cx 30 vs mazda 3

Crossovers or hatchbacks: it’s the age-old question, like thongs vs boots. The Mazda CX-30 rides higher and feels friendlier to knees and speed humps, while the Mazda 3 is lower, leaner, and keener in the bends.

• CX-30 pros: higher ride height (~175 mm), easier entry, optional AWD in upper trims, better rear headroom, slightly roomier than the 3 hatch
• CX-30 cons: pricier, a touch thirstier, boot smaller than the 3 sedan, a smidge more body roll

• Mazda 3 pros: sharper handling, lower running costs (2.0 around 6.0–6.5 L/100 km official), lower price, sedan boot about 444 L
• Mazda 3 cons: low ground clearance, no AWD, hatch rear visibility and 295 L boot are meh

Engines are essentially the same 2.0 and 2.5 petrols with similar outputs, so the feel is the differentiator rather than the spec sheet. New, expect the Mazda 3 roughly $30–45k and the CX-30 about $32–50k; used ranges from the high teens to mid-$40ks depending on year and kilometres.