Hi all,
I have been thinking about changing our Yeti but struggling to find anything I like better, but recently came across some good reviews for the CX30 and wondering if anybody on here has taken the plunge?
(The cars I have been looking at include Vitari, T Cross, Kamiq and the like…ie I prefer a “smaller” SUV)
Many tha ks for any replies…
Hi Stu, we’ve got one, having used Mazda’s scrappage deal last April to give us nearly £4k off, trading in a 15 year old Mazda 5.
We have a basic SE L model in that lovely Soul Red Metallic and it has more than enough goodies for our needs, upgrading trim levels, like the MX5 means big jumps for things you would like as opposed to need .
Pros - mpg 45/46 mixed driving - insurance cheap - very comfy long distance cruiser - quality trim and lots of electronic safety goodies (can also be a pain at times) - great LED lights
Cons - Firmish ride - boot not huge - non turbo engine coupled with high gearing - lots of nanny electronics - big jump in price through the range.
Stefan
Hello Stu,
We have a CX30 Se-L Skyactive-X on a 69 plate.
So far we have covered 23,000 miles in it and we think it is great.
I feel Stefan’s post is spot on with the pros and cons.
We have done some very long journeys and averaged over 55mpg on a trip from Bedfordshire to the Lake District, on to Inverness and back to Bedfordshire.
It is great for long drives and the Se-L has just the right amount of electronic aids and modern tech, without being too complex.
It drives really well and was great value compared to its competitors. I definitely feels more premium than the price and some of the competition we tested (Skoda Karoq).
With the Skyactive-X engine it was quicker, more economical and has lower road tax than everything else we looked at.
We have had no issues at all so far and we would thoroughly recommend test driving one.
Please let me know if you would like more information,
Gareth
Hi and thanks fir the feedback. My main concern was a larger none turbo engine, (the VW 1.4 turbo is a peach of an engine, good performance, torque, and I manage to get 40+ mpg with AWD).
I am going to test the lower power (122hp) version as I don’t really need loads of power, but I am looking for an auto.
I specced one up and they do start getting very pricy when you move up the range!
Hi Stu,
Glad the feedback was helpful and we couldn’t justify going up the range for more toys.
The basic Se-L trim had so much standard.
The heads-up display is brilliant!
Good luck with your search.
Gareth
I’ve just bought a CX3 , so is the CX30 a Hybrid ?
Hi, I took delivery of my CX30 a week ago and it’s great. I was looking for a soul red GT Sport Tech SkyactiveX with the cream interior for the spring when one suddenly came up at Mazda Hanley so I went along and did the deal. It’s a year old with the SkyactiveX engine where the new ones are eSkyactiveX with a bit more poke but not enough to sway your decision. It’s packed with tech and goes very well. Easy to pootle around town but has got some grunt when you need it with a lovely growl from the engine/exhaust.
It’s very roomy up front and feels lovely to drive. The rear seat room isn’t the biggest in class but for the 2 of us it’s no problem. The boot is plenty big enough for us. I love the interior which looks fantastic. I also like the fact you don’t see many on the roads.
I would definitely suggest a test drive. There are a lot of safety features on it and you can turn most of them off like the lane assist which I didn’t like so it’s off in the settings. The intelligent headlights are superb. They turn individual LEDs on and off depending on the conditions and so the sides can stay high beam without affecting other traffic. It also has lovely clear instruments which you can configure as they look like dials but are screens and the HUD is brilliant. Features will depend on the model obviously.
As for MPG is am getting 44 at the moment which for a big petrol car is fine by me.
The VW group products are probably a bit cheaper with better deals, but not as reliable, and some of the interiors are plasticky.
The Mazda engines loosen up after about 6k miles and rev a lot more, but you need to rev them unlike a lazy turbo engine. No turbo to break though!
Be sure to check all the usual sites for the best discounts - carwow, broadspeed and leaseloco for PCH.
…had a (short!?) test drive in a 122hp CX30 today. Loved the interior and all the gadgets, (head up display is great), but not very “torquey” compared to a 1.4 turbo, and a long bonnet!..decisions decisions…I may have a test drive in a Puma before I decide…
The Puma is built in Romania, so you might as well buy a Dacia and save money. Problem with Ford’s is the ‘black plastic coal mine’ interiors, so oppressive, especially in the hot summer.
The new Mazda interiors are lovely for the price point, almost Audi quality.
I looked at an Audi Q2, and IMHO the CX interior is far superior in terms of quality. In fact if I do end up sticking with VAG I would probably go for a T-Cross and save some money
I bought a Kamiq with the 1.0 turbo engine and interior quality and ride is quite good I just can’t get on with that 3 cylinder engine. No torque below 2000 rpm, I’m finding I have to have it in a gear lower than I used to drive in my old 1.2 tsi skoda to keep up with traffic which results in worse fuel economy, there is rev hang, not much in the way of engine braking. The 3 cylinder thrum at higher revs is nice but low down it just feels wrong. I know that’s the characteristic of a 3 cylinder but I much preferred the previous 4 cylinder 1.2 tsi, which was more economical and more drivable. I have trouble understanding why the motoring press rave so much about it, give me a bigger NA engine any day and I can’t wait to sell this car and a CX30 and Mazda 3 will be one of the cars I will be looking at next.
…according to the salesrep, they are not selling many CX3’s as if you are doing PCP the cost of the the CX30 is not that different due to the higher re-sale values? I have been considering a Kamiq, but it does not seem to have a particularly high driving position?
I only considered the Puma as the motoring press seem to rave about, but I have heard they have had problems historically with the 1.0 ltre engine, not sure if / when they sorted these issues?
No the Kamiq doesn’t have a very high driving position. If you are considering a VAG group car definitely go for a test drive on varied routes. When I had mine test drives were not allowed so I relied on what reviews said, which was a mistake as far as I’m concerned. It could be I’m just more used to torquey engines but I’m finding I’m having to Rev it out more to get up to speed which is resulting in worse fuel economy and to get the same economy as my old 1.2tsi I have to really make the effort.
I think there are problems with the Ecoboost engine when it gets older, but a lot of these little petrol turbos are the same.
It’s just for emissions, but makes a petrol as complex as a turbo diesel and we all know how unreliable they are if not looked after.
However if you’re buying new with warranty, not a problem for 3 years.
…also did not realise the 2.0 ltr engine in the CX30 has “cylinder on demand” technology…ie it cuts 2 cylinders out if not needed. Surely this adds a similar amount of “complexity” than a turbo?..I have had turbo’s for years and (touching wood), not had any problems with them. OK they rev at high speed but fairly simple technology…
Complicated, stressed small turbo engine
Or larger uncomplictaed n/a engine
Mmmmm
The issue I would have with the 1.0 Ford ecoboost engine is the cam belt. These are a “wet” design, running in an oil bath. Originally they were “for life” but Ford later changed this to a belt change after 10 years or 150k miles. This is a BIG job, as you can imagine, and at that stage the car might not even be worth it (I’ve read it’s a four figure job, but might be possible to get it done cheaper). More worryingly, there have been plenty of stories of early failures. Bits come off the belt and block the oil pick up pipe, resulting in no oil pressure and a wrecked engine. This would be enough to put me off buying a car with that engine.
…may try the new Yaris Cross?..just hate CVT transmission…but they may have impRoved since I last drove a DAF??
…just been for a test drive in a Yaris Cross and was very impressed. Better than the CX30 IMHO. Nothing like the “CVT’s” of old…could be the car to replace the Yeti!