Mazda’s look great nowadays, don’t they?

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Car Reviewed: Mazda CX-30 e-Skyactiv G Homura

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My test car was the £27,565 mid-spec Homura, which comes with an array of goodies such as 18” alloys, air conditioning, a powered tailgate, privacy glass, rain sensors and a blacked-out grille. Hop onto the configurator today and you’ll see that there are four trim levels available with engine choices increasing after the entry-level guise.

Buyers can choose between a 120bhp or 185bhp 2.0-litre engine, the latter of which was in my press car. There are also two gearbox options: a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto. All models are available with front-wheel drive only.

Its interior feels modest; there’s no real fanciness or wow factor, but the plastics and finish feel quality—it does its job remarkably well and isn’t trying to be something it’s not. There’s enough room for passengers in the rear, but its smaller rear doors can make it tricky for passengers to get in and out.

Up front, the seats feel supportive and there are buttons! Easy to use, good old-fashioned buttons for both the heater and radio.

On the road, things are quiet and refined and at motorway speeds, it’s hushed. If the mood takes you, it can be hustled, but you’ll need to work for it. There’s little low-down torque and even when you are pushing it, there’s no real sense of urgency. Mazda claims an 8.3sec 0-62mph, closer to 9.0sec in real-world conditions. However, 30-70mph takes just 8.1sec, which is more than enough to join the motorway.

If you’re in the market for a Volkswagen Karoq or Volvo XC40, the Mazda CX-30 is worth a look. It’ll have slow depreciation, low emissions, and plenty of standard kit.