Mazda CX-30 Review, Specs, Models, News & For Sale in Australia

Mazda CX-30 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mazda CX-30 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• My 2021 Mazda CX-30 is having gear change issues on inclines

  This behaviour is probably a function of the way Mazda has calibrated the cruise control. In order for the car to initiate a downshift to regain some lost speed on a hill, it needs to recognise that it has, in fact, slowed down. But if it shifted down after losing just a single kilometre per hour, you’d find it would be constantly shifting gears in even slightly hilly terrain. And that would probably be even more annoying. The fact that it then overruns the set speed is probably the tall gearing (and physics) letting the car momentarily push through your 111km/h setting before it settles back to that speed.

  But it’s worth keeping an eye on the speedometer even when using cruise-control, as this behaviour won’t work as an excuse during any roadside chats with the Highway Patrol.

  Show more Show less
• What is a reasonable price for a 2023 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina?

  That actually sounds like a ripper deal to us. Getting any kind of a discount in 2023 when supply-chain problems that have created more demand than supply of many new cars is increasingly uncommon. The eye-watering cost is the dealer delivery charge which is generally higher than it's ever been and reflects that demand from buyers who will pay it to secure the car they want. Some dealers won't negotiate on this cost, others are more inclined to sharpen their pencil to get you over the line.

  Also, many of the additional costs you've listed are government mandated and are not negotiable. Those include the stamp-duty and CTP fee as well as the registration charge. Add those to the base price and you wind up with $45,457, meaning you're getting the dealer delivery fee and all those extras for less than $600. That seems pretty darn good in 2023.

  Show more Show less
• What's a good hybrid car to buy?

  The default purchase for somebody looking for a mid-sized hybrid SUV is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. But if that’s too big, there’s the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, C-HR Hybrid and even the Corolla Cross Hybrid which sounds like the marketplace is getting crowded but is really just a reflection of the appetite right now for cars like these. And that’s the catch; the waiting times for a brand-new example of some of these cars is out to many months and even years. So your plan to shop second-hand makes plenty of sense, but don’t expect any bargains in a market currently being dominated by lots of demand and less supply.

  Beyond the Toyota brand (which has been doing hybrids longer than just about anybody else) there’s also the Mazda CX-30, Subaru XV Hybrid, Haval Jolion Hybrid, Kia Niro, Subaru Forester Hybrid, Nissan Qashqai e-Power, MG HS, Honda HR-V e and more. For something a bit bigger, try the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe hybrids. There are others out there, too, that are probably bigger or more expensive than you need, but it's very much a growing scene in the Australian marketplace.

  Show more Show less
• What is the best small car for under $30000?

  You don't need to spend $30,000 to get a great small car to run around town in. A Suzuki Swift GL Navigator from $17,690 plus on-road costs ($1000 more for the auto) makes for an excellent choice, with a surprisingly roomy interior, a refined, frugal and lively engine, great handling and superb reliability. Great value for money, in other words.

  Moving on from there, to the next size up and in our order of preference, are the Mazda 3, Ford Focus Active, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla Hatch, Honda Civic (turbo only) and Subaru Impreza. All are quality small cars that should fit the bill perfectly.

  There's also merit in considering a small SUV, chiefly because their higher roofline and loftier seating positions make them easier to get in and out as well as see out of. Our value pick is the Kia Seltos S with Safety Pack. The Mazda CX-30 and Toyota C-HR are also high-quality and refined choices, though they're right at the cusp of your budget so you may have to search for a discounted demo model. Going small SUV does  mean extra outlay, but they do generally offer better resale value, as their popularity seems endless.

  As you can see, there's lots of choice, so take your time, drive the ones you like the look of, and see which feels best. Out of scores of alternatives, these 10 are our top recommendations at under $30K.

  Show more Show less