I’ve painted my phone black. And my shower. The whole bathroom. Maybe I’ll paint my entire house black because – plainly – it’s the most fashionable thing to do right now…
You should know: The CX-30 is a fairly new, semi-compact, half SUV, maybe coupé-looking vehicle from a sensible brand which recently decided to hop aboard the gravy train. What we need in southern Africa are cheap, sensible cars but Mazda – like dozens before them – are after the big bucks by going “premium”.
More info: That’s a real pity. When even Volkswagen (“the people’s car”) has priced themselves out of the people’s reach, the last thing we needed was another brand to ask half a million dollars for their products. That’s right, this Mazda CX-30 Carbon Edition costs about N$520,000. You can, like fully, buy an entry-level T-Roc for that!
Why you shouldn’t: I’ll try to curb my cynicism for these negatives because (a) a small outfit like Mazda didn’t deserve it and (b) most of it is just my personal opinion. As I so delicately hinted at in the intro paragraph, I detest the current trend of painting everything black. Eww. It makes this otherwise delicate machine look… blunt. And cheap.
The only tangible negatives I found were the omission of a reversing camera and a comparably boring drive train. This naturally-aspirated engine and ole slushy gearbox have taken damage from my peers but I’m one of those people who’ll defend them. Mundane power but cool gadgets in a stylish new car – that’s Mazda’s USP right now!
Why you should: The CX-30 is fairly easy to operate and incredibly light to drive. Visibility is OK, so are the turning radius and headlights, while ride quality is on the firm side; like most modern quasi-SUV’s. The boot takes almost 300L of cargo, the tank can hold 50L of fuel, plus the warranty and service plan are three years long with unlimited mileage.
What else? Yes, unlimited. Read that again. You could do 120k a year and Mazda will do their best to look after your car. That’s reason alone to put this CX-30 first on your test drive list. And, quite obviously, if you’re a morbid emo undertaker; because you get black mirrors, black wheels, black seats and a black grill.
How cheerful.
FULL SPECLIST
| Engine: | 1998cc in-line 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Automatic, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 121kW @ 6000rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 213Nm @ 4000rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | Claimed 6.6L/100km |
| 0-100km/h: | 9.33 seconds (no claim) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | From R516,600 |
you know what youre talking about