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Mazda CX-30 2.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV GT Sport 5dr Auto Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

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Despite being a sizeable 2.0-litres in capacity, this engine produces a meagre 120bhp – not much more than some 1.0-litre turbocharged rivals. Performance is alright if you’re prepared to work it hard (0-62mph takes 10.6sec) but lacklustre at low revs. It is economical, though, averaging officially almost 50mpg and it's the best option in the range when you balance performance with the purchase price. 

2.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV

Hatchback

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

CX-30

This fancy trim gets leather seats with electric adjustment and lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, brown interior accents, a heated steering wheel and a Bose stereo. It starts to get rather pricey, though.

GT Sport

2.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV GT Sport 5dr Auto

20-e-skyactiv-g-mhev-gt-sport-5dr-auto

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert

Thatcham accredited alarm and immobiliser

Driver's seat, power tilt, slide, recline, height and lumbar adjustment

Door mirrors with adjustable memory and tilt-down function when reversing

Rain sensing front wipers with adjustable speed and intermittent wipe

Lane keep assist system (LAS) with Lane departure warning system (LDWS)

Electronic parking brake with auto disengage function and auto hold function

Body coloured, electrically adjustable, heated auto power folding door mirrors with integrated indicators

Dual zone climate control air conditioning with rear air vents

Electric front/rear windows with one touch auto up/down

Front dual stage driver and single stage front passenger airbags

Mazda CX-30

If you’re after an SUV with a high-end interior, lots of kit and an economical petrol engine, the Mazda CX-30 should definitely be on your shortlist. But it comes with quite a few shortfalls to be a real contender, such as its lack of low-end performance, tight rear passenger space and relatively small boot. The Skoda Karoq is a much more rounded proposition.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

The Seat Ateca and&nbsp;Skoda Karoq should definitely be on your shortlist. But if you have a bit more to spend,&nbsp;the Range Rover Evoque is another strong option. If money is a concern, then the Dacia Duster provides comfortable, spacious and well-equipped transportation for an affordable price.

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Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Mazda CX-30 2.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV GT Sport 5dr Auto Review

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44.1

422

litres

144

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