CROSS PURPOSEFUL

The CX-30 is the new standout among Mazda’s SUV/crossover models

“Crossover” is a term that has never really caught on in New Zealand. We seem to prefer “SUV” to cover anything with a whiff of off-road style or ability, whether it’s a mildly lifted city car or a thumping box-like wagon with solid axles.

But if you consider that a crossover is a true and obvious blend of different vehicle types, then it’s something that describes the new Mazda CX-30 perfectly.

On paper, the CX-30 simply fits in between the CX-3 and CX-5. But it’s really different to either of those, and not just because it’s a new-gen model from the Japanese maker.

The CX-3 and CX-5 are both relatively SUV-like in their image and attitude. But the CX30 is a clear blend of off-roady style with passenger-car proportions. It’s a crossover.

That’s not just because it’s partly based on the latest Mazda3 hatch. Although it definitely is, sharing a basic platform, powertrains, electronic architecture and most of its cabin styling.

But there was also plenty of potential for Mazda to take CX-30 in whatever direction it wanted: the company went to the trouble of making the wheelbase shorter, necessitating a new rear floor structure, and not a single body panel is shared.

We’ve talked a lot about the CX30 to date; mostly just talk, because Mazda NZ launched it smack in the middle of Covid-19 lockdown. But now we’ve had a chance to hit the road in the mid-range GTX model.

It’s not so bad being the middle kid. The GTX gets a larger engine than the entry GSX, and AWD. For a $6k saving over the top Limited you still get most of the good stuff. It’s hard to pick between them visually (both on 18-inch alloys) and the GTX has adaptive cruise, lane departure/assist, rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous braking front and rear, including pedestrian and cyclist recognition.

That’s not to say the Limited is lacking. You do get some nice detail touches, like leather upholstery with power-adjustable/memory seats, auto-tilt side mirrors, upgraded Bose sound, adaptive LED headlights and

a few extra active safety aids. But the GTX is still a pretty complete package.

Like so much modern Mazda stuff, the CX-30 is a quiet achiever. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine is large by class standards and the automatic is a six-speed. Sounds a little old-school, but Mazda has always argued for “rightsizing” in all things and the SkyActiv technology used in the powertrain (focused on low friction and light weight) shows exquisite attention to detail.

If the proof of efficiency is at the pump, an overall figure of

6.8L/100km is pretty good for the GTX. And you can feed it on

91-octane. The 2.5-litre has plenty of power, but it’s delivered in a different way to rivals’ turbo engines: more linear, but less urgent.

It’s the chassis where the CX-30 really shines. It flows beautifully over a winding road, with excellent body control and smooth responses. It’s partly down to great hardware (a holistic approach to tyres/ suspension, for example) and partly due to some clever electronic technology, like GVC Plus that subtly reduces engine torque and/or dabs the brakes