A 3 WITH CX APPEAL FROM MAZDA

SLEEK, SMOOTH AND SOPHISTICATED SUMS UP THE GROUND-BREAKING CX-30 FROM MAZDA.

The launch of the global award winning CX-30 was scheduled to be a ‘regular’ media event.

This would see Mazda company representatives deliver a ‘State of the Nation’ address from an automakers’ standpoint, then a formal presentation on where the CX-30 fits, what its design philosophy is, any significant technical carryovers or introductions, followed by a ‘deep dive’ into the physical attributes of the car.

We – the assembled media – would then go out in evaluation cars to gain first impressions.

That was the plan, but lockdown level 4 put paid to the best laid plans of mice and Mazda-men.

Despite the company’s valiant stance on undertaking a formal launch, at the 11th hour, the event was cancelled in favour of something innovative: a virtual launch.

This is the only known virtual media conference to launch a new car. Hosted by Mazda, about 15 media ‘home offices’ tuned into a Zoom conference from the company who has Zoom Zoom in its marketing make-up – a Zoom-zoom Zoom launch you might say.

It was a successful event, with plenty of opportunity for the media to ask questions and come to terms with Mazda’s latest offering.

The only thing we couldn’t do was drive the car, but that’s OK because Companyvehicle picked up one of the first evaluation models anyway and you can read about it in the next edition.

Is the CX-30 important to Mazda or indeed New Zealand? The answer is “yes’’ and “yes” again. Using tech and design cues we have already seen on the latest generation Mazda3 in its conception, the Mazda CX-30 is carving out new tyre tracks for the company.

For Mazda, this makes the CX-30 a very exciting proposition, as the company now tackles the likes of Lexus and BMW in the small/compact SUV segment, minus the $10 to $30k premium offered by those marques while retaining Mazda’s top end quality, which the company claims is on par with the aforementioned brands.

Mazda could have charged anything it wanted to for an unknown vehicle, but the reality of the CX-30 pricing is about being competitive, which it is – though not in the market we all expected it to be.

Like its stablemate Mazda3, the CX-30 is perhaps a smidge pricier than many might

expect, but this hasn’t stopped Mazda to date, and it is unlikely to now – especially given that intangible consideration – at least until you have driven one – of Jinba Ittae, the quality of the horse (car) and rider (driver) as one.

There are three CX-30 model variants and in keeping with Mazdas previous, there is a GSX, a GTX and a Limited version of the CX-30, with wispy rumours of a Takami model arriving eventually.

Common to all models is Mazda’s Skyactiv technology – applicable to the engine, transmission and chassis, which focuses on fuel efficiency, improved driving experience and safety – accordingly.

In the case of the front-wheel-drive GSX model, the Skyactiv-g, two-litre with i-stop is the engine of choice, while the all-wheel-drive GSX and Limited take the 2.5-litre powerplant with i-stop and cylinder deactivation.

Some people don’t use these systems because they don’t ‘like them’. That’s fine, but don’t not use them because you claim they don’t work.

Smart users who research the fuel efficiency of their fleet vehicles should be ignoring any vehicle which doesn’t shut itself off at traffic lights or other stationary traffic situations.

The systems work, they save fuel and reduce emissions. And all the CX-30 models feature at least the i-stop function.

To summarise the CX-30 then: despite the consideration and existence of the CX-3, the CX-30 is larger and more in keeping with being the Suv-ified version of the new generation Mazda3.

The CX-30 then acquires the key definers of the Mazda3 – an interior suggesting less is more, an exterior which loses character lines in favour of a teardrop body design which allows for improved aerodynamics and the artistic interplay of light and shadow to convey motion.

All of which should appeal to the individual driver as it has done with the new Mazda3, but does not really sell the CX-30 to the number-crunching FCO or fleet manager, who should ask themselves why so many Mazdas find themselves in big fleets? And why do so many private buyers plump for Mazdas in general? The answer?

Residuals are strong, five-year servicing through Mazdacare gives long term peace of mind, and the vehicles themselves don’t polarise visual appearance, while they do provide a sophisticated and refined ride which your drivers are sure to appreciate.