Mazda CX-30 review

The Mazda CX-30 name might lead to a little confusion. To clear things up, it's not a super-sized SUV that dwarfs the CX-5, in fact it plays understudy to that larger model, slotting into our family SUV category.

You might not guess to look at it from the outside, but the CX-30 is based on the Mazda 3 hatchback, making it compact enough to feel at home in the city. Its size and price put it up against some tough rivals, including the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq, while the pricier upper trim levels step on the Volvo XC40’s coat-tails.

Under the bonnet, Mazda gives you a choice of two 2.0-litre petrol engines, both of which use mild hybrid technology. The CX-30's small electric motor and 24-volt lithium ion battery work together to improve efficiency and responses at low speeds.

Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and there's also an optional six-speed automatic. The most powerful engine also gives you the option of four-wheel drive, in case you want or need a bit more traction in slippery conditions.

In this Mazda CX-30 review, we'll tell you what this family SUV is like on the road and exactly how posh and spacious the interior is. We'll also make quality and performance comparisons with the Ateca, Karoq and XC40 we mentioned earlier.

Don't forget, if you do decide to buy a CX-30 – or any other new vehicle that catches your eye – you could bag a bargain and save yourself thousands of pounds without having to do any painful haggling if you use our free New Car Buying service.