all four wheels. Transmission is by a six-speed automatic.
No manuals were considered as Australian imports as only about one in a hundred drivers in this class like to do their own shifting. Mazda's impressive Skyactiv X engine won’t be in CX-30 until second half of the year in Australia. INFOTAINMENT The horizontal 8.8-inch screen gives access to Mazda Connect infotainment system which integrates satellite navigation as standard, plus phone-mirroring technologies Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We find the screen far too skinny as it doesn't show far enough ahead for accurate navigation.
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E V E RY T H I N G, J U S T R I G H T. A L L- N E W M A Z DA C X-3 0 H A S A R R I V E D Now at One Mile Motors, 10-14 Templeton St, Wangaratta 03 5721 5677 Serving the community as your local Mazda dealer for over 50 years!
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