It’s the fifth model in Mazda’s SUV line-up and is sure to impress kiwis with its safety features, technology and styling.

Despite being in lockdown Level 4 and not being able to drive the vehicle for at least three weeks, Mazda New Zealand decided to go ahead with the launch of its first-ever CX-30 small SUV.

With Mazda’s dealerships opening from Tuesday when restrictions move to Level 3, the company decided to hold a virtual press conference via zoom to reveal price and product details.

The CX-30 sits between the CX-3 and CX-5 and can’t be called a CX-4 as that SUV is sold in China.

The CX-30 is 4395mm long, 120mm longer than the CX-3 and 155mm shorter than the medium-sized CX-5 SUV.

The CX-30 sits in the small SUV segment alongside the Nissan Qashqai and Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross while Mazda NZ also sees it competing with BMW’s X2, Audi’s Q2 and the Lexus UX200.

The CX-30 currently comes in three models: the two-wheel-drive GSX is priced from $41,490 and has a 2-litre engine. The GTX ($44,990) and the $50,990 Limited both have all-wheel-drive and have a 2.5-litre engine.

Mazda NZ’s managing director, David Hodge, says the company identified a gap in the market for an SUV that would fit between the CX-3, the company’s smallest SUV, and the top selling CX-5.

“It is the perfect fit for those needing space but looking for an easy-to-manoeuvre vehicle. It offers the best of both worlds, giving roominess and ample cargo space for around town and out of town adventures, delivered in dimensions that make light work of tight city streets and car parks,” says Hodge.

“The shifting reflections on the exterior panels creates a different look and feel each time you look at the CX-30 and creates a sense of vitality and motion. It really is a stunning looking vehicle.” 

Mazda used a number of design features to make the CX-30 look like an SUV rather than a jacked up Mazda3 hatchback. The roof is raised at the rear with the D-pillar downwards and the tailgate outwards.

That also creates more headroom inside the CX-30 and ample luggage space.

Mazda has also added Japanese tradition of ‘sori’ (sword making) and ‘utsuroi’ (a living creature) with the exterior look of the CX-30. The turn signals front, rear and on the side mirrors resemble a heartbeat when activated.

Inside, the driver’s side has a cockpit feel with all the controls facing the steering wheel area, and it gets an 8.8-inch wide-screen centre display, which offers simple, straightforward operation via the intuitive Commander control.

The CX-30 also boasts a 5 star Ancap safety rating, with a 99 per cent result – the best of any vehicle.

It gains that rating thanks to the plethora of safety features across the three models: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist System, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, reversing camera, Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart Brake Support. 

Hodge said the CX-30 has the most advanced systems and technology that will ensure it delivers top driving performance on New Zealand’s unique roads. 

“The Mazda CX-30 applies dynamic lessons learned from Mazda3, employing state-of-the-art Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture with high-tech G-Vectoring Control Plus to deliver a handling that gives drivers ultimate confidence and a closer connection to the vehicle.”

G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) enhances handling stability by using brake and engine control to help the vehicle respond to sudden steering inputs and give the driver confidence when cornering.

While Mazda NZ has already had 50 per cent of pre-orders, they expect to see more interest at its dealerships from next Tuesday and will follow industry guidelines with contactless sales.

It also says it has enough stock for at least three months.