Mazda CX-30 stands test of time

It required a double-take as the car that had just rocketed out of the pub car park in front of me was exactly the same as the one I was driving.

Was I looking in a mirror? No, it was just that the errant driver was also in a Mazda CX-30. I’m suspicious about the driver’s sobriety as the manoeuvre was so random. Luckily he put his foot down, I slammed on the brakes and a collision was avoided, but it was closer than I would have liked.

It is useful to have such occurrences from time to time as I’m normally not that heavy on the brakes. It’s also a good test of my own reaction times, which I must admit are still those of a cat, so quick in fact that I wondered what my body was doing when my feet went for the brake pedal and clutch at the same time.

I reacted so quickly I didn’t quite hit the clutch pedal square on and nearly ripped off my big toe.

Impressive bit of automatic reaction time, that. Also impressive was the latest CX-30’s braking power, ABS and controlled steering and suspension.

If the other guy had been in a different type of car I might have pursued and scolded him for his actions. But the fact he was driving a Mazda told me he must be a discerning motorist and let’s face it who hasn’t made a bad judgement call in their time – let him without sin cast the first stone; oh no I’ve gone all Biblical.

I think he must have been embarrassed too as he shot off down the road to put some distance between us.

CX-30 has been around a while now and stood the test of time. If Mazda polishes it any more we will all be blinded – perhaps that’s why the other driver didn’t see me.

There are a lot of SUVs out there but the Mazda has a classiness few others can approach. It still looks great; sleek and beautifully proportioned with a gorgeous lustre to the paint and bold, blacked out lower door sections. It remains a fine looking car which is still able to catch the eye of potential buyers.

Inside oozes class too with a quality air that extends to all the fixtures and fittings. I love the retro clocks and switches and the control knob on the central transmission tunnel is just so much easier to use than touchscreen that all manufacturers should consider adopting them.

The biggest change to the 2025 Mazda CX-30 line-up is the introduction of a new e-Skyactiv G engine. Replacing the old 2.0-litre 122ps motor, the popular 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G – found in the Mazda CX-5 – now slots into the CX-30 where it produces 140PS.

The proven and advanced engine features cylinder de-activation and the Mazda M-Hybrid mild-hybrid system. That 18PS increase and commensurate rise in torque knocks close to a second off the 0-62mph sprint time.

Other benefits include improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, which ensure enhanced refinement. Like I said those Mazda technicians have been busy polishing.

The CX-30 is a modestly-sized SUV but doesn’t appreciate that it’s a family car. It shares the same spirit as the iconic MX-5 and loves to take to the hills in search of twists and turns. It is great on the boring straight bits – just crank up the excellent Bose hi-fi and glaze over.

But, when you are in the mood, you are going to love throwing it around sweeping A roads as it has such poise, balance and control – and great brakes, of course. The six-speed box is accurate and slick, snicking home with alacrity.

Specification remains high. The Bose hi-fi has 12 speakers and surround sound. It sits nicely among the easy to operate impressive infotainment.

Head-up display, powered tailgate, lots of leather trim and high quality fixtures complete an excellent package.

If the doppelganger that hurtled into my path from the pub car park had bothered to stop to apologise I’d have been happy to chat over the merits of the CX-30 because there are an awful lot to talk about.