Mazda | On the road

Mazda CX30

By Bill McCarthy

WHEN you have a winner on your hands, changing it can be fraught with danger. If it ain’t broke, don’t mend it, if you like.

Such is the case with Mazda’s CX range, already stunning looking and practical crossover SUVs, they are real head turners in terms of design.

Featuring the very latest Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics and Architecture technology, which the firm says delivers new standards of handling, refinement and driver engagement for an SUV.

Priced from £22,940, the 26 model line-up features five grades and two petrol engines, matched to the Mazda M Hybrid 24v mild-hybrid system

While Mazda says it is committed to diesel and the development of next-generation clean diesel engines for appropriate sectors, this Skyactiv-X fuel saving technology, and diminishing consumer demand for diesel engines, means the CX-30 will be exclusively petrol in the UK.

It is extremely lively and the transmission is slick and smooth with the six-speed manual box feeling crisp and precise in Mazda tradition.

The two litre unit is certainly impressive, the spark-controlled ignition and high compression engine offering good pace, it hits 60mph in 8.5 seconds, and excellent frugality.

The compact CX-30 is one of the most stylish cars in its segment, sitting between the equally attractive CX-3 and CX-5.

Slightly longer than the CX-3 it has sleek, yet muscular looks and shares eye-catching styling with sharp creases and angles, attractive front and rear light clusters, gloss black grille and privacy glass to the rear.

To emphasise the SUV look, roof rails and body cladding has been added around the 18-inch alloys.

The interior offers high-end finish to match many premium brands, with a mixture of soft touch finish to dash and doors and a pleasing combo of dark grey cloth with navy blue accents is standard.

Driver and passengers feel comfortable in a logical, well-laid out interior with controls and dials intuitively placed, while the boot is roomy, with 430 litres, and practical with split storage compartments.

Centrepiece is an 8.8-inch colour centre screen controlled by console mounted dial called Mazda Connect. This includes integrated satnav and infotainment and connectivity for both Apple and Android phones.

Dials and controls are well laid out and intuitive, while the multi function steering wheel give drivers control at their fingertips. A head-up display also allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

All models are well kitted out and include the head-up display, radar cruise control and LED headlights as well as the usual electric and electronic goodies, while this model adds sunroof, reversing camera and powered, remote boot opening.

Head and leg room are good for front passengers, but it gets a bit cramped at the rear, particularly for taller people. But optimising A and C pillars means visibility all round it soon. Extra room has been freed up with an electric parking brake and a padded armrest with a console box beneath has been added.

On the road, this 180ps petrol engine is a revelation, delivering economy nearing 50mpg, unheard only a few years ago for petrol power.

It is extremely lively and the transmission is slick and smooth with the six-speed manual box feeling crisp and precise in Mazda tradition.

At home on rural roads or motorway, front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension systems deliver sharp handing and ride comfort with the vehicle feeling composed and agile on bends.

Safety features include smart radar controlled braking, which can detect pedestrians a night and radar cruise control which detect the proximity of other vehicles.

There certainly is a premium feel to this model and it feels impressive. It needs t be as it is up against the likes of the a key rival to premium contenders like the Volkswagen T-ROC, BMW X2, Mercedes GLA and Audi Q2, as well as mainstream competitors like the SEAT Ateca, Toyota C-HR and Vauxhall Grandland X.

Factfile

Mazda CX-30 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X Sport Lux

Price: £27,340

Mechanical: 180PS, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 127mph

0-62mph: 8.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 47.9

Insurance group: 19

CO2 emissions: 133g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Mazda6 Tourer

By Bill McCarthy

The Mazda6 was a ground-breaking car for for the firm when it first appeared in the early part of the century.

The firm had done big saloons, notably the 626, but nothing that was challenging the big boys in the playground like the Mondeo, Passat and Insignia, all significant in the business market.

That quickly changed in 2002 the Mazda6 shook the segment up and the Japanese firm has not rested on its laurels since, with this third generation car still right up there even challenging the more luxury German brands.

In common with many firms, the estate version, or tourer as they like to call it, now challenges the saloon in terms of looks and desirability.

Despite its length, it has a coupe like silhouette with eye-catching alloy wheels It even challenges in the formerly no-go area of sporty performance, notably with this near 200bhp GT Sport model, powered by a feisty 2.5 litre petrol engine.

In addition it features the firm’s most advanced Skyactiv Technology, designed to heighten what they described as ‘Jinba Ittai’, or, car and driver being in harmony, whatever that means.

This latest engine technology certainly delivers a quicker response to throttle demands while steering and handling are further enhanced.

The big estate has always been a bit of a looker and the latest model is no exception, with new grille with redesigned headlights LED running lights, smart new alloy wheels and new rear light clusters.

The interior too, is smart, chic and functional, with plenty of space for five passengers, good head and legroom and decent, if not class leading, stowage capacity.

Inspired by another Japanese theme, Kodo, which it says is produced by finest master craftsmen and designers working with their hands, shaping every line and curve to achieve a level of elegance. It sounds like waffle, but it’s not far off the mark in reality

On the road, the Skyactiv technology delivers, pace, handling and economy in equal measures.

The 190bhp power unit propels the car to 60 mph in just over eight seconds, via the six-speed automatic gearbox.

Fuel economy is helped by stop/start and cylinder deactivation at certain times. It works by controlling valve movement to shut down two of the engine’s four cylinders under light load conditions like constant speed cruising. This delivers an official figure 41.5mpg, a figure, unusually, which I got surprisingly close to, and emissions of 156g/km.

On the road, the tweaked suspensions offers sharp handling, direct steering and a comfortable ride. It should be fun when switching to sport mode and the gearchange paddles.

I did find, however, manual changes hesitant. But sticking to full auto mode still delivers a satisfying drive.

This range-topper has plenty to offer in a fairly premium package, with a fairly premium prices, including, an eight inch touchscreen, which controls major functions, 360-degree parking camera, head-up display and leather upholstery.

The generous standard spec also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, 19-inch on this model, leather upholstery and 19-inch wheels, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth, air-con, cruise control, ESC, six airbags and hill-hold

An optional safety pack includes assisted braking, lane departure assistance, blind spot monitor and attention alert.

Despite the swooping silhouette, interior space is still pretty good with stowage space of 552 litres, expanding to 1,664 with the seats folded. A wide flat loading area opens up, with a low loading sill.

Just the kind of practicality you would expect from an estate, sorry, tourer.