New Mazda crossover coming soon

Mazda has found room for yet another compact crossover in its line-up. Meet the first-ever CX-30, which is due to hit South African shores in the first quarter of 2020.

With a length of 4395mm and a width of 1795mm, it slots between the current CX-3 and CX-5 in size terms, and has a similar footprint to the Nissan Qashqai and new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

In design terms it follows the path forged by the new-generation Mazda3, and it’s also going to be offered with Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv-X petrol motor with diesel-like compression ratios, while ‘normal’ Skyactiv petrol engines will be mated to mild-hybrid technology. Permanent all-wheel drive will also be offered. As for practicality, the CX-30 offers 430 litres of boot space with all seats in place and it can be ordered with a powered tailgate.

Upfront, you get a 22.3cm screen and infotainment system, operated via an iDrive-like ‘commander control’ that features a more intuitive guidance system.

The car is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Driver assistance gadgets include Front Cross Traffic Alert, a Cruising and Traffic Support system, which can assist with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffic, and a Fatigue Detection system.

The South African line-up, pricing and specs will be announced nearer to launch.