Mazda CX-30

By Bill McCarthy

When you have a winner on your hands, change can be a gamble. As the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This certainly applies to Mazda’s CX range – a lineup celebrated for striking design and practicality, making these crossover SUVs true head-turners.

.The CX-30 continues to impress as a stylish, fun-to-drive compact SUV that also delivers strong fuel efficiency, and Mazda’s hallmark reliability.

What’s new?

The previous 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv-G (122PS) has been replaced by a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv-G unit, now producing 140PS and 238Nm of torque – an 18PS and 25Nm increase.

This new engine benefits from cylinder deactivation and Mazda’s M-Hybrid mild-hybrid system, improving efficiency while, says Mazda, delivering smoother acceleration and reduced vibrations.

The manufacturer says its “right-sizing” philosophy ensures optimal combustion, balancing performance and emissions. For those seeking even more power, a 186PS Skyactiv-X variant is also available.

While the updated engine is the key feature, the 2025 model retains its sleek Kodo design language, blending, says Mazda, elegance and sportiness. It does look good, with sharp lines and a sleek, sporty profile.

Aerodynamic touches, like the tapered rear and integrated spoiler, further enhance efficiency. Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged, but still offers some premium touches.

Exterior features

A stylish SUV, this Exclusive-Line trim includes 18-inch silver alloy wheels, a gloss black front grille, and adaptive LED headlights with signature LED daytime running lights.

In addition, there is privacy glass for rear windows, a powered tailgate, and both front/rear parking sensors with a reversing camera

Inside, the cabin is a comfortable place to be with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, Qi wireless charging, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift.

Central is a 10.25″ screen which controls infotainment via a premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, Mazda Connect connectivity for smartphone, Amazon Alex integration and a navigation system with seven years of free European map updates.

Performance:

Acceleration is brisk, if not startling, and hits the 60 mph benchmark in a around 9.5 seconds. An entertaining drive it is, but not at the expense of fuel economy with i-stop idle-stop technology and Mazda’s M Hybrid mild hybrid system delivering improved efficiency and WLTP economy of and impressive 47.1mpg

The CX-30 has always stood out for its engaging drive, and the 2025 model is no exception. The steering remains precise, the chassis well-balanced, and the suspension finely tuned for comfort and agility. It is a fun car to drive, feeling solid and stable on fast corners, but feeling equally at home on the motorway, where decent torque allows for comfortable overtaking.

Space and practicality

This type of vehicle needs to be practical and comfortable and it offers supportive seats with good adjustability and decent head legroom. Boot space is decent, if not class-leading, with 422 litres expanding to a maximum of 1,398 litres with the rear seats folded. In addition, there are bins, cupholders and a deep storage area under the centre console.

Safety

The vehicle is safe, offering a full complement of airbags and equipped with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, lane-keep assist with departure warning, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.

Other features include Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking), driver attention alert, and intelligent speed assist.

Factfile

Mazda CX-30 140ps Exclusive-Line
Price: £29,435
Engine: 2488cc, 140 PS 4-cyl mild hybrid petrol engine driving front wheels via six-speed manual gearbox
Top speed: 121 mph
0-62 mph: 9.7 sec
Economy: 47.1 mpg
CO2 emissions: 136g/km
Insurance group: 17E
Warranty: 3 year/60,000 miles

Impressive EV eases range anxiety

By Bill McCarthy

Subaru is famous for its rugged off-roaders, (and its iconic rally car the Impreza WRX) but now it too has joined the electric revolution with the Solterra, a brand new SUV conceived in collaboration with Toyota.

Collaboration is becoming more and more common as firms seek to cut costs, but also maximise technology, which, errr, cuts costs. In this case Subaru’s outstanding all-wheel-drive technology and Toyota’s tried and tested vehicle electrification technology.

Great, but the first question many ask about electric cars is: what is the range?

Pretty good it turned out with up to 289 miles according to WLTP figures and the ability to reach up to 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes. A big tick on the range anxiety factor as that figure seemed pretty close, in admittedly good electric vehicle driving conditions.

It looks good, sitting high off the ground and featuring smart 20″ alloy wheels on this Touring model, and twin ducktail spoilers and lower diffusers enhance its aerodynamic performance and economy. A 210mm ground clearance means that Subaru’s legendary off-road capability can be tested to the full.

There are just two trim levels, Limited and Touring and although not cheap, both are packed with standard equipment like alloy wheels, heated steering wheel and seats, plus what seems a necessity as cars get bigger, a 360-degree parking camera, a digital rear-view mirror. Limited starts from £52,495., but upgrade to the touring at £55,495k and you can add panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

Both feature adaptive LED headlights, auto wipers, privacy glass, and keyless entry to name just a few. The Touring spec brings larger, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic glass.

So how does it shape up:

Powertrain: Dual 60kW motors are powered by 71.4kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic transmission to deliver smooth power delivery. This results in a more consistent and impressive performance. It also includes a heat pump to efficiently warm the battery.
Driving Modes: Offering multiple driving modes which are pretty self-explanatory are ECO, NORMAL, and POWER depending on driver mood while a rotary shifter controls the transmission. The standard permanent all-wheel drive ensures excellent traction and control in various driving conditions.
Interior: A seven-inch top-mounted digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an advanced design controls major functions like connectivity, navigation and infotainment while the Driver Monitor System, allows for personalised settings. Other controls are logically laid out and easy to use and the cabin is spacious with good head and legroom. There are also four USB ports, two at the front and two at the rear, making it convenient to charge devices for all passengers.
On the road: Like all electric cars, acceleration is rapid, and this large SUV has plenty of pace, hitting 60mph in just under seven seconds. Ride comfort is good but handling is not the strong point with off-roader and while not agile, it feels solid and all planted with only a hint of body roll on corners.
Boot Storage: The 441 litre boot, accessed via a powered tailgate is cavernous when the rear seats are folded and there is an extra 10 litres of storage space under the floor for the likes of power cables.
Pricing and Appeal: While it may not be the cheapest 4WD electric vehicle it’s certainly competitive in its class and offers a balance between affordability and high end features and could broaden Subaru’s appeal to a wider audience.

Factfile

Subaru Solterra Touring EV

Price: £55,495

Mechanical: 218PS, 160kW twin-motors, 71.4kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic transmission

Max Speed: 100mph

0-62mph: 6.9 secs

Range: 289 miles

Insurance Group: 47

C02 emissions: Zero

Bik rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles, 8yrs/100,000 battery

Rating: ****

On the road

Category Archives: Crossover

Efficiency Meets Elegance with 2025 Mazda