IT BEGS TO DIFFER

QUIRKY CROSSOVER CHALLENGES CONVENTIONAL DESIGN – AND THINKING

- ASH WESTERMAN

MAZDA MX-30

Price as tested $42,480 (+ORC)

This month 345km @ 8.3L/100km

Overall 345km @ 8.3L/100km

NAME FOR ME, if you can, another car manufacturer that would have the audacity, in this age of model rationalisation, to spin off a compact crossover with so-called ‘freestyle’ doors? I’ll wait...

Yep, you could never accuse Mazda of inherent conservatism or lacking a ‘give it a crack’ attitude.

But does that make the MX-30 a desirable and practical alternative to the excellent CX-30? That’s what my three-month tenure aims to answer.

You’re probably aware that the MX-30’s mission in life appears to be to provide Mazda with a style-driven EV that stands out in an increasingly populous segment. Yet the MX-30 aims for broader appeal by also being offered with the 2.0-litre atmo fourpot from the more affordable end of the CX-30 range (supplemented by a mild-hybrid 24v integrated starter/ generator) which is what we have here. In this one-engine, auto-only, front-drive form, MX-30 is available in three trim grades, starting at $33,990 for the G20e Evolve, and topping out with this G20e Astina at $40,990.